2009 Summer Camp Guide
Summer Camp Overview

• Wildflower
• Kinglet
• EcoQuest Day Camp
• EcoExplorer
• Summer Summit Day Camp
• Extended care
• Ecology Counselor in Training Ages 12-14
• Hear it from last year's parents and campers!
  

2009 Summer Camp Guide

Click this link to be connected to the City of Evanston's 2009 Summer Camp Guide. Read about our fabulous Ecology Center camps - Wildflower, Kinglet, EcoQuest, EcoExplorer, and Summer Summit Camps. Please make sure you read the Important Information section too. For camp photos and other fun information, see below.

And don't miss our newest camp, Ecology Counselor in Training, for ages 12-14, at the Chandler-Newberger Center.

The camp schedule is in .pdf form. To view it, download the free Acrobat reader.

Camp guides are also available at the Ecology Center and other community centers and on the City of Evanston's Parks & Forestry web page.

We hope to see you at one of our great summer camps!

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Summer Camp Overview

Summer is the busiest time for the Ecology Center and our favorite time. We have had the chance to expose hundreds of children to many aspects of nature with fun and exciting programs. Our summer camps were a huge success last year, thanks to all the time and hard work of our staff and volunteers as many of our camps had to be expanded to accommodate those interested.

Wildflower (ages 3-4):

This unique preschool program is designed to develop small and large motor skills, creativity, and imagination, while experiencing the joys of nature. Two-week sessions meet Monday-Thursday.

Camps combine outdoor exploration with play, crafts, stories, songs, and nature discoveries to create special themes. Campers must be potty-trained.

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Kinglet (entering Kindergarten):

Why is this camp named Kinglet? Kinglets are very small birds. The name Kinglet comes from the Latin Regulus, or "little king." These tiny birds have a high-pitched call and flick their wings rapidly as they dart about. Sound familiar? Little, active, and cute all rolled into one, just like your kindergarten-bound child!

Campers "travel" our National Neighborhoods. Each two-week session focuses on different habitats, ecosystems and cultures in the U.S.A. Through innovative activities, games, crafts, "travel days," and special guests, campers discover America's beauty and diversity. Camp meets full or half day, Mon.-Fri. Extended care is available

Kinglet's "Welcome to the Bayou" production.

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EcoQuest (grades 1-3):

EcoQuest Day Camp uses the time-honored traditions of summer camp, innovative programming and enthusiastic staff to create a summer of fun and opportunities for personal growth. Campers achieve a greater understanding of nature and the world around them through hands-on science and nature experiences.

Camp activities include nature discovery and exploration, arts & crafts, outdoor sports, stories, songs, imaginative play, scientific experiments, beach days, field trips, special guests, a cook-out party and more! Camp meets full day or half day, Monday-Friday. Extended care is available.

EcoQuesters visit the Lincoln Park Zoo.

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EcoExplorer (grades 4-6):

EcoExplorer offers challenges and adventures to older children interested in nature and outdoor recreation! This camp provides a unique learning opportunity designed to provide skills and insight through experience.

Campers work cooperatively to develop awareness and respect for oneself, others, and the world around them, while discovering their own talents and abilities. The two week sessions include field trips, beach days, and an overnight experience. Extended care is available

Two EcoExplorers with camp director Derek Supple.

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Summer Summit (grades K-6) - Olde Time Summertime:

You can have an olde time summer like Grandma and Grandpa enjoyed! Let’s play outside! It’s time for an old-fashioned summer. Learn games and crafts from eras gone by and find out the meanings behind the games you already know.

Each day, we’ll explore a different decade and find out what was “hot” and what people did before video games and the Internet were invented!

Camp activities will also include arts & crafts, beach days, canoeing, ice-skating, field trips and more! Let’s not forget our annual family campout at the lakefront (weather permitting).
Each section meets at the Lighthouse Nature Center one week and the Ecology Center one week. Space is limited, so sign up early! Pre- and Post-camp Care is available.

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Extended care:

Extended Care is available for Kinglet, EcoQuest, EcoExplorer, and Summer Summit Camps. Activities include arts & crafts and games. Morning Extended Care is available from 7:30-9am for a fee of $4/day. Afternoon Extended Care is available until 6pm for $8/day (afternoon snack is provided). For further registration information and site location for Extended Care, contact us at (847) 448-8256.

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Ecology Counselor in Training Ages 12-14:

In this program, you will begin to learn what it takes to be a camp counselor. Your first two weeks will be spent learning about communication, leadership and problem solving, as well as improving your teamwork skills. During the next two weeks, you will be assigned to either Kinglet or EcoQuest Camp, where you will assist counselors as they lead activities.

A variety of outdoor excursions are integrated into this program, including a bike trip and field trip, arboretum restoration, site visits and beach days. A schedule is provided prior to the start of camp. Some drop-off and pick-up locations will vary during the program.

As this is a counselor in training program for the Ecology Center Camps, the program will also include topics related to the environment — such as responsible resource use, being a good “eco role model,” and helping campers understand how to be friendlier towards the planet. There is no Pre- or Post-camp Care available for this program. Note: the content of the two sessions is identical; due to high demand, registration is limited to one session.

Locations: Lovelace Park, Gross Point Rd. at Thayer St. and other Ecology Camp sites
Age Level: Entering grades 7-9

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Hear it from previous years' parents and campers!

EcoExplorers head off canoeing.

"I'm happy my child's happy!" EcoQuest

"The best camp programs in Evanston. We'll be back next year!" EcoExplorer and EcoQuest

"My child can't wait to come to camp each day!" Wildflower

"I'm really imprssed with the care that the counselors show to the campers." EcoQuest

EcoQuesters at their end-of-camp party.

"Great camp for kindergarten transition - love the location - use of school and grounds. Good staff." Kinglet

Kinglet campers laughing at the Lighthouse.

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