Day Camp Registration is Open!!!
The Parks and Recreation department offers a variety of camps of full-day camps, morning preschool camps and specialty camps. Our youth summer camps are perfect for working parents during all school breaks and summertime, the preschool discovery camps are a wonderful introduction to our program and the specialty camps are great enrichment programs filled with activities and creativity.
NEW REFUND POLICY THIS YEAR:
• Full refunds will be given if the recreation supervisor is contacted BEFORE Memorial Day.
• AFTER Memorial Day:
– $50 Processing fee will be applied to any cancellation, per week/per camper.
– No Refunds will be given after the weekly deadline.
To register for camps, please visit https://bit.ly/Elginsummercamps beginning March 1st.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
YOUTH SUMMER CAMPS
Summer Camp at The Centre – is our traditional day camp featuring a variety of different activities including games, sports, crafts, swimming, weekly field trips, and more. Fees: $245R/$275NR *fees are per week. Camp is available for ages 5 – 11 (K – 6th grades) and are offered from 7:00 am – 6:00 pm Monday-Friday. For More information contact Michelle Hansen at michelle.hansen@elginil.gov.
Centre Sports Camp – Sports Camp will be at The Centre of Elgin. This camp offers a variety of different sports and games and include weekly field trips, swimming, and more! Fees: $245R/$275NR *fees are per week. Camp is available for ages 6 – 12 (K – 6th grades) and are offered from 7:00 am – 6:00 pm Monday-Friday. For More information contact Michelle Hansen at michelle.hansen@elginil.gov.
West Side Adventure Camp – Formerly Camp Prairie View, this camp is for the camper who loves the great outdoors! Monday & Fridays are spent at Prairie View doing crafts and activities, Tuesday campers go to Wing Park for playground fun and swimming at the Aquatic Center, Wednesday are field trip days, Thursday campers go to Lords park for playground fun and swimming . This camp is all about fresh air and adventure. Campers bring their own lunch & snacks every day. Each camper gets a special T-shirt for field trips! Fees: $245R/$275NR per week. Camp is available for ages 6-11 (campers must have attended a full school year of Kindergarten prior to camp) Camp is 7:00 am – 6:00 pm, Monday-Friday. For more information contact Michelle Hansen at michelle.hansen@elginil.gov.
2026 Summer Camp FAQs
Answers about registration, camp policies, field trips, meals, accommodations, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions (Accordion)
Registration FAQs
Our camps operate 5 days a week with weekly registration. We do not have a daily option.
We do not accept CCAP. Families in Elgin can apply for the Youth Scholarship Fund, which awards $125 per child per year for any Elgin Parks & Recreation program.
Yes. We offer a 15% multi-child discount: first child is full price; each additional child in the household is 15% off.
Full payment is due at the time of registration. You can register for as many or as few weeks as you like; weeks may fill quickly.
New refund policy: Full refunds if you contact the recreation supervisor before Memorial Day. After Memorial Day, a $50 processing fee per week applies. No refunds for unused/sick days.
Register online at
The Recreation Supervisor will contact you if a spot becomes available. If you do not hear from us, we were unable to accommodate your child for that week.
Summer Camp FAQs
At Centre Camp, Sports Camp, and Camp Prairie View, we maintain at least 1 counselor to every 10 campers.
Yes—every Wednesday. See the list in the camp section of the activity guide. Field trips are subject to change.
Campers must be fully potty-trained, able to dress themselves, follow program rules and staff directions, and independently change in and out of swimsuits for swim days.
Yes. To go in the deep end, campers must pass a swim test. Those who pass wear a wristband; others remain in the shallow end. Staff and lifeguards monitor the pool at all times.
Camp hours are 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. You may drop off/pick up at any time unless there is a scheduled field trip. Field trip days have strict deadlines; details are sent on Monday of each session.
No. Campers must stay for the entire field trip and ride the bus with the camp. Parent chaperones are not allowed on trips.
Pack a water bottle, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, backpack, and a peanut-free snack.
No electronics (phones, tablets, smartwatches). Please keep personal toys and trading cards at home.
Special Accommodations
Indicate needs during online registration by answering “Does the participant have a special need?” and include details in your ePact account. Accommodations are considered after a parent conversation; medical notes and an assessment by NISRA may be used to determine supports (e.g., one-on-one aide, sign language interpreter, rule modification, supply adaptation).
Meals and Snacks
- Centre Camp & Sports Camp: Afternoon snack and lunch provided on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday via Northern Illinois Food Bank. Parents must pack a morning snack daily. We promote healthy eating and lifestyles through educational activities.
- Camp Prairie View: Lunch and snack are not provided.
More Information
Visit https://centreofelgin.org/programs/camps/Centre of Elgin Camps for handbooks and full camp information.
