Nature Camps

Extended Nature Day Camp

Nature Day Campers can end the day with various supervised recreational activities. Play games, make crafts, go swimming and more. Participants must be enrolled in the corresponding session of Nature Day Camp.

Camp does not meet on Thursday, June 19 or Friday, July 4.

Prices increase on April 2 (Early Bird) and May 21 (Regular rates).

Prices for full weeks (5 days)

Super Early Bird: December 4 - April 1
Resident Rate: $75; Non-Resident Rate: $112

Early Bird: April 2 - May 20
Resident Rate: $80; Non-Resident Rate: $119

Regular: May 21 - (one week before camp session)
Resident Rate: $85; Non-Resident Rate: $127

An Extended Camp "drop-in" option is available, space permitting, at a rate of $17 per afternoon. Call 217-384-4062 for more information or to sign up.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 16
Fees
$75 (R) $112 (NR)
Jun. 09 - Aug. 01
3:00 pm: 2h30m
View

Extended Nature Day Camp 1: Woodlands

Nature Day Campers and FRESH Campers can end the day with various supervised recreational activities. Play games, make crafts, go swimming and more.

Prices increase on April 2 (Early Bird) and May 21 (Regular rates).

Super Early Bird: December 4 - April 1
Resident Rate: $75; Non-Resident Rate: $112

Early Bird: April 2 - May 20
Resident Rate: $80; Non-Resident Rate: $119

Regular: May 21 - (one week before camp session)
Resident Rate: $85; Non-Resident Rate: $127

An Extended Camp "drop-in" option is available, space permitting, at a rate of $17 per afternoon. Call 217-384-4062 for more information or to sign up.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 16
Fees
$75 (R) $112 (NR)
Jun. 09 - Jun. 13
3:00 pm: 2h30m
View

Nature Day Camp

Campers will explore nature and the environment as they play and learn outdoors. Children are divided into smaller groups, each with a different camp leader. Drop off is from 7:30-8:30am with kids' choice activities. Scheduled group activities begin around 8:30am. Campers must bring a lunch and water bottle daily. Camp will not meet on Thursday, June 19 or Friday, July 4.

Prices increase on April 2 (Early Bird) and May 21 (Regular rates).

Prices for full weeks (5 days)
Super Early Bird: December 6, 2024-April 1, 2025
Resident Rate: $146; Non-Resident Rate: $219

Early Bird: April 2 - May 20, 2024
Resident Rate: $155; Non-Resident Rate: $233

Regular: May 21 - (one week before camp session)
Resident Rate: $165; Non-Resident Rate: $248

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 13
Fees
$146 (R) $219 (NR)
Jun. 09 - Aug. 01
7:30 am: 7h30m
View

Nature Day Camp 1: Woodlands

Campers will explore nature and the environment as they play and learn outdoors. Children are divided into smaller groups, each with a different camp leader. Drop off is from 7:30-8:30am with kids' choice activities. Scheduled group activities begin at 8:30am. Campers must bring a lunch and water bottle daily.

Prices increase on April 2 (Early Bird) and May 21 (Regular rates).

Super Early Bird: December 4, 2024-April 1, 2025
Resident Rate: $146; Non-Resident Rate: $219

Early Bird: April 2 - May 20, 2024
Resident Rate: $155; Non-Resident Rate: $233

Regular: May 21 - (one week before camp session)
Resident Rate: $165; Non-Resident Rate: $248

252.101
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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 12
Fees
$146 (R) $219 (NR)
Jun. 09 - Jun. 13
7:30 am: 7h30m
View

Extended Nature Day Camp 2: Wetlands

Nature Day Campers and FRESH Campers can end the day with various supervised recreational activities. Play games, make crafts, go swimming and more.

Camp does not meet on Thursday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth.

Prices increase on April 2 (Early Bird) and May 21 (Regular rates).

