Summer Adventures in the Dunes
Discover the beaches, prairies, dunes and woodlands of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore while bog stomping, bug hunting, night hiking and more. Campers experience native and historic cultures, play nature games, try their hand at camp crafts, and sing around the campfire with new friends at summer camp in the national park.
Learn More at a Summer Camp Open House
Led by Dunes Learning Center staff and National Park Rangers, summer camps at Dunes Learning Center offer a variety of ways for kids to get outside and play! Tour camp facilities, meet with camp coordinators and ask questions at two informal open houses:
Wednesday, March 6, 3:00-6:00 pm
Sunday, April 21, 1:00-4:00 pm
Dunes Discovery Camps
Explore rivers, search for salamanders, identify insects, hike through dunes, cool off in Lake Michigan, laugh with new friends, and sing around the campfire. Children age 10-13 discover just how fun and exciting nature can be at this summer camp like no other.
2013 Camp Cost: $375 or reserve your space for $50
Dunes Discovery Camp 1: June 16-21 reserve or register
Dunes Discovery Camp 2: June 23-28 reserve or register <<LIMITED SPACE FOR GIRLS>>
Dunes Discovery Camp 3: July 7-12 reserve or register <<WAIT LIST FOR BOYS>>
Download Camp Information Guide and Forms
Return completed forms for registered campers only. Mail to: DLC Summer Camps, 700 Howe Rd. Chesterton IN, 46304. Fax completed forms to: (219)395-8160.
ParKids Day Camps
This unique program gives campers the opportunity to explore Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, interact with rangers and make new friends as they spend their days exploring the park's forests, streams, meadows and trails. Activities range from traditional camp crafts to themed hikes like, “Rotten Log Exploration” to a day at the beach. Kids return home full of sand and stories!
Pre-School Camp (morning session, 9-12): June 17-20 <<CLOSED>>
Children must have turned 3 by August 1st, 2012 and completed at least one year of preschool
2013 Camp Cost: $100 for 4 days
Pre-School Camp (afternoon session, 1-4): June 17-20 register online
Children must have turned 3 by August 1st, 2012 and completed at least one year of preschool
2013 Camp Cost: $100 for 4 days
1st–3rd Grade Camp: July 8-12 register online
2013 Camp Cost: $130 for 5 days
1st–3rd Grade Camp: July 22-26 register online
2013 Camp Cost: $130 for 5 days
Download Parent Information Guide and Forms
Return completed forms for registered campers only. Mail to: DLC Summer Camps, 700 Howe Rd. Chesterton IN, 46304. Fax completed forms to: (219)395-8160.
Teen ParKids Summer Camp
As members of a year-round Youth Volunteer Corp program, Teen ParKids gain exclusive access to one-of-a-kind outdoor adventures including behind-the-scenes hikes, stewardship projects, National Park Service events and more. In addition, teens participating in ParKids Summer Camp have an opportunity to learn sea kayaking from Northwest Indiana Paddling Association instructors. Participants must commit to assisting in at least two volunteer projects during the year and attend at least one kayak training class on February 23 or March 23. Enrollment is limited to 20.
2013 Camp Cost: $50 to cover food and transportation
Teen ParKids Camp: June 24-28, 2013
Mail completed form to: DLC Summer Camps, 700 Howe Rd. Chesterton IN, 46304. Fax completed forms to: (219)395-8160.
Summer Earth Camp
Summer Earth Camp registration is limited to East Chicago students entering 4th-7th grade and is generously sponsored by Foundations of East Chicago, East Chicago Education Foundation, Safety-Kleen Systems and ArcelorMittal.
2013 Camp Cost: $30
Summer Earth Camp: July 22-26, 2013
Download Parent Information Guide and Forms
Mighty Acorns Nature Camps
Children who have participated in the Mighty Acorns® program during the school year are invited to continue their exploration at this week-long summer camp made possible by the Mighty Acorns® Partners, Chicago Wilderness, ArcelorMittal, BP, Dr. Scholl Foundation, The Kainz Family Foundation, US Steel Foundation and contributions from parents and individuals.
2013 Camp Cost: $35
Mighty Acorns Camp Session 1: July 29 - August 2 <<CLOSED>>
Mighty Acorns Camp Session 2: August 5 - August 9 <<CLOSED>>