Enrolling in an out-of-school camp at the Peoria Park District promises a dynamic blend of fun and educational experiences for participants. From engaging in exciting outdoor activities to forming lasting friendships in a supportive community, the camps throughout the District offer well-rounded programs that foster personal growth and social development. Signing up for a Peoria Park District out-of-school camp ensures a memorable and enriching break from routine, providing opportunities for adventure, exploration, and skill development.
The Peoria Park District is proud to announce that all our summer camps are accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). This nationally recognized program, developed exclusively for the camp industry, focuses on program quality, health and safety issues. It also requires us to review every facet of our day camp operations on an annual basis. We have voluntarily submitted to this independent audit by camp experts and have earned this mark of distinction for all 5 of our camps!
- Location: Sommer Farm, 6329 N. Koerner Rd. Edwards, IL
- Ages: 5-13
- Camps Offered: Summer Day Camp
- Camp Hours: 7:30am-5:00pm
Ancient Oaks Day Camp is all about having fun and educational experiences in the great outdoors. Camp offers a variety of fun events and plenty of hands-on activities. Located on 320 acres, Sommer Farm consists of woods, open fields, hiking trails, ponds, and a neighborhood park. As Ancient Oaks is exclusively an outdoor camp, and there is no indoor space on the premises, camp will be canceled on days when the weather outlook is hazardous. Refunds will be issued for any weather cancelled days. To find out more information and to register, click below!
- Location: Lakeview Recreation Center, 1013 W. Lake Ave. Peoria, IL
- Ages: 5-12
- Camps Offered: Spring Break Camp, Summer Day Camp, Fall Break Camp & Winter Break Camp
- Camp Hours: 7:30am-5:00pm
Lakeview Camp offers a classic Camp experience for all! Campers will make new friends and try new and favorite activities such as arts and crafts, gaga ball, archery, nature, sports, field trips, and so much more! Each week will follow a theme and will include all the same classic activities led by friendly, trained counselors. Utilizing Lakeview Recreation Center there is plenty of room to play both inside and outside. Campers will have a great time with plenty of new experiences! To find out more information and to register, click below!
- Location: Peoria Zoo, 2320 N. Prospect Rd., Peoria, IL
- Grades: K-8th
- Camps Offered: Spring Break Camp & Summer Day Camp
- Camp Hours: 9am-varies, please see registration information
Experience Peoria Zoo in a new way! Campers will learn about different animal species across the globe through games, crafts, activities and more! Camp times and themes change based on week and age group. Please click the button below to find out more specific information!
- Location: Proctor Recreation Center, 309 S. Dusable, Peoria, IL
- Ages: 6-12
- Camps Offered: Summer Day Camp
- Camp Hours: 7:30am-5:00pm
There’s more to explore with Proctor Center Summer Day Camp! Activities include swimming at our pool, learning through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math), while participating in recreational activities that include basketball, tennis, golf, and kickball. Lunch and snacks are included! There is no other camp like it in Peoria!
- Location: RiverPlex, 600 NE. Water St., Peoria, IL
- Ages: 5-12
- Camps Offered: Summer Day Camp
- Camp Hours: 7:30am-5:00pm
RiverPlex Summer Day Camp has everything you want in a well-rounded camp experience! Campers will join their friends, old and new, for all their favorite activities including arts and crafts, sports, gaga ball, water activities, archery, nature, field trips, and so much more! Each week’s activities will be themed and will include all the classics led by friendly, trained counselors. Campers will get the best of both worlds utilizing the inside of the RiverPlex as well as the outside RiverFront open space and walking trails. Campers will have the most fun while learning and trying new things!
- Location: 8727 Pioneer Road, Peoria, IL 61615
Camps are offered during summer after Memorial Day through the first or second week of August at multiple locations. For Summer 2024, camps will be held at Lakeview Recreation Center, RiverPlex Wellness Center, Proctor Recreation Center, Ancient Oaks at Sommer Farm, and Peoria Zoo.
Most camps are open from 7:30-5:00pm. Campers are welcome to be dropped off or picked up at any point between these times.
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.
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.
Yes! Camp fees can be paid in weekly installments through an automatic billing process. This can be done in person or online. A $40 per-week ($30 for Proctor Camp) 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.
Information on the scholarship program can be found here: https://peoriaparks.org/programs/scholarships/
Please note that we do NOT accept Child Care Connections.
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 camper’s 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. If you do not wish for your camper to attend a field trip please do not bring them to camp that day, alternative arrangements will not be available.
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.
Please note in your camper’s 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.
Please indicate this in your camper’s ePACT forms. Contact our Out of School Programs and Camp Coordinator at [email protected] or (309)681-3546.
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. If a camper has an IEP at school, a behavioral diagnosis, or would benefit from extra support please note this on the form as well so that we can properly prepare to meet the needs of your camper. Contact our Out of School Programs and Camp Coordinator at [email protected] or (309)681-3546.
Camps operate in a 1:8 counselor-to-child ratio for ages 5-8 and a 1:10 ratio for ages 9-13.
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.
For other questions and the above explained in further detail please consult the Parent Guide. Contact our Out of School Programs and Camp Coordinator for any questions and concerns at [email protected] or (309)681-3546.
