Lorain County Metro Parks offers youth camps for kids entering Kindergarten through 12th grade. Camps include a wide variety of activities to promote learning, recreation and FUN outdoors! Camps typically take place during the months of June through August.
Lorain County residents’ early bird registration will be available online! Registration opens for Lorain County residents on April 2-8, 2025, and is available online and via phone. Please call the Carlisle Visitor Center at (440) 458-5121, French Creek Nature Center at (440) 949-5200, or Vermilion River Reservation’s Carriage Barn at (440) 967-7310. Online and phone registration will open for all participants on April 9, 2025. All drop-off Camps require a completed medical form per participants. Medical form will be available below once registration opens.
NATURE CAMP: FRENCH CREEK EXPLORERS
Locations: French Creek Reservation - Nature Center (Sheffield Village)
Dates: June 9 - 11, 2025
Times: 9:00-11:30 am (A.M. session) OR 1:00-3:30 pm (P.M. session)
Age Range: 4-6 years old
Fee: $75/camper
Come out and play in the great outdoors at the French Creek Reservation during this fun-filled Nature Camp! This camp session runs from Tuesday to Thursday, and you can choose either the 9:00 am–11:30 am session OR the 1:00–3:30 pm session. This camp is designed for first-time campers. We will explore nature through hands-on activities, games, educational programs, live animals, and more! Register your camper by June 2. This camp requires a medical form to be filled out. Camp details and information will be sent out in a parent email closer to the camp dates.
Contact Kate at (440) 949-5200 ext. 302 or e-mail kmaher@loraincountymetroparks.com with any questions.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CAMP
Location: Wellington Reservation
Dates: June 9 - 12, 2025 (session 1) or July 7 - 10, 2025 (session 2)
Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., each day
Age Range: 9-12 years old
Fee: $175/camper
Want to explore the outdoors and learn new skills? This day camp runs from 10 am – 3 pm, Monday to Thursday. Campers will be able to hone their boating skills on kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and canoes and learn survival skills such as fire starting, shelter building, fishing, and more! Outdoor Adventure Camp is a great way to meet new friends and learn some new outdoor skills! This camp requires a medical form to be filled out. Camp details and information will be sent out in a parent email closer to the camp dates.
Contact Lexi at (440) 949-5200 or e-mail at arohrbach@loraincountymetroparks.com with any questions.
JUNIOR WILD WONDERS CAMP
Location: Carlisle Reservation - Carlisle Visitor Center (LaGrange)
Dates: June 17 - 19, 2025 (session 1) or July 8 - 10, 2025 (session 2)
Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., each day
Age Range: 6-8 years old
Fee: $150/camper
Our world is filled with wonderful places and wild creatures that capture our imaginations. While we often think of these locations as being too distant to reach or these creatures as being too elusive to find, that is not always the case. Come to Junior Wild Wonders Camp and explore some of the beautiful places and fascinating creatures found in your Lorain County Metro Parks. This camp is for children ages 6 – 8 and will take place either from June 17th to June 19th or from July 8th to July 10th. Both sessions will run from 10 am - 3 pm each day. Register the camper by June 3 for session 1 and by June 24 for session 2. This camp requires a medical form to be filled out. Camp details and information will be sent out in a parent email closer to the camp dates.
Contact Kristina at (440) 458-5121 ext. 230 or e-mail khass@loraincountymetroparks.com with any questions.
SUPER SLEUTHS CAMP
Location: Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)
Dates: June 17 - 19, 2025
Times: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Age Range: 4-6 years old
Fee: $90/child
Are you interested in becoming a wildlife detective? This camp runs from 9 am – 12 pm, Tuesday to Thursday, and will teach campers how to solve mysteries about wildlife in nature. Campers will hone their sleuthing skills through hikes, hands-on activities, investigations, and more! Join the Super Sleuths Crew, meet new friends, and learn detective skills that can be used anywhere in nature! Register by June 5. This camp requires a medical form to be filled out. Camp details and information will be sent out in a parent email closer to the camp dates.
Contact Keely at (440) 949-5200 ext. 301 or e-mail kbirsic@loraincountymetroparks.com with any questions.
TEEN SURVIVOR CAMP
Location: French Creek Nature Center (Sheffield Village)
Dates: June 23 - 26, 2025
Times: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., each day
Age Range: 13-17 years old
Fee: $175/camper
Want to learn new skills to be able to survive in the wilderness? This camp is geared towards teenagers and runs from 10 am – 3 pm Monday to Thursday. Campers will explore Black River Reservation by boat, bicycle, and on foot during this 4-day camp. On the water, campers will kayak to their lunch spot and make a backpacking meal while enjoying the area's wildlife. By bicycle, campers will explore the Black River Reservation, making stops for survival activities such as fire starting, water filtration, and more! On foot, campers will learn about “Leave No Trace” principles while exploring the Day’s Dam waterfall and surrounding area. Register by June 16. This camp requires a medical form to be filled out. Camp details and information will be sent out in a parent email closer to the camp dates.