Summer Camp Field Trips
Field trips are subject to change.
| Date | Trip |
|---|---|
| June 3 | Slick City |
| June 10 | Main Event |
| June 17 | Santa’s Village |
| June 24 | Brookfield Zoo |
| July 1 | Scene 75 |
| July 8 | Otter Cove |
| July 15 | Chicago Sky Game |
| July 22 | Bartlett Aquatic Center |
| July 29 | MEGA Gymnastics and Movie |
| August 5 | Safari Land |
| August 12 | Funway |
To Register for camp visit: https://bit.ly/Elginsummercamps
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SPECIALTY CAMPS
Summer Horse Camp – Join the fun at Dunham Wood Farms! Campers will learn the proper way to groom, tack and handle horses as well as learning the basics of riding at the walk and trot. We will also learn about breeds, colors, markings and more. Games and other activities will be done as well! Camps are offered as a 2 day or 4 day camp experience. Contact Kerry Reynolds at 847-531-7010 or kerry.reynolds@elginil.gov for more information.
Click here to see the schedule: 2026 Horse Camp Schedule
Horsemanship Lessons & Camps
Join the fun at Dunham Woods Farm with beginning riding lessons. Dunham Woods is a superior equestrian facility dedicated to providing the best lesson and horse care instruction.
Youth Lessons (10–17 yrs)
When:
Fee: $190 R / $205 NR
- 317502-01 — –
- 317502-02 — –
Adult Lessons (18 yrs +)
When:
Fee: $190 R / $205 NR
- 302003-01 — –
- 302003-02 — –
Lesson Details
Learn to groom, tack and handle horses and the basics of riding at the walk and trot.Rider attire & safety:
- Wear jeans or jodhpurs and hard-soled riding or hiking boots with a small, low heel.
- Bring an approved riding helmet or bicycle helmet.
2026 Summer Camps (9–13 yrs)
When: Tuesdays & Wednesdays, –
- 2 day camp: $195 R / $210 NR
- 4 day camp: $355 R / $370 NR
| Session ID | Dates |
|---|---|
| 304401-01 | – |
| 304401-02 | – |
| 304401-03 | – |
| 304401-04 | – |
| 304401-05 | – |
| 304401-06 | – |
| 304401-07 | – |
| 304401-08 | – |
| 304401-09 | – |
| 304401-10 | – |
Campers should bring a sack lunch. Juice boxes or bottled water are recommended.
Registration opens April 1st
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PRESCHOOL CAMPS
Discovery Camps – Discovery Camps are four-day themed adventures held Monday–Thursday from 9:30am–12:00pm for preschoolers ages 3–5. Each week brings a new theme to life through hands-on activities, crafts, games, and stories that spark imagination and curiosity. Join us for one week or keep the fun going all summer long! Children must be comfortable being away from a caregiver and able to use the washroom independently. For more information, contact Kerry Reynolds at 847-531-7010 or kerry.reynolds@elginil.gov.
Enrichment Camps – Enrichment Camps are two-week experiences held Monday–Friday from 9:45am–12:15pm for preschoolers ages 3.5–5. These camps give children extra time to dive deeper into exciting themes through creative projects, hands-on learning, and playful exploration. It’s the perfect blend of fun and skill-building as children grow their confidence, independence, and love of learning. Children must be comfortable being away from a caregiver and able to use the washroom independently. For more information, contact Kerry Reynolds at 847-531-7010 or kerry.reynolds@elginil.gov.
Safety Town Camp – Safety Town Camp is a one-week camp held Monday–Friday from 9:30am–12:00pm for children ages 4–6. Through hands-on activities and interactive role-play, children will learn important safety skills like pedestrian, fire, bicycle, and water safety, along with stranger awareness. Using our mini town and bikes, campers practice real-life scenarios in a fun and engaging way. Children must be comfortable being away from a caregiver and able to use the washroom independently. For more information, contact Kerry Reynolds at 847-531-7010 or kerry.reynolds@elginil.gov.
Early Childhood Summer Lunch Bunch – Keep the fun going with Camp Lunch Bunch! Pack a lunch and stay a little longer to eat, unwind, and enjoy extra playtime with friends in a supervised setting. This is an add-on program and requires separate registration. Children should be comfortable with a longer day and fully toilet trained.
Register for Early Childhood Programs and Camps
Registration opens April 1st
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
DROP IN PLAYGROUND PROGRAM
Join the community spirit right in your neighborhood park! Kids, ages 6-12 years, are welcome to join this FREE program for fun activities, games and supervision without the obligation to attend daily or for the entire program duration. Registration is not required to attend the program, however, a parent/guardian must complete an emergency card/waiver before a participant can participate in activities with the playground staff.
Special events will be planned at the playgrounds weekly sponsored by the Elgin Parks and Recreation Foundation throughout the summer for the participants along with the entire community. Stop by any of the locations to pick up a schedule after June 3rd.
Lunch will be provided at no cost by the Northern Illinois Food Bank from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm for all participants along with community members under the age of 18 years. The program will not be held on inclement weather days but lunch may still be provided.
Our staff will be at five Elgin Parks, Monday – Friday from 10 am – 3 pm, beginning June 1st – July 31st. Playground locations will be posted in May. Bathroom facilities may be available at some park sites. Please plan accordingly for restroom requirements as walking back home may be necessary at some park sites.
Join us and your neighbors for endless fun and community connections at your local park! Contact Kerry Reynolds at 847-531-7010 or kerry.reynolds@elginil.gov for more information.