If you need to cancel you must do so at least 14 days before the first day of camp to receive a refund. We will then refund your registration fee minus a $25 processing fee within 30 days. Cancellations made less than 14 days before the first day of camp are not eligible for refunds.

The Forest Preserve District reserves the right to cancel or reschedule all or part of a camp due to inadequate enrollment, weather or other causes beyond its control. If so, we’ll issue a full or partial refund within 60 days.

• Dress for the weather in clothes that can get a little dirty.
• Campers get hats on the first day of camp. They don’t need to wear them every day, but the hats make it easier for us to see who’s who (and block out some of the sun).
• For most camps, shorts are OK, but we recommend lightweight long pants. There are four exceptions.
  Junior Keeper Camp
  No shorts. Wear long pants, preferably lightweight.
  Horse Sense and Riding Sense
  No shorts. Wear comfortable jeans or other long pants.
  Kayaking Camp
  No jeans. They take a long time to dry and chafe when wet.
• Wear shoes with completely closed toes and heels (sneakers, athletic shoes, etc.). Shoes with open toes or heels (sandals, flip-flops, Crocs, etc.) are not allowed. There are three exceptions.
  Horse Sense and Riding Sense
  Kids must wear leather or leatherlike closed-toed boots or shoes with smooth soles and defined heels under an inch. Sneakers, athletic shoes, hiking boots, etc. are not allowed. 
  Kayaking Camp
  Kids also need to bring closed-toe shoes that can get wet.
• We recommend sunscreen and bug spray with DEET, but apply them at home. If you send them for use during camp, your child must be able to safely apply them independently.

Bring the following labeled with your child’s name:

• Refillable water bottle

• Healthy nut-free snack (nut-free lunch, too, for day-long camps)

• A small backpack or drawstring bag for carrying personal items

• For Kayaking Camp, kids should also bring a towel and change of clothes.

Campers can bring phones but must set them to silent and only use them in emergencies. The Forest Preserve District is not responsible for lost or damaged equipment.

For Horse Sense and Riding Sense, the center provides helmets for campers’ exclusive use during the week and small bins for storing helmets and other personal items. If you have your own helmet it must be SEI/ASTM approved. Bike helmets are not allowed.

After you register you’ll receive an email with specific pickup and drop-off locations.

As the parent or guardian on your child’s registration form, you must sign your child in and out each day. If you are delayed at either, please notify the camp contact, which will also be included in the follow-up email.

If you need someone else to sign your child in or out, you must designate that person when you register. If you need to change that designation after you register, you must contact Visitor Services at 630-933-7248.

Drop-off begins 15 minutes before camp starts. When you arrive, staff will greet you, sign in your camper, and escort all campers to the activity area.

Be ready with your photo ID to pick up your camper as soon as camp ends.

• If you’re going to be late signing in or out, you need to let us know in advance. If you’re late signing in, you’ll also need to escort your camper to the day’s activity area.

• If your child is going to miss a day, please call us so we know not to expect you. (There are no refunds for missed camps.)

If you have accessibility needs or concerns, please contact the Forest Preserve District’s ADA programs and activities coordinator at 630-871-7537 at least 72 hours before the first day of camp. 

All campers are expected to behave appropriately to ensure their own safety as well as that of all campers and employees.

Campers are expected to:

• Cooperate with employees and follow all instructions and camp rules.

• Respect employees and other campers.

• Use camp equipment only as instructed.

• Dress appropriately.

Campers may not:

• Bring matches, lighters or weapons (knives, firearms, etc.).

• Use inappropriate language.

• Physically harm themselves or others. 

• Intimidate others emotionally or verbally.

The Forest Preserve District works to create an enjoyable, educational experience for all campers and does not tolerate inappropriate behavior. Employees address concerns in a fair, consistent manner and will try to resolve a situation by talking with the parent or guardian, but the Forest Preserve District reserves the right to dismiss a camper for inappropriate behavior without refunding any part of the registration fee.

For more information please call our registration specialist at 630-933-7247.