Adventure is calling!

Fri May 10, 2024

DeKalb, IL- Summer break is a favorite time of the year for many children. It is a designated time to have fun, play, be outside, spend the entire day doing something they love, and hopefully make new friends! DeKalb Park District Summer Camps offer that experience from May 28 – August 9. Children, ages 3-18, are invited to have an adventurous summer with new and familiar camp offerings and new summer-long programs, all in a structured environment! Families can sign up week to week, the full 11 weeks, or choose one of our week-long specialty camps. 

Camp Discover: Enjoy one of DeKalb's favorite summer camps that delight campers ages 6-12 each week with games, craft activities, field trips, theme days, guest entertainment, and more. Camp Discover is Monday through Friday, 8:45 am – 5:00 pm. Camp Discover is located at Founders Elementary School, at 821 South 7th Street, for most of the summer; however, it will be at Hopkins Park Shelter, 1403 Sycamore Road, during weeks 10 and 11. The fee is $186 per week or $1873 for the full 11 weeks.

A Parent Meeting will be held virtually on Thursday, May 21, at 6:00 pm to share more details about summer camps. For an additional fee, parents will have a Before Camp (7:00–8:45 am) and an After Camp (5:00–6:00 pm) option for Camp Discover participants. These options provide extended care for your child, allowing you to drop them off earlier or pick them up later if needed. 

Specialty Camps: The DeKalb Park District offers week-long Specialty Camps throughout the summer, Monday through Friday, 1:00–5:00 pm, except for Intro to Cheerleading Camp. All Sorts of Sports (June 3-7); Heroes Camp (July 22-25); Nature Crafts Camp (July 29-August 2); and Intro to Cheerleading (July 15 and July 17). Teens (ages 12-18) can also enjoy Pickleball Camp (June 17-21) and Yarn Camp (August 5-9). These camps are held at various locations, which will be communicated upon registration.

Summer-Long Programs: This program is designed especially for children ages 3-5. It offers a variety of engaging activities, including arts and crafts, outdoor play, and educational games. Offered Monday through Friday, parents can choose Morning Minis (8:30 – 11:30 am), Lil' Lunchers (11:30 am–1:30 pm), or Afternoon Adventures (1:30  – 4:30 pm). Sign up for one, two, or all three sessions at the Sports and Recreation Center at 1765 South 4th Street for a weekly fee per time slot. All children participating must be fully potty-trained.  

Scholarship Assistance is provided to qualifying DeKalb residents and can be used towards Summer Camp, Specialty Camps, and Summer-Long Programs. This program aims to make our camps and programs accessible to all DeKalb families, regardless of their financial situation. Application forms and more details are available at dekalbparkdistrict.com/scholarship-program.

At DeKalb Park District, we believe that every child deserves a fun and rewarding summer experience. That is why we recommend Camp Maple Leaf through the Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association, a camp specifically designed to support individuals with special needs. Information is available on their website at kishsra.org. We value every child's unique abilities and are committed to ensuring a fun summer for all.

To learn more about Camp Discover, Specialty Camps, and Summer-Long Programs and to register, please visit dekalbparkdistrict.com or call (815) 758-7756 to secure your child's spot this season.