Teen Programs

FRESH Crew Volunteer Stewardship 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 is currently taking place on the first and third Saturdays of the month from 2-4pm:

  • Apr 5: Victory Park Solidarity Gardens
  • Apr 19: Perkins Road Wet Prairie (meet at Urbana Dog Park)
  • May 3: Meadowbrook Park (Race St. parking lot)
  • May 17: Victory Park Solidarity Gardens

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, 3:30-6pm, at the Phillips Recreation Center:

  • December 13
  • January 31
  • February 21
  • March 28
  • April 25

Don't miss out—call the Phillips Recreation Center at 217-367-1544 for all of the info! 

View and register for teen programs here:

FRESH Crew Volunteer Day

Join the action and make a difference in our local parks and natural areas! Dive into weekly volunteer days hosted by the park district, where teens like you can tackle invasive plants, plant native ones, maintain community gardens, harvest, clean up parks, and more. FRESH Crew is a great way to complete service hours, pick up skills, gather unique experiences, and grab professional references. A signed waiver is required, but no registration. Stay in the loop by reaching out to Cathy Schneider at cmschneider@urbanaparks.org or 217-384-4062

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Urbana Park District Parks
Age: 12 - 18
Fees
Sat: May. 03
2:00 pm: 2h
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Learn to Sign - Youth (Ages 13+) Session 1

Interested in learning the basics of American Sign Language or communicating with your young child through signing? Join us from the the comfort and convenience of your living room as you learn to sign in a fun, interactive and lively environment. Each session covers new material. Taught live on the Zoom platform by a Language in Action, Inc. instructor. Zoom login information will be emailed to participants before the first class.

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Internet Site - URBANA PARK DISTRICT
Age: 13+
Fees
$80
Wed: May. 21 - Jun. 25
7:00 pm: 1h
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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 Nature Day Camp. 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.

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Anita Purves Nature Center
Age: 13 - 16
Fees
$360
Jun. 09 - Aug. 01
8:30 am: 6h30m
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Learn to Sign - Youth (Ages 13+) Session 2

Interested in learning the basics of American Sign Language or communicating with your young child through signing? Join us from the the comfort and convenience of your living room as you learn to sign in a fun, interactive and lively environment. Each session covers new material. Taught live on the Zoom platform by a Language in Action, Inc. instructor. Zoom login information will be emailed to participants before the first class.

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Internet Site - URBANA PARK DISTRICT
Age: 13+
Fees
$80
Wed: Jul. 02 - Aug. 06
7:00 pm: 45m
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Junior Lifeguard Program 2025

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

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Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center
Age: 12+
Fees
$77 (R) $116 (NR)
Jul. 14 - Jul. 18
9:00 am: 3h
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Camp FRESH

Camp FRESH! (Future Responsible Environmental Stewardship Heroes) Campers will engage in a variety of experiences involving multiple groups and organizations within the community. This program is designed to help build character and develop a sense of civic responsibility through behind-the-scenes looks at organizations which help support the community, including Urbana Free Library, Prairie Research Institute, U-Cycle, Champaign-Urbana Audubon Society, the Champaign County Humane Society and more. Please bring a sack lunch, snack, and water bottle each day. Drop off is from 8-8:30am at the Lake House. Scheduled group activities begin at 8:30am. No Extended Camp is offered.

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Lake House
Age: 12 - 16
Fees
$179 (R) $266 (NR)
Jul. 21 - Jul. 25
8:00 am: 7h
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