Earth Adventures
Campers will explore science, nature, and history through outdoor exploration and play in this full-day, week long camp.
The theme for 2026 is Out in the Wild. Campers will explore the incredible natural world of Illinois by diving into the habitats, plants, and animals that call it home. Through hikes, hands-on activities, crafts, and animal encounters, campers will gain a deeper appreciation for the wild places around them and the importance of protecting them.
Earth Adventures campers should bring a sack lunch. Morning and afternoon snacks will be provided. We have many adventures in store, so always dress for the weather and for getting dirty!
Summer Camp Scholarships for Macon County Children
The Macon County Conservation District (MCCD) is proud to offer scholarships for Macon County children to attend our summer camp. These funds are available thanks to support from the United Way of Decatur & Mid-Illinois. MCCD is committed to making our programs and camps accessible to all members of our community. Click here to read the eligibility requirements and to complete the form.
Camp meets at the Information Shelter at Rock Springs Conservation Area. Pick and choose which weeks to come, or attend all nine from June 1 through July 31. (NOTE: camp will not be held on Friday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth, or Friday, July 3 in observance of Independence Day. Registration fees will be adjusted for those weeks accordingly.)
In addition to the on-site activities planned each week, campers will also enjoy one day off-site to go swimming and one-day off-site for a field trip. Swimming will take place at Clinton Lake. All field trips and activities are subject to change.
Space is limited each week and camp activities are subject to change.
Camp Dates & Times
Monday – Friday, 9am – 4pm
$150/camper each week
Discount: $20 off each week for every additional sibling
Morning & After Care
Children can play games, create crafts, read books, and more.
Morning Care: Monday – Friday, 7am – 9am
$15/camper each week
After Care: Monday – Friday, 4pm – 6pm
$15/camper each week
Those who opt for Morning or After Care may drop off or pick up their campers at any time during those hours.
2026 Earth Adventures Weekly Camps
Conservation Area Adventures | June 1-5
Ever wonder what amazing places exist right here in your own backyard? Discover Macon County’s forests, prairies, wetlands, and rivers by searching for animal tracks, dipping and scooping in the pond, and learning about survival. This week’s field trip will be a tour of the four other Conservation Areas in Macon County.
Pollinators, Predators, and Pests | June 8-12
Campers will become Junior Entomologists as they learn about insects and why they’re so important to the ecosystem. We will create nature journals, catch insects and view them up-close, and look at wings and antennae under the microscope. This week’s field trip will be to the University of Illinois Pollinatarium in Champaign, IL.
Fantastic Fins | June 15-18
Illinois has an incredible diversity of freshwater fish! Campers will investigate how fish survive in different water types and conditions, learn how to ID fish, and do a little fishing of their own! This week’s field trip will be to the Jake Wolf Memorial Fish Hatchery in Topeka, IL.
Hearty Herbivores | June 22-26
From tiny rabbits to grazing deer, campers will learn about Illinois’ plant eaters and how they impact the ecosystem. We will play predator vs. prey games, learn how to identify local herbivores, and get some hands-on time with the Nature Center’s rabbit. This week’s field trip will be to Aikman Wildlife Adventure in Arcola, IL.
Candid Carnivores | June 29-July 2
From sneaky foxes to striking snakes, campers will learn how Illinois’ meat eaters hunt and survive in the wild. We will work through an obstacle course, investigate teeth and claws, and practice archery. This week’s field trip will be to the Peoria Zoo in Peoria, IL.
Planet Explorers | July 6-10
Journey beyond Earth to explore the planets in our solar system, how they formed and change, and compare them to the forests, prairies, and wetlands that constantly evolve and grow on Earth. Campers will create a presentation about space, conduct crater experiments, and explore space in our StarLab Portable Planetarium. This week’s field trip will be to Staerkel Planetarium in Champaign, IL.
Rock Hounds | July 13-17
How did our planet form and become the Earth we live on today? Discover this and more by examining rocks and minerals under a magnifying glass, conducting scratch and acid tests to learn about the properties of rocks, and creating your own “geode” to see how crystals form. This week’s field trip will be to the Museum of the Grand Prairie in Mahomet, IL.
Lands and Landscapes | July 20-24
Illinois was shaped by enormous glaciers that moved through over 130,000 years ago. Learn how glaciers influenced our local habitats by mapping Illinois landforms and waterways, examining soil and sediment samples, and creating a miniature glacier model. This week’s field trip will be to the Illinois State Museum in Springfield, IL.
The Power of Water | July 27-31
Explore the vital role of water in the ecosystem and learn how water shapes the land and supports life. Campers will go canoeing, test water samples and observe the organisms within them, and conduct water cycle experiments to understand precipitation, evaporation, and runoff. This week’s field trip will be to Splash Cove in Decatur, IL.
Need more information? Call (217) 423-7708 or visit the Camps page.