Super Early Bird: December 4 - April 1
Resident Rate: $59; Non-Resident Rate: $88

Early Bird: April 2 - May 20
Resident Rate: $62; Non-Resident Rate: $93

Regular: May 21 - (one week before camp session)
Resident Rate: $66; Non-Resident Rate: $99

An Extended Camp "drop-in" option is available, space permitting, at a rate of $17 per afternoon. Call 217-384-4062 for more information or to sign up.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 16
Fees
$59 (R) $88 (NR)
Jun. 16 - Jun. 20
3:00 pm: 2h30m
View

Nature Day Camp 2: Wetlands

Campers will explore nature and the environment as they play and learn outdoors. Children are divided into smaller groups, each with a different camp leader. Drop off is from 7:30-8:30am with kids' choice activities. Scheduled group activities begin at 8:30am. Campers must bring a lunch and water bottle daily. Camp does not meet on Thursday, June 19.

Prices increase on April 2 (Early Bird) and May 21 (Regular rates).

Super Early Bird: December 4 - April 1
Resident Rate: $117; Non-Resident Rate: $176

Early Bird: April 2 - May 20
Resident Rate: $125; Non-Resident Rate: $187

Regular: May 21 - (one week before camp session)
Resident Rate: $133; Non-Resident Rate: $199

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 12
Fees
$117 (R) $176 (NR)
Jun. 16 - Jun. 20
7:30 am: 7h30m
View

Extended Nature Day Camp 3: Space & Sky

Nature Day Campers and FRESH Campers can end the day with various supervised recreational activities. Play games, make crafts, go swimming and more.

Prices increase on April 2 (Early Bird) and May 21 (Regular rates).

Super Early Bird: December 4 - April 1
Resident Rate: $75; Non-Resident Rate: $112

Early Bird: April 2 - May 20
Resident Rate: $80; Non-Resident Rate: $119

Regular: May 21 - (one week before camp session)
Resident Rate: $85; Non-Resident Rate: $127

An Extended Camp "drop-in" option is available, space permitting, at a rate of $17 per afternoon. Call 217-384-4062 for more information or to sign up.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 16
Fees
$75 (R) $112 (NR)
Jun. 23 - Jun. 27
3:00 pm: 2h30m
View

Nature Day Camp 3: Space and Sky

Campers will explore nature and the environment as they play and learn outdoors. Children are divided into smaller groups, each with a different camp leader. Drop off is from 7:30-8:30am with kids' choice activities. Scheduled group activities begin at 8:30am. Campers must bring a lunch and water bottle daily.

Prices increase on April 2 (Early Bird) and May 21 (Regular rates).

Super Early Bird: December 4, 2024-April 1, 2025
Resident Rate: $146; Non-Resident Rate: $219

Early Bird: April 2 - May 20, 2024
Resident Rate: $155; Non-Resident Rate: $233

Regular: May 21 - (one week before camp session)
Resident Rate: $165; Non-Resident Rate: $248

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 12
Fees
$146 (R) $219 (NR)
Jun. 23 - Jun. 27
7:30 am: 7h30m
View

Extended Nature Day Camp 4: STEAM

Nature Day Campers and FRESH Campers can end the day with various supervised recreational activities. Play games, make crafts, go swimming and more.

Camp does not meet on Friday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.

Prices increase on April 2 (Early Bird) and May 21 (Regular rates).

Super Early Bird: December 4 - April 1
Resident Rate: $59; Non-Resident Rate: $88

Early Bird: April 2 - May 20
Resident Rate: $62; Non-Resident Rate: $93

Regular: May 21 - (one week before camp session)
Resident Rate: $66; Non-Resident Rate: $99

An Extended Camp "drop-in" option is available, space permitting, at a rate of $17 per afternoon. Call 217-384-4062 for more information or to sign up.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 16
Fees
$59 (R) $88 (NR)
Jun. 30 - Jul. 03
3:00 pm: 2h30m
View

Nature Day Camp 4: STEAM Week

Campers will explore nature and the environment as they play and learn outdoors. Children are divided into smaller groups, each with a different camp leader. Drop off is from 7:30-8:30am with kids' choice activities. Scheduled group activities begin at 8:30am. Campers must bring a lunch and water bottle daily. Camp does not meet on Friday, July 4.

Prices increase on April 2 (Early Bird) and May 21 (Regular rates).

