Mighty Acorns Nature Camp

During the school year your child has been a part of the Mighty Acorns program, a Chicago Wilderness and partnership organization endeavor. Through restoration, exploration and education, your Acorn has discovered so many things. The Mighty Acorns Nature Camp is designed just for these students and gives them the opportunity to spend an entire week exploring our regional natural resources along Lake Michigan while getting to know other Acorns from the area. We are a successful residential camp with children looking forward to camp every year. We hope your child wishes to explore with us for a full week of fun, activities, team-building and more!

(for Mighty Acorns Students only)

Session I: July 30th-August 3rd
Session II: August 6th-10th

Click here to apply online

 

* We accept applications and then determine selection of campers via lottery process.

* No money is due at this time, however, payment of $30 per camper is due by Friday, May 14 with completed camp forms.

During their 5-day/4-night stay, nature campers will:

* Explore wetlands, prairies, dunes and woodlands.

* Learn about and observe wild animals in their native habitats.

* Sing campfire songs and make smores.

* Participate in restoration and other stewardship projects.

What you need to know:

* LOCATION ~ Dunes Learning Center is in the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore (Chesterton, IN)

* WHEN ~ Campers arrive at Dunes Learning Center on Monday morning of their camp week and depart for home on Friday morning.

* LODGING ~ Seven  campers one adult chaperon share a cabin. Cabins are designated for all boys or all girls (never mixed), equipped with bunk beds, air conditioning, and private baths. Acorns will learn from one another, build relationships and foster teamwork in these small groups.

* FOOD ~ All meals are prepared on-site by Dunes Learning Center staff and served “family-style” in the lodge. We offer nutritious meals that kids like and can accommodate special dietary requests.

* TRANSPORTATION ~ Transportation DURING camp is provided. Transportation to and from camp from the greater Chicago area is available via bus. Every attempt is made to coordinate pick-up and drop-off locations near public transportation locations.

* INSTRUCTORS ~ Our staff are trained naturalists that either work at Dunes Learning Center or are Mighty Acorns partners. They are certified in first aid and CPR. They will lead activities, serve as chaperons, mentors and team-builders.