Contact Lexi at (440) 949-5200 or e-mail at arohrbach@loraincountymetroparks.com with any questions.
NATURE CAMP: VERMILION RIVER RAMBLERS
Locations: Vermilion River Reservation - Mill Hollow side (Vermilion)
Dates: June 24 - 27, 2025
Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., each day
Age Range: 7-9 years old
Fee: $150/child
Want to learn how to become a nature adventurer? This day camp runs from 10 am - 3 pm, Tuesday - Friday and will give campers the chance to hone in on their nature investigation skills. Campers will discover nature through hands-on activities, hiking, educational programs, and more! Adventurers is a great way to meet new friends and earn adventurer knowledge! Register by June 10. This camp requires a medical form to be filled out. Camp details and information will be sent out in a parent email closer to the camp dates.
Contact Rachel at (440) 967-7310 or e-mail rkalizewski@loraincountymetroparks.com with any questions.
YOUTH THEATRE CAMP - Summer Musical
Location: French Creek Nature Center (Sheffield Village)
Camp Dates: Weekdays, June 30 - August 1, 2025
Camp Times: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Show Dates: August 1 - 3 and 8 -10, 2025
Show Times: Fri. & Sat. shows at 7:30 p.m. and Sun. matinee shows at 2 p.m.
Age Range: 8-18 years old
Fee: $200/cast member
Campers ages 8-18 will audition, be cast, rehearse, and perform a youth edition musical. Students will learn what it takes to put on a professional show from page to stage! This camp requires a medical form to be filled out. Camp details and information will be sent out in a parent email closer to the camp dates. This year's Theatre Camp production will be “Annie Jr.”
Annie Jr. features everyone’s favorite little redhead in her very first adventure. With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone's hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. Annie is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. Annie eventually foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations, finding a new home and family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy. With plenty of parts to go around, including featured roles as well as ensemble parts for orphans, servants and tourists, Annie Jr. is ideal for productions involving different grade levels.
Contact Erin at (440) 949-5200 or e-mail emoran@loraincountymetroparks.com with any questions.
CASCADE EXPLORERS
Location: Cascade Park (Elyria)
Dates: July 9 - 11, 2025
Times: 9:00-11:30 a.m. (A.M. session) or 1:00-3:30 p.m. (P.M. session)
Age Range: 4-6 years old
Fee: $75/child
Become a little explorer of nature! Campers will discover how animals live in the different habitats of Cascade Park through stories, games, hikes, and crafts. Choose either the morning (9:00 – 11:30 a.m.) or afternoon session (1:00 – 3:30 p.m.). Preregister by July 3. This camp requires a medical form to be filled out. Camp details and information will be sent out in a parent email closer to the camp dates.
Contact Kate at (440) 949-5200 ext. 302 or e-mail kmaher@loraincountymetroparks.com with any questions.
WILDLIFE FORENSICS CAMP
Location: Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)
Date: July 15 - 18, 2025
Times: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., each day
Age Range: 10-14 years old
Fee: $150/child
Have you ever wondered how crimes against wildlife are solved? This camp delves into the basics of wildlife forensics and crime scene investigation. Campers will join the LCMP Wildlife Academy to hone their investigation skills, learn how to use forensic techniques at a crime scene, and solve a wildlife crime case! This camp runs from 10 am – 3 pm, Tuesday-Friday. Come make new detective friends and graduate as an LCMP Wildlife Agent. Register by July 3. This camp requires a medical form to be filled out. Camp details and information will be sent out in a parent email closer to the camp dates.
Contact Keely at (440) 949-5200 ext. 301 or e-mail kbirsic@loraincountymetroparks.com with any questions.
NATURE CAMP: VERMILION RIVER EXPLORERS
Locations: Vermilion River Reservation - Mill Hollow side (Vermilion)
Dates: July 22 - 24, 2025
Times: 9:00-11:30 a.m. (A.M. session) or 1:00-3:30 p.m. (P.M. session)
Age Range: 4-6 years old
Fee: $75/child
Come out and play in the great outdoors at the Vermilion River Reservation during this fun-filled week of Camp! This camp session runs from Tuesday – Thursday, and you can choose either the 9 am – 11:30 am session OR 1 – 3:30 pm session. This camp is designed for first-time campers. We will explore nature through hands-on activities, games, educational programs, live animals, and more! Register by July 8. This camp requires a medical form to be filled out. Camp details and information will be sent out in a parent email closer to the camp dates.
Contact Rachel at (440) 967-7310 or e-mail rkalizewski@loraincountymetroparks.com with any questions.