Super Early Bird: December 4 - April 1
Resident Rate: $117; Non-Resident Rate: $176

Early Bird: April 2 - May 20
Resident Rate: $125; Non-Resident Rate: $187

Regular: May 21 - (one week before camp session)
Resident Rate: $133; Non-Resident Rate: $199

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 12
Fees
$117 (R) $176 (NR)
Jun. 30 - Jul. 03
7:30 am: 7h30m
View

Extended Nature Day Camp 5: Myth, Legends & Lore

Nature Day Campers and FRESH Campers can end the day with various supervised recreational activities. Play games, make crafts, go swimming and more.

Prices increase on April 2 (Early Bird) and May 21 (Regular rates).

Super Early Bird: December 4 - April 1
Resident Rate: $75; Non-Resident Rate: $112

Early Bird: April 2 - May 20
Resident Rate: $80; Non-Resident Rate: $119

Regular: May 21 - (one week before camp session)
Resident Rate: $85; Non-Resident Rate: $127

An Extended Camp "drop-in" option is available, space permitting, at a rate of $17 per afternoon. Call 217-384-4062 for more information or to sign up.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 16
Fees
$75 (R) $112 (NR)
Jul. 07 - Jul. 11
3:00 pm: 2h30m
View

Nature Day Camp 5: Myths, Legends, and Lore

Campers will explore nature and the environment as they play and learn outdoors. Children are divided into smaller groups, each with a different camp leader. Drop off is from 7:30-8:30am with kids' choice activities. Scheduled group activities begin at 8:30am. Campers must bring a lunch and water bottle daily.

Prices increase on April 2 (Early Bird) and May 21 (Regular rates).

Super Early Bird: December 4, 2024-April 1, 2025
Resident Rate: $146; Non-Resident Rate: $219

Early Bird: April 2 - May 20, 2024
Resident Rate: $155; Non-Resident Rate: $233

Regular: May 21 - (one week before camp session)
Resident Rate: $165; Non-Resident Rate: $248

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 12
Fees
$146 (R) $219 (NR)
Jul. 07 - Jul. 11
7:30 am: 7h30m
View

Extended Nature Day Camp 6: Fungi & Decomposers

Nature Day Campers and FRESH Campers can end the day with various supervised recreational activities. Play games, make crafts, go swimming and more.

Prices increase on April 2 (Early Bird) and May 21 (Regular rates).

Super Early Bird: December 4 - April 1
Resident Rate: $75; Non-Resident Rate: $112

Early Bird: April 2 - May 20
Resident Rate: $80; Non-Resident Rate: $119

Regular: May 21 - (one week before camp session)
Resident Rate: $85; Non-Resident Rate: $127

An Extended Camp "drop-in" option is available, space permitting, at a rate of $17 per afternoon. Call 217-384-4062 for more information or to sign up.

252.116
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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 16
Fees
$75 (R) $112 (NR)
Jul. 14 - Jul. 18
3:00 pm: 2h30m
View

Nature Day Camp 6: Fungi and Decomposers

Campers will explore nature and the environment as they play and learn outdoors. Children are divided into smaller groups, each with a different camp leader. Drop off is from 7:30-8:30am with kids' choice activities. Scheduled group activities begin at 8:30am. Campers must bring a lunch and water bottle daily.

Prices increase on April 2 (Early Bird) and May 21 (Regular rates).

Super Early Bird: December 4, 2024-April 1, 2025
Resident Rate: $146; Non-Resident Rate: $219

Early Bird: April 2 - May 20, 2024
Resident Rate: $155; Non-Resident Rate: $233

Regular: May 21 - (one week before camp session)
Resident Rate: $165; Non-Resident Rate: $248

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 12
Fees
$146 (R) $219 (NR)
Jul. 14 - Jul. 18
7:30 am: 7h30m
View

Extended Nature Day Camp 7: Buggy Blitz

Nature Day Campers and FRESH Campers can end the day with various supervised recreational activities. Play games, make crafts, go swimming and more.

Prices increase on April 2 (Early Bird) and May 21 (Regular rates).

Super Early Bird: December 4 - April 1
Resident Rate: $75; Non-Resident Rate: $112

Early Bird: April 2 - May 20
Resident Rate: $80; Non-Resident Rate: $119

Regular: May 21 - (one week before camp session)
Resident Rate: $85; Non-Resident Rate: $127

An Extended Camp "drop-in" option is available, space permitting, at a rate of $17 per afternoon. Call 217-384-4062 for more information or to sign up.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 16
Fees
$75 (R) $112 (NR)
Jul. 21 - Jul. 25
3:00 pm: 2h30m
View

Nature Day Camp 7: Buggy Blitz

Campers will explore nature and the environment as they play and learn outdoors. Children are divided into smaller groups, each with a different camp leader. Drop off is from 7:30-8:30am with kids' choice activities. Scheduled group activities begin at 8:30am. Campers must bring a lunch and water bottle daily.

