GENOA, Ill. — Looking for an engaging way for kids to spend their days off school during Thanksgiving week? University of Illinois Extension and the DeKalb County Forest Preserve District are teaming up to offer Forest Quest, a hands-on nature day camp for youth ages 7 to 11.
Scheduled for Monday, Nov. 23, and Tuesday, Nov. 24, Forest Quest invites young adventurers to step away from screens and explore the natural world at the Natural Resource Education Center in Russell Woods Forest Preserve, 11750 State Rt 72, Genoa, IL 60135.
Designed for children who have completed first grade, Forest Quest provides a safe, welcoming environment where participants can enjoy educational, recreational, and hands-on outdoor activities led by Extension staff. “This will be similar to our summer day camps, except without the heat and buzzing insects,” said Marian Termini, University of Illinois Extension program coordinator. Termini also anticipates opportunities to use the center’s cabin for indoor activities or to warm up by the wood stove. If conditions permit, campers may even enjoy time around a campfire.
Nature is the theme, and each day will offer different activities. Depending on the day's focus, campers may explore insects, reptiles, birds, mammals, geology, and other natural science topics. Activities could include playing the “Dead Ants” game to escape an anteater or participating in “Chip Mining,” an activity using cookies to help children better understand Earth's geological features.
Campers may be divided into two age groups depending on enrollment. Because activities and subject matter will vary between the two days, families can register for one day or both.
While children enjoy their autumn adventure, parents and caregivers may appreciate having time to prepare for holiday travel, family gatherings, or visiting guests.
Forest Quest Registration Information
Dates: Monday, Nov. 23, and Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day
Ages: 7 to 11; participants must have completed first grade
Cost: $40 per day, with discounts available for registering for both days and for multiple children
Location: Natural Resource Education Center, Russell Woods Forest Preserve, near Genoa, Illinois
Capacity: Limited to 20 participants per day
What to bring: A packed lunch
Registration requires a completed Forest Quest brochure, which must be mailed or hand-delivered to the University of Illinois Extension office at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau, 1350 W. Prairie Drive, Sycamore, IL 60178.
Brochures are available at local libraries, through local school district virtual backpacks and community bulletin boards, and at the Extension office. Families may also request a brochure by contacting Marian Termini at 815-784-2000 or mariantt@illinois.edu.
The Extension office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m.
Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged. For questions or to request a reasonable accommodation to participate, contact Marian Termini
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.