CRAFT AWAY CAMP
Location: Cascade Park (Elyria)
Dates: July 28 - 31, 2025
Times:
9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (A.M. session is limited to 9-12 year olds)
1:00-4:00 p.m. (P.M. session is limited to 13-16 year olds)
Age Ranges: 9-12 years old and 13-16 years old
Fee: $100/camper
Listen to your art 🧡and color outside of the lines 🌈 this summer! Spark your imagination and unleash your creative side with this immersive art camp! We will explore nature-based art, pop-art, impressionism, up-cycling, printmaking, abstract art, creative writing, 3-dimensional art and a variety of crafts. All campers will build a portfolio and create an artist's profile. Campers and their family are invited to a public viewing of their work on Friday. August 1, from 5pm-7pm. Campers will go outside daily for both art & play
Items to bring:
Please make sure to bring a Paint shirt or Smock
Campers should bring a water bottle and snack if they wish
Please wear closed-toe shoes for outdoor activities
Items to leave at home:
Toys/Stuffed Animals
Electronics
Art supplies. We will provide art supplies for each child. If campers have practiced an interesting technique with their own supplies and would like to bring an example in to show others, please do!
Art projects are on-going and will require multiple days of work. Please only register campers that are able to attend all four days of camp. Campers aged 9-12 years are required to sign up for the A.M. session and campers aged 13-16 years old are to sign up for the P.M. session. Register camper by July 21. Building is single floor. Park paths are both paved & unpaved. This camp requires a medical form to be filled out. Camp details and information will be sent out in a parent email closer to the camp dates.
Contact Andrea at (440) 865-8786 or e-mail aarriaga@loraincountymetroparks.com with any questions.
GARDEN EXPLORERS CAMP
Locations: Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)
Dates: July 29 - 31, 2025
Times: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., each day
Age Range: 6-8 years old
Fee: $150/camper
Join the Miller Nature Preserve Staff to learn about and enjoy the plants and pollinators found throughout this beautiful Park! With the gardens, butterfly house, and conservatory as our interactive classroom, campers’ nature knowledge and skills will grow during fun hands-on lessons and explorations, creative crafts, and a cooking class. Each day of Garden Explorers will bloom with opportunities for campers to discover and experience the wonders of gardens and the great outdoors! Register camper by July 15. This camp requires a medical form to be filled out. Camp details and information will be sent out in a parent email closer to the camp dates.
Contact Jenn at (440) 937-0764 or e-mail jbreehl@loraincountymetroparks.com with any questions.
NATURE CAMP: FRENCH CREEK ADVENTURERS
Locations: French Creek Reservation - Nature Center (Sheffield Village)
Dates: August 5 - 8, 2025
Times: 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Age Range: 7-9 years old
Fee: $150/camper
Want to learn how to become a nature adventurer? This day camp runs from 10 am - 3 pm, Tuesday August 5 through Friday August 8, and will give campers the chance to hone in on their nature investigation skills. Campers will discover nature through hands-on activities, hiking, art projects, guided exploration, and more! Register your camper by August 1. This camp requires a medical form to be filled out. Camp details and information will be sent out in a parent email closer to the camp dates.
Contact Kate at (440) 949-5200 ext. 302 or e-mail kmaher@loraincountymetroparks.com with any questions.
A camper with her grandmother at Grandparents Camp | Click or tap to enlarge
GRANDPARENTS 1-DAY CAMP
Age Range: children of all ages with grandparent
Fee: $10/camper
Location: Cascade Park (Elyria)
SESSION 1 (morning):
Date: Tue., August 5, 2025
Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
SESSION 2 (evening):
Date: Wed., August 6, 2025
Time: 3 p.m.-7 p.m.
SESSION 3 (morning):
Date: Thur., August 7, 2025
Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
SESSION 4 (evening):
Date: Fri., August 8, 2025
Time: 3 p.m.-7 p.m.
Grandparents and Grandchildren, come explore nature together at Cascade Park! Program includes outdoor games, indoor activities, a guided hike, crafts and refreshments! Bring a portable dinner and your senses of wonder and creativity!
Camp itinerary will be sent out closer to the date. In prior years, this has been a self-guided camp. This year's program will be a guided camped with scheduled events. This 1-day camp will run the same program each day. There is no need to register for all 4 dates, as all camps will be the same layout. Program is open to all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Register campers by July 30.
**Please note: Building does not have stairs. Hiking trail is paved & crushed gravel and is approximately 1 mile. Closed-toe shoes are advised. Please contact program facilitator with questions/concerns or food allergies at (440) 865-8786. Please register all participants.
Contact Andrea at (440) 865-8786 or e-mail aarriaga@loraincountymetroparks.com with any questions or food allergies.