Nature Camps for Kids
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL 62521
About
Nature Camps for Kids offers activities such as swimming, canoeing, hiking, outdoor play, nature exploration, games, snack time, and crafts. Campers may also visit historic sites, learn historic ways of doing things, go horseback riding, try rock climbing, wade in a creek, touch a frog, catch their first fish, and take part in songs and stories.
• Ages: 1–15 years old
• Schedule: Mini Camps are held year-round; Earth Adventures is an all-day, week-long camp; Adventure Club meets once a week on Tuesday mornings from 9am to noon; History Camp meets Wednesday mornings from 9am to noon
Mini Camps are for ages 1–5 with an adult buddy, where children explore nature with their adult through crafts, activities, songs, and stories, and each Mini Camp typically includes a snack, a craft, and time outdoors. Earth Adventures is for ages 6–12 and includes hands-on activities such as swimming, canoeing, hiking, outdoor play, and nature exploration. Adventure Club is for ages 5–12, History Camp is for ages 6–12, and X-treme Camp is for ages 10–15, with older kids taking part in four day trips that include horseback riding and rock climbing. Research from the Children & Nature Network is cited, stating that children who play outside are more physically active, more creative in their play, less aggressive, and exhibit better concentration. Online registration is available for camps.
The Macon County Conservation District states that its experienced staff provide a safe, caring atmosphere with age appropriate activities for children ages 1–15. For over 40 years, since 1982, children have taken part in camp experiences with the Macon County Conservation District. The mission of the Macon County Conservation District is to promote the conservation of natural and cultural resources by acquiring, maintaining, and restoring areas of natural and cultural significance within Macon County, and to protect and preserve those spaces for the education, recreation, and enjoyment of all its citizens in perpetuity. All programs and facilities of the Macon County Conservation District are offered on a non-discriminatory basis, and the District states that it does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, country of origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or military status.
Adults and teens ages 13–17 can assist with camp activities as volunteers, and all applicants for volunteer roles are screened and must attend volunteer training before helping with camp.
Last updated May 24, 2026.
• Ages: 1–15 years old
• Schedule: Mini Camps are held year-round; Earth Adventures is an all-day, week-long camp; Adventure Club meets once a week on Tuesday mornings from 9am to noon; History Camp meets Wednesday mornings from 9am to noon
Mini Camps are for ages 1–5 with an adult buddy, where children explore nature with their adult through crafts, activities, songs, and stories, and each Mini Camp typically includes a snack, a craft, and time outdoors. Earth Adventures is for ages 6–12 and includes hands-on activities such as swimming, canoeing, hiking, outdoor play, and nature exploration. Adventure Club is for ages 5–12, History Camp is for ages 6–12, and X-treme Camp is for ages 10–15, with older kids taking part in four day trips that include horseback riding and rock climbing. Research from the Children & Nature Network is cited, stating that children who play outside are more physically active, more creative in their play, less aggressive, and exhibit better concentration. Online registration is available for camps.
The Macon County Conservation District states that its experienced staff provide a safe, caring atmosphere with age appropriate activities for children ages 1–15. For over 40 years, since 1982, children have taken part in camp experiences with the Macon County Conservation District. The mission of the Macon County Conservation District is to promote the conservation of natural and cultural resources by acquiring, maintaining, and restoring areas of natural and cultural significance within Macon County, and to protect and preserve those spaces for the education, recreation, and enjoyment of all its citizens in perpetuity. All programs and facilities of the Macon County Conservation District are offered on a non-discriminatory basis, and the District states that it does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, country of origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or military status.
Adults and teens ages 13–17 can assist with camp activities as volunteers, and all applicants for volunteer roles are screened and must attend volunteer training before helping with camp.
Last updated May 24, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.