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 3-9, 2024, 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 10, 2024. All drop-off Camps require a completed medical form per participants. Find medical form below.
NATURE CAMP
Explorers
Locations: French Creek Reservation - Nature Center (Sheffield Village) or Vermilion River Reservation - Mill Hollow side (Vermilion)
Dates: June 11 - 13, 2024 (French Creek) or July 1 - 3, 2024 (Vermilion River)
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 either the French Creek Reservation or the Vermilion River Reservation during this fun-filled week of 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 by May 31 for the French Creek version and June 17 for the Vermilion River Reservation version. 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.
Adventurers
Locations: French Creek Reservation - Nature Center (Sheffield Village) or Vermilion River Reservation - Mill Hollow side (Vermilion)
Dates: June 18 - 21, 2024 (French Creek) or June 25 - 28, 2024 (Vermilion River)
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 10:00 am-3:00 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 4 for the French Creek version and June 11 for the Vermilion River Reservation version. 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.
With any questions regarding Nature Camp sessions taking place at Vermilion River Reservation, please contact Rachel at (440) 967-7310 or e-mail rkalizewski@loraincountymetroparks.com. With any questions regarding Nature Camp sessions taking place at French Creek Reservation, please contact Bev at (440) 949-5200 ext. 304 or e-mail bwalborn@loraincountymetroparks.com.
WILD WONDERS CAMP
Location: Carlisle Reservation - Carlisle Visitor Center (LaGrange)
Dates: June 11 - 13, 2024
Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., each day
Age Range: 9-12 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 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 9 – 12 and will take place from June 11th to June 13th and run from 10 am - 3 pm. Register camper by May 28. 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 Chris at (440) 458-5121 ext. 241 or e-mail cstanton@loraincountymetroparks.com with any questions.
CREEK STOMPERS CAMP
Location: Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation (Amherst)
Dates: June 25 - 27, 2024
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
Join us for summer camp fun as we stomp our way along Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation, exploring the plants and animals that call it home. We’ll turn over rocks, use nets to get a closer look, and discover how amazing a creek habitat can be! We will create crafts, play games, experience nature, meet some of LCMP’s live animal ambassadors, make new friends, and have lots of fun exploring Beaver Creek! 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 pm–3:30 pm session. Register by June 11. 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 Bev at (440) 949-5200 ext. 304 or e-mail bwalborn@loraincountymetroparks.com with any questions.
CRAFT AWAY CAMP
Location: Cascade Park (Elyria)
Dates: June 25 - 28, 2024 (art gallery showing on June 29)
Time: 9:00 am-3:30 pm, each day
Age Range: 10-13 years old
Fee: $130/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, still-life, impressionism, up-cycling, printmaking, abstract art, creative writing, 3-dimensional art, mixed media, 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 Sat. June 29, from 10:00 am-12:00 pm.
Please make sure to bring a Paint shirt or Smock.
Campers should bring a bagged lunch for this program.
Please wear good closed-toed shoes for outdoor activities.
Art projects are ongoing and will require multiple days of work. Please only register campers who are able to attend all four days of camp. Register the camper by June 11. The building is single floor. Park paths are both paved and 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.
YOUTH THEATRE CAMP - Summer Musical
Location: French Creek Nature Center (