Description
The Evanston Ecology Center provides a unique opportunity for your child to explore nature, learn, and have an enjoyable experience in a fun and encouraging setting. This one-of-a-kind environmental summer camp, combined with enthusiastic staff with backgrounds in education, natural history and recreation, is sure to lead to a wonderful summer! We have programs designed for children entering preschool through grade nine. There is a counselor in training program too for ages 12 to 14.
Camps
Here are the Ecology Center summer camps and their respective age ranges:
Name
|
Ages
|
Description
|
| Wildflower Camp |
3-4 years
|
This unique preschool program is designed to develop small and large
motor skills, creativity and imagination while exploring science and
experiencing the joys of nature. Each two-week session meets Monday
through Thursday and has a different theme. Daily activities combine
outdoor exploration with play, crafts, stories, songs and nature
discoveries. Campers must be toilet trained. |
| EcoQuest Day Camp |
5-7 years (entering K-2nd grade) |
EcoQuest Day Camp uses the time-honored traditions of summer camp,
hands-on experiences, innovative programming and enthusiastic staff to
create a summer of fun, while campers achieve a greater understanding of
nature and the world around them. Activities include nature discovery
and exploration, arts and crafts, outdoor games, stories, songs,
imaginative play, scientific experiments and more.
|
EcoTravelers Camp
|
8-9 (entering grades 3 & 4) |
Learn about the natural history of Illinois through interesting and
engaging lessons. Campers will travel through time this summer and learn
how the past has shaped our present. The campers will experience them
through experiments, challenges, games, crafts, and hands-on activities.
Each session includes a beach day, a field trip, a canoe trip, a
fishing expedition, and a one-night camp-out. |
| EcoExplorer Camp |
10-11, entering grades 5 and 6 |
EcoExplorer offers a unique opportunity to older children who are
interested in nature and outdoor recreation. This camp unites the
awareness of environmental topics with the practical experience of
outdoor skills to form a greater appreciation of nature. Campers are
encouraged to take part in the world around. We explore solutions to
some environmental issues by participating in team building challenges,
games, arts, community service projects and hands-on experience. The
second week of the camp will focus on outdoor living and camping skills
with a foundation in the leave no trace initiative.
|
Ecology Counselor in Training
| 12-14 years
| Learn what it takes to be a great counselor by growing skills in communication, leadership, problem solving and teamwork. CITs will work alongside counselors at EcoQuest Camp, helping to lead crafts, games, and activities for campers. In addition to the counselor in training program, CIT campers will participate in a variety of activities, including canoeing, field trips, and beach days. Please register for one, four-week session only.
|
MORE INFORMATION. To find out more about the following topics, see the City of Evanston's Summer Camps 2025 page.
- Details on individual camps
- Transfer policy
- Fee assistance/scholarships
- Health/safety/ADA
- Pick-up/drop-off
- Pre- and post-camp care
- Important information
- Dates to remember
Register
Evanston Residents
Each year (usually in February), Evanston residents will have an opportunity prior to non-residents to register for Ecology Center summer camps. Visit the City of Evanston's Summer Camps web page and magazine for this year's details and specfic dates or call/text 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents may simply dial 3-1-1 in Evanston.
Non Residents
Registration for nonresidents begins about a week after Evanston registrants have their opportunity for early registration. After registration is open to both residents and non residents, non residents may register for camps online at
www.cityofevanston.org/register
, at all the recreation centers and by phone.
A $25 deposit per camp section is due at enrollment.
Register Online
To register online, click HERE.
Questions
Call the friendly staff at the Evanston Ecology Center at (847) 448-8256.
