Youth groups
Youth group programs
Programs focusing on nature, environmental education, cultural history and recreation are offered at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon, Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville, Monee Reservoir in Monee Township and Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township. Groups may also receive naturalist led programs while camping in a Forest Preserve District campground.
A minimum of eight and a maximum of 20 participants are required per program, unless otherwise noted. A ratio of one chaperone for every five children applies. Reservations are required for all programs. Scheduling is dependent on staff availability.
Program fees apply to all attending participants including siblings, leaders, parents, etc. Contact the respective facility for program information and availability.
Browse programs:
Community service
Civic, scout, youth groups, Eagle Scout and special-interest clubs may take advantage of community service opportunities available with the Forest Preserve District of Will County. Your activity or project can be tailored to benefit our forest preserves while providing a meaningful service experience for your group. To explore the possibilities, call the Volunteer Program Supervisor at 815-722-7364 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Some examples of service include Eagle Scout projects, silver and gold service projects, community service projects and special event staffing.
Youth group camping
The Forest Preserve District of Will County offers naturalist-led programs for organized youth groups camping at one of five Forest Preserve campgrounds.
- Forked Creek Preserve – Ballou Road Access, Wilmington
- Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, Beecher
- Hickory Creek Preserve – Cleveland Road Access, Mokena
- Hammel Woods – DuPage River Access, Shorewood
- McKinley Woods – Frederick’s Grove, Channahon
Youth group camping is allowed to any K-12 youth organization at a 50% discount on the regular camping rate. Campsite include a fire ring, potable drinking water, restrooms, picnic tables and garbage/recycling containers. Groups have the option to book a naturalist lead program or rent camping equipment during their camping trip. Call 815-727-8700 or email [email protected] for more information on scheduling your group’s camping trip.
Camporees
A camporee is a large event in which one or more youth groups gather for one or more days usually including an overnight stay. They often include multiple troops or units. Camporees may be held at Goodenow Grove (Beecher) and Cleveland Road (Mokena) campgrounds. The fee is $100/day which includes overnight stay. Contract Plum Creek Nature Center at 708-946-2216 or [email protected] regarding information on camporees.
Day camp permits
A day camp is when one or more youth groups utilize a preserve for their daily activities over one week. The permit also includes an optional overnight stay. Youth groups pay the appropriate shelter rental fees for each day of their permit. All day camp inquiries should be directed to the permitting manager. Day camp permits are available at Forsythe Woods, Goodenow Grove, Hammel Woods, Hickory Creek Preserve — LaPorte Road Access, McKinley Woods, Messenger Woods and Monee Reservoir. Call 815-727-8700 or email [email protected] for more information on scheduling your group’s camping trip.
Come play!
Scouts, church groups, 4-H and other organized youth groups are encouraged to get outside and enjoy these group based opportunities.