There are many options for day camp this summer. The McHenry County Conservation District and McHenry County YMCA offer various programs. Check with your local park district for their offerings as well, and your kids are bound to have an eventful, fun summer vacation.

By Ashley Mastandrea

The McHenry County Conservation District offers many day camps, some with overnights. Register online at www.mccdistrict.org or call 815-338-6223.

Conservation Day Camp at Glacial Park Wiedrich Education Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For five days, campers canoe the Nippersink Creek and hike Glacial Park’s trails, exploring prairie, woodland and wetland, while learning about conservation and having a blast.

Outdoor Adventure Camp at Prairieview Education Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
If your children love the outdoors and getting a little dirty, outdoor adventure camp is for them. They’ll enjoy fishing, canoeing, cooking over an open fire, outdoor challenges, hiking adventures, camp crafts and more.

Canoe Camp with Overnight for ages 12-15 at The Hollows, Hickory Grove Riverfront and Chain O’Lakes State Park.
Experienced or not, this camp will give the chance to learn the basics of canoeing or advance one’s skills. Campers will also learn about the aquatic environment and MCCD’s role in preserving this environment and providing recreational opportunities.

Ridge Rangers Day Camp for ages 8-9 at Marengo Ridge Thomas Woods Shelter #1 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Learn about our natural environment through various outdoor activities. Hike through Marengo Ridge and search for birds, insects and other critters. Learn what the rangers do and how much they care for nature.

Earth Encounters Mini Camp for ages 6-7 at Pleasant Valley Shelter #2 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Younger children get the chance to spend a half-day at camp exploring the pond, fields and forest of Pleasant Valley while learning about these habitats and animals that live there.

Science Explore Camp for ages 10-12 at Coral Woods Picnic Shelter from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Each day campers will explore scientific and environmental professions through hands-on activities, games and some “field work.”

Time Travelers Camp for ages 10-12 at Glacial Park Wiedrich Education Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Campers will experience a different era of history each day, canoeing the wilds of Glacial Park as early explorers and enjoying a harvest lunch as early farmers. They’ll also learn about our heritage through games, hikes, crafts and visits to historical sites.

Wild Things Day Camp with Overnight for ages 12-15
Campers will explore the wilds of Pleasant Valley and Marengo Ridge Conservation areas with likeminded peers. They will build their outdoor skills and learn more about the natural world. Designed to give children a memorable and rewarding experience, the YMCA of McHenry County’s Day Camps are available to campers ages 6 to 13 in one-week sessions from June 9 thru August 15.

The YMCA of McHenry County offers two summer day camps: one at its Crystal Lake facility at 701 Manor Road from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the other at Triple R Day Camp on 225 beautiful acres at 1520 Crystal Lake Road in Cary from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Campers will participate in a variety of specialized and group activities throughout the day. Specialized activities at both camps include arts and crafts, outdoor education, sports and character development. Campers will also swim every day. YMCA Day Campers will attend a weekly field trip on Wednesdays. Each week will have a special theme announced Monday morning. Campers at Triple R will not attend a field trip but instead will participate in a variety of outdoor activities including fishing, hiking, kayaking and archery. An extended care program is available for no additional charge. Parents can drop off their kids as early as 6:30 a.m. and pick them up no later than 6 p.m.

Discovery Camp is available for children 3 to 5 years old who are potty trained (no pull-ups). Children can be enrolled for a half day (9 a.m. till noon) or stay all day. Extended care is also available to these campers.

For more information call 815-459-4455.