Teen Programs

FRESH Crew Volunteer Days 

Join biweekly stewardship days where teens like you can make a difference in our local parks and natural areas. FRESH Crew is a great opportunity for teens to get involved in the community, gain new skills, and earn professional references! (For teens in grades 6-12) No previous experience is required. 

Adult guardians must complete this Volunteer Waiver and email it to Connor Ross (or, if day of, print it & bring to the site) before teens can be allowed to participate.

FRESH Crew for grades 6 - 12 is currently taking place on Saturdays: 2-4 p.m.

    For more information, contact Connor Ross at cjross@urbanaparks.org or 217-384-4062.

    Wondering what discoveries the Crew is making in our local natural areas? Check out the FRESH Crew iNaturalist project here!

    Enter your email to get information about upcoming FRESH Crew events!
    *then click the SUBSCRIBE button below

    Teen Hangout Zone - FREE

    Get ready for an epic time at Urbana Park District's Teen Hangout Zones–exclusively for teens! Whether you're into gaming, reading, art, or just chilling with friends, we've got you covered. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, Playstation 5 gaming, art supplies, board games, yard games and more. Plus, there are free snacks and refreshments! (For teens in grades 6-12)

    Select Fridays, 3:30-6 p.m., at the Phillips Recreation Center:

    • January 23
    • February 27
    • March 27
    • April 24

    Don't miss out—call the Phillips Recreation Center at 217-367-1544 or email kmbickers@urbanaparks.org for all of the info! 

    Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program

    Counselors-in-Training (CITs) experience camp from the leader's point of view and bring their own energy and talents to the Urbana Park District's Day Camps. Participate in and lead daily camp activities while assisting counselors and campers with Summer Day Camp. CITs will participate in the program 15-20 hours per week, three days a week (Monday-Friday, June 3 – July 31, 2026, from 8:15am-3pm). Throughout the summer, CITs will set personal goals for success, attend weekly CIT meetings and reflect on experiences while growing personally and professionally. Join the Urbana Park District team and gain experience and leadership skills that prepare you for future summer and part-time jobs.

    CITs must be between the ages of 13-15 years and have completed 7th grade. For more information, contact Cathy Schneider.

    Find the PDF 2026 CIT Application here - deadline March 31, 2026

    Find the Online Form 2026 CIT Application here - deadline March 31, 2026

    View and register for teen programs here:

    Nadiator Swim Team 2026 Nadiators 2 5:30pm Practice

    Practices and local meets will be held at the Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center. Practice information will be posted on rainoutline.com at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled practice time during inclement weather. No class June 19


    At the end of the season, all new swimmers who have participated in three or more swim meets will receive a plaque where they can add the years as they continue to be a part of the team. Swimming at the end of the year conference requires participation in three swim meets. Head Coach is Jeff Birdsley. You may reach him with any questions at nadiators.swimteam@gmail.com

    The nadiators website is www.nadiators.weebly.com

    262.454
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    Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center
    Age: 13 - 18
    Fees
    $106 (R) $159 (NR)
    Jun. 01 - Jul. 31
    5:30 pm: 1h
    View

    Nadiator Swim Team 2026 Nadiators 2 8:00am Practice

    Practices and local meets will be held at the Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center. Practice information will be posted on rainoutline.com at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled practice time during inclement weather. No class June 19


    At the end of the season, all new swimmers who have participated in three or more swim meets will receive a plaque where they can add the years as they continue to be a part of the team. Swimming at the end of the year conference requires participation in three swim meets. Head Coach is Jeff Birdsley. You may reach him with any questions at nadiators.swimteam@gmail.com

    The nadiators website is www.nadiators.weebly.com

    262.455
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    Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center
    Age: 13 - 18
    Fees
    $106 (R) $159 (NR)
    Jun. 01 - Jul. 31
    8:00 am: 1h45m
    View

    Counselor-in-Training (CIT)

    Experience camp from the leader's point of view and bring your own energy and talents to the Urbana Park District's summer camps. Participate in and lead daily camp activities while assisting counselors and campers in Summer Day Camps. You will volunteer 15-20 hours per week, attend weekly CIT meetings and participate in ongoing training throughout the summer. Candidates are selected through an application and interview process. Space is limited. Fee includes camp T-shirt, all training, supervision and field trips for the entire day camp season. Payment is due on acceptance into the program.

    262.140
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    Anita Purves Nature Center
    Age: 13 - 16
    Fees
    $375
    Jun. 03 - Jul. 31
    8:30 am: 6h30m
    View

    FRESH Crew Volunteer Days

    Join FRESH Crew Volunteer Days to make a positive impact on local parks and natural areas. No registration is required, but a waiver must be completed to participate. It’s a great way to earn service hours and gain unique experiences! Contact Connor Ross at cjross@urbanaparks.org or 217-384-4062 for meeting locations or more information.

    262.976
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    Anita Purves Nature Center
    Age: 11 - 19
    Fees
    Sat: Jun. 06 - Aug. 15
    2:00 pm: 2h
    View

    Teen Hangout Camp

    262.145
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    Lake House
    Age: 12 - 16
    Fees
    Jun. 22 - Jul. 10
    8:30 am: 7h
    View

    Teen Hangout Camp Session 1

    262.146
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    Lake House
    Age: 12 - 17
    Fees
    $160 (R) $240 (NR)
    Jun. 22 - Jun. 26
    8:30 am: 7h
    View

    Teen Hangout Camp Session 2

    262.147
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    Lake House
    Age: 12 - 17
    Fees
    $128 (R) $192 (NR)
    Jun. 29 - Jul. 02
    8:30 am: 7h
    View

    Teen Hangout Camp Session 3

    262.148
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    Lake House
    Age: 12 - 17
    Fees
    $160 (R) $240 (NR)
    Jul. 06 - Jul. 10
    8:30 am: 7h
    View

    Junior Lifeguard Program Summer 2026

    Learn basic lifeguarding skills, including lifeguard rescues, whistle codes, shift procedures, CPR/First Aid, and more! Participants will receive CPR and First Aid certifications with completion of this course. Please email Jennifer if you have any questions about this program at jrnierenhausen@urbanaparks.org

    262.449
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    Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center
    Age: 11+
    Fees
    $83 (R) $125 (NR)
    Jul. 06 - Jul. 10
    9:00 am: 3h
    View

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