We know that parents and children can agree that finding something fun to do during breaks and days off school can be challenging. Why not check out Peoria Park District’s high quality camps? Campers ages 5-13 can participate in classic camp activities, educational enrichment, make new friends, and have fun! Trust us, Peoria Park District has a camp your kids will love!
At Peoria Park District, we have Summer Camp, Schools Out Day Camp, Winter Break Camp and Spring Break Camp!
When and where is camp?
Camps are offered during summer after Memorial Day through the first or second week of August at multiple locations. For Summer 2023, camps will be held at Lakeview Recreation Center, RiverPlex Wellness Center, Proctor Recreation Center, Ancient Oaks at Sommer Farm, and Peoria Zoo.
Out of School Camps are held at Lakeview Recreation Center, and occasionally additional locations, during fall, winter, and spring break following PPS 150’s break schedule.”
What do campers do on a typical day at a Peoria Park District camp?
At every one of our camps, our enthusiastic staff will lead children in fitness activities/lessons, educational lessons and experiments, sports games, team-building activities, arts and crafts, and other activities inside and/or outside depending on the specific camp. Campers will have the opportunity to try new things, meet new people, and have fun! Each day’s activities are carefully chosen and planned by camp staff to fit the weeks or camps themes.
Do you offer a payment plan for camp fees?
Yes! Camp fees can be paid in weekly installments through an automatic billing process. This can be done in person or online. A $30 per-week initial fee will be charged at the time of enrollment, and must be set up through a debit or credit card. All remaining charges will be processed the Monday 2 weeks prior to the camp session. More info can be found in our parent guide, or by calling the registration team at 309-682-1200.
How do I register?
To register your child for camp visit click here or register in person at Lakeview, Proctor, or the Noble Center.
Upon registering, you will receive an email invitation through ePACT Emergency Network. Please create an account/sign in to fill out all of your campers emergency and health information. (Please note that this account is separate from the one you use to register for camp and a new username and password must be created) This camper information is required for all participants.
More info on ePACT can be found in our Parent Guide.
Specific information on your session including themes, field trips, special activities, and any other instructions will be sent via email in the weeks before your session.
Registration for summer sessions will be available in January.
Can I register day by day, or get a discount on days my camper doesn’t come?
For summer camp registration is for the entire weeks session only. Prorates or discounts for days not attended are not available.
Fall, winter, and spring break camps are available to register day by day. A discount will be given if registering for the entire weeks session.
What are the camper requirements to attend camp?
Campers must fall within the correct age range for the specific camp. They must be this age at the time of camp. Campers must be completely independent with toileting and personal hygiene. Campers should be able to listen to instructions, treat others with kindness and respect, and follow all safety rules.
What should my child wear to camp?
Campers should dress for the weather and the day’s scheduled activities. Prepare to get messy! All campers must wear closed-toe shoes while at camp.
What items should my camper bring to camp with them?
Campers should bring a water bottle, any extra clothing they may need for their day, and a sack lunch when needed. Please label all of your campers belongings with their name. Please leave all toys and electronics at home.
Do campers bring their own lunches?
During Summer Camp some locations will partner with Peoria Public Schools to offer free breakfast and lunch at camp for a portion of the summer. Details will be communicated prior to your session. Campers must bring their own sack lunch during sessions it is not provided, or if they prefer their own. An afternoon snack will be provided
During Fall, Winter, and Spring break camps breakfast and lunch is not provided. Campers should eat breakfast before they arrive and pack a sack lunch. An afternoon snack will be provided.
Will campers take field trips or go swimming?
Some camp locations will take field trips or go swimming throughout their sessions. Not every camp location will take field trips, and trips may not be taken during every session. More information will be provided for the individual sessions. All trips are subject to change or cancellation due to weather or staffing. Off site field trip plans will be communicated to all enrolled and permission slips will be required to attend.
My camper needs to take a medication at a specific time of day. How is this handled?
Please fill out all medication forms within ePACT. Send your camper with their medication clearly labeled in its original bottle. Camp supervisors will store medications in a secure location and dispense according to the given directions.
Can my camper carry their inhaler or auto-injector throughout the camp day?
Please note in your campers ePACT forms when prompted to grant your camper permission to carry and dispense their own auto-injector or inhaler. If permission is not granted, or is not desired, camp supervisors will store the medication and dispense when needed.
What happens if my child has an allergy or another medical condition?
Please indicate this in your campers ePACT forms. Contact Camp Coordinator Jess Main to discuss further [email protected] (309)681-3546.
My camper requires specific accommodations unrelated to medication. Can they still participate?
If an ADA accommodation is needed to support any individual within a Peoria Park District program, please note this on the form at the time of registration. Please request an accommodation ASAP to allow proper time to meet the accommodation. Contact Camp Coordinator Jess Main to discuss further [email protected] (309)681-3546.
What are counselor-to-camper ratios?
Camps operate in a 1:8 counselor-to-child ratio for ages 5-8 and a 1:10 ratio for ages 9-13.
How are staff trained?
All counselors go through an interview process, background check, and reference checks. Before camp begins, all staff are trained in all of the fun and games of camp, behavior redirection, and are all mandated reporters. Staff members certified in first aid and CPR are always on site.
Other Questions?
For other questions and the above explained in further detail please consult the Parent Guide. Contact Jess Main, Out of School Programs and Camp Coordinator for any questions and concerns at [email protected] or (309)681-3546
