Springfield Park District Summer Camps
Nelson Center, 2500 S 11th Street, Springfield, IL 62703
About
Springfield Park District Summer Camps include activities such as sport activities, games, arts and crafts, daily playground activities, floor hockey, bowling, disc golf, nature programs, science projects, themed weeks, guest speakers, and daily walks in Southwind Park. Campers also take part in weekly pool days, swimming, field trips, and games, crafts, zoo hikes, and other fun learning activities to explore the animal world.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Nelson Center Summer Camp is a 10-week camp
• Price: $50 per week registration fee required at registration (Nelson Center Summer Camp)
Camp L.E.A.P. at Erin's Pavilion is a Special Needs Summer Day Camp and is a program of adaptive recreation for individuals with disabilities offered through the Springfield Park District, and it is a weekly program. L.E.A.P. stands for Leisure Education and Adaptive Programming, and L.E.A.P. programs are for individuals from preschool through adult, with Kids Camp L.E.A.P. at Erin's Pavilion focusing on the younger age group of this population. Special populations served include learning disabilities, physically impaired, behavior problems, visually impaired, multiple disabilities, or those with any other special needs, and all attempts are made to place participants in programs according to their disability, age, and peer groups. Camp L.E.A.P. is all inclusive, and participants do not have to have a disability to attend, and there are limited spots available due to classroom size.
The Nelson Center Summer Camp is an all inclusive program, so children with all abilities are welcome. Springfield Park District residents receive preferred rates for many of the services provided by the Springfield Park District, and a resident is defined as anyone living within the boundaries of the Springfield Park District.
Zoo Ed-Venture Summer Day Camps are held at Henson Robinson Zoo and only students ages 7–9 are allowed. For Zoo Ed-Venture Summer Day Camps, pre-registration and pre-payment are required at least 24 hours prior to the start of camp, and parents should send their student with a pre-packed snack labeled with his or her name.
The Springfield Park District leadership team connected to these camps includes Marty Strieker, Superintendent of Recreation Programs and Events; Andre Hawkins, CPRP Special Recreation Supervisor; Doug Hotle, Zoo Director; Lori Crowder, Guest Services and Marketing Manager; Joe Curry, Business Service Administrator; Rachel Hughes, General Curator; Sophia Roseberry, Education Manager; and Cindy Knust-Higgins, Director of Human Resources and Risk Management.
Last updated May 23, 2026.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Nelson Center Summer Camp is a 10-week camp
• Price: $50 per week registration fee required at registration (Nelson Center Summer Camp)
Camp L.E.A.P. at Erin's Pavilion is a Special Needs Summer Day Camp and is a program of adaptive recreation for individuals with disabilities offered through the Springfield Park District, and it is a weekly program. L.E.A.P. stands for Leisure Education and Adaptive Programming, and L.E.A.P. programs are for individuals from preschool through adult, with Kids Camp L.E.A.P. at Erin's Pavilion focusing on the younger age group of this population. Special populations served include learning disabilities, physically impaired, behavior problems, visually impaired, multiple disabilities, or those with any other special needs, and all attempts are made to place participants in programs according to their disability, age, and peer groups. Camp L.E.A.P. is all inclusive, and participants do not have to have a disability to attend, and there are limited spots available due to classroom size.
The Nelson Center Summer Camp is an all inclusive program, so children with all abilities are welcome. Springfield Park District residents receive preferred rates for many of the services provided by the Springfield Park District, and a resident is defined as anyone living within the boundaries of the Springfield Park District.
Zoo Ed-Venture Summer Day Camps are held at Henson Robinson Zoo and only students ages 7–9 are allowed. For Zoo Ed-Venture Summer Day Camps, pre-registration and pre-payment are required at least 24 hours prior to the start of camp, and parents should send their student with a pre-packed snack labeled with his or her name.
The Springfield Park District leadership team connected to these camps includes Marty Strieker, Superintendent of Recreation Programs and Events; Andre Hawkins, CPRP Special Recreation Supervisor; Doug Hotle, Zoo Director; Lori Crowder, Guest Services and Marketing Manager; Joe Curry, Business Service Administrator; Rachel Hughes, General Curator; Sophia Roseberry, Education Manager; and Cindy Knust-Higgins, Director of Human Resources and Risk Management.
Last updated May 23, 2026.
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