Youth Camps
Summer Camps
Sending youth to summer camp, whether overnight or a day camp, offers extensive benefits, including having fun, making new friends, developing new skills, being physically active, and appreciating nature. Camp allows youth to create memories they will carry with them through adulthood. Camps teach youth to make good decisions, build their self-confidence, become independent, and gain the ability to work well with others. These skills will help youth develop into strong adult leaders.
Camp Opportunities
4-H Summer Camp | 2026 Registration is OPEN!
Sign your child up TODAY! Limited number of spots still available. 4-H Camp is from June 14-18 at Rock River Christian Camp in Polo. Camp is open to ALL youth ages 8-14 as of June 14, 2026. 4-H membership is NOT REQUIRED. Camp fees: $350 (4-H members) or $400 (non-4-H members). Must be paid in full by May 1, or the spot will not be held. Includes lodging (4 nights), meals (11 meals), Canteen (4 afternoons), snacks (4 evenings), Camp t-shirt, and 'camptivities' and supplies.
Nature Explorers Camp (formerly Camp Russell) | Youth Summer Nature Day Camp
Explore. Create. Thrive. Your adventure starts here! This day camp experience is for youth ages 7 to 11 and meets at the Natural Resource Education Center located in Russell Woods Forest Preserve, one mile west of Genoa on State Rt 72. Choose from three week-long programs: Trailblazers Camp (ages 9-11), Cold-Blooded Critters Camp (ages 7-9; must have completed 1st grade), and Insect Investigators Camp (ages 7-9; must have completed 1st grade). Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Children will have fun learning about nature through hands-on activities, games, and nature awareness. Camps fill quickly, and space is limited to 20 per camp. Check back later for more registration details! Questions? Contact Extension Program Coordinator Katie Williamson at krw7@illinois.edu.