Springfield Park District Camps
Nelson Center, 1601 N 5th St, Springfield, IL 62702
About
Springfield Park District Camps include activities such as sport activities, games, arts and crafts, daily playground activities, non-contact games, disc golf, floor hockey, bowling, themed weeks, nature programs, science projects, weekly pool days, swimming, field trips, daily walks in Southwind Park, guest speakers, and games, crafts, and zoo hikes. Camp L.E.A.P. is a Special Needs Summer Day Camp and a program of adaptive recreation for individuals with disabilities, and Kids Camp L.E.A.P. at Erin's Pavilion focuses on the younger age group of this population. Zoo Ed-Venture Summer Day Camps are three half-day adventures at the zoo in Zoo Camp and use an air-conditioned classroom.
• Ages: 5–12 years old
• Schedule: Camp L.E.A.P. is a weekly program with registration deadlines set as the Friday prior to the week the participant is attending; Nelson Center Summer Camp is a 10-week camp; Zoo Ed-Venture Summer Day Camps are three half-day sessions with pre-registration and pre-payment required at least 24 hours prior to the start.
• Price: $50 per week registration fee required at registration (Nelson Center Summer Camp).
Camp L.E.A.P. is a Summer Camp with a special focus for those with special needs, and L.E.A.P. stands for Leisure Education and Adaptive Programming. L.E.A.P. programs are for individuals from preschool through adult, and Kids Camp L.E.A.P. at Erin's Pavilion focuses on the younger age group of this population. Special populations served include but are not limited to 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. This program is all inclusive and does not require a disability to attend, and the Nelson Center Summer Camp is an all inclusive program where children with all abilities are welcome. Min/Max enrollment numbers are 10/24 for Camp L.E.A.P. at Erin's Pavilion (ages 5–12), 10/24 for Camp L.E.A.P. at Lincoln Pavilion (ages 13–29), 8/45 for Nelson Center Summer Camp at Lincoln Park (ages 5–12), and 5/20 for Zoo Ed-Venture Summer Day Camps at Henson Robinson Zoo (ages 7–9). For Zoo Ed-Venture Summer Day Camps, families are asked to send each student with a pre-packed snack labeled with the student’s name.
The Springfield Park District works closely with local authorities to maintain secure environments for visitors. The leadership team 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; and Cindy Knust-Higgins, Director of Human Resources and Risk Management. Andre Hawkins holds the CPRP (Certified Park and Recreation Professional) credential.
Last updated January 8, 2026.
• Ages: 5–12 years old
• Schedule: Camp L.E.A.P. is a weekly program with registration deadlines set as the Friday prior to the week the participant is attending; Nelson Center Summer Camp is a 10-week camp; Zoo Ed-Venture Summer Day Camps are three half-day sessions with pre-registration and pre-payment required at least 24 hours prior to the start.
• Price: $50 per week registration fee required at registration (Nelson Center Summer Camp).
Camp L.E.A.P. is a Summer Camp with a special focus for those with special needs, and L.E.A.P. stands for Leisure Education and Adaptive Programming. L.E.A.P. programs are for individuals from preschool through adult, and Kids Camp L.E.A.P. at Erin's Pavilion focuses on the younger age group of this population. Special populations served include but are not limited to 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. This program is all inclusive and does not require a disability to attend, and the Nelson Center Summer Camp is an all inclusive program where children with all abilities are welcome. Min/Max enrollment numbers are 10/24 for Camp L.E.A.P. at Erin's Pavilion (ages 5–12), 10/24 for Camp L.E.A.P. at Lincoln Pavilion (ages 13–29), 8/45 for Nelson Center Summer Camp at Lincoln Park (ages 5–12), and 5/20 for Zoo Ed-Venture Summer Day Camps at Henson Robinson Zoo (ages 7–9). For Zoo Ed-Venture Summer Day Camps, families are asked to send each student with a pre-packed snack labeled with the student’s name.
The Springfield Park District works closely with local authorities to maintain secure environments for visitors. The leadership team 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; and Cindy Knust-Higgins, Director of Human Resources and Risk Management. Andre Hawkins holds the CPRP (Certified Park and Recreation Professional) credential.
Last updated January 8, 2026.
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