Prices increase on April 2 (Early Bird) and May 21 (Regular rates).

Super Early Bird: December 4, 2024-April 1, 2025
Resident Rate: $146; Non-Resident Rate: $219

Early Bird: April 2 - May 20, 2024
Resident Rate: $155; Non-Resident Rate: $233

Regular: May 21 - (one week before camp session)
Resident Rate: $165; Non-Resident Rate: $248

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 12
Fees
$146 (R) $219 (NR)
Jul. 21 - Jul. 25
7:30 am: 7h30m
View

Extended Nature Day Camp 8: We are Nature

Nature Day Campers and FRESH Campers can end the day with various supervised recreational activities. Play games, make crafts, go swimming and more.

Prices increase on April 2 (Early Bird) and May 21 (Regular rates).

Super Early Bird: December 4 - April 1
Resident Rate: $75; Non-Resident Rate: $112

Early Bird: April 2 - May 20
Resident Rate: $80; Non-Resident Rate: $119

Regular: May 21 - (one week before camp session)
Resident Rate: $85; Non-Resident Rate: $127

An Extended Camp "drop-in" option is available, space permitting, at a rate of $17 per afternoon. Call 217-384-4062 for more information or to sign up.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 16
Fees
$75 (R) $112 (NR)
Jul. 28 - Aug. 01
3:00 pm: 2h30m
View

Nature Day Camp 8: We are Nature

Campers will explore nature and the environment as they play and learn outdoors. Children are divided into smaller groups, each with a different camp leader. Drop off is from 7:30-8:30am with kids' choice activities. Scheduled group activities begin at 8:30am. Campers must bring a lunch and water bottle daily.

Prices increase on April 2 (Early Bird) and May 21 (Regular rates).

Super Early Bird: December 4, 2024-April 1, 2025
Resident Rate: $146; Non-Resident Rate: $219

Early Bird: April 2 - May 20, 2024
Resident Rate: $155; Non-Resident Rate: $233

Regular: May 21 - (one week before camp session)
Resident Rate: $165; Non-Resident Rate: $248

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 6 - 12
Fees
$146 (R) $219 (NR)
Jul. 28 - Aug. 01
7:30 am: 7h30m
View

All Nature Camps & waitlist for Summer 2025 are FULL.

Monday-Friday, 7:30am-3pm | Extended Hours: 3-5:30pm

Anita Purves Nature Center | Ages 6-12

Nature Camp gives children opportunities to discover, connect with, and ask questions about nature. Campers are divided into separate groups and spend their days exploring the outdoors during weekly themed sessions. Leaders guide hands-on investigations, field trips, and more. Traditional summer camp activities like songs, games, crafts, and swimming are also offered.

Each camper receives a Nature Day Camp T-shirt. Please dress your child for mess and bring a refillable water bottle daily. Drop off is from 7:30-8:30am, and scheduled group activities begin at 8:30am. Campers must bring a morning snack, lunch, and water bottle daily.

Extended Nature Camp extends the day and includes various supervised recreational activities. Play games, make crafts, go swimming, and more. Participants must be enrolled in the corresponding session of Nature Day Camp.

Session
Dates
Theme
Deadline
1 1 Extended June 9-13 Woodlands June 2
2

2 Extended

 June 16-20*  Wetlands June 9
3 3 Extended June 23-27 Space & Sky June 16
4 4 Extended June 30-Jul 3* STEAM Week June 23
5 5 Extended July 7-11 Myths, Legends, & Lore June 30
6 6 Extended July 14-18 Fungi & Decomposers July 7
7 7 Extended July 21-25 Buggy Blitz July 14
8 8 Extended July 28-Aug 1 We Are Nature July 21
9 9 Extended Aug 4-8 Wild Child Survival Camp July 28

Crossed out camps are FULL!

*There are no camps on Thursday, June 19 or Friday, July 4.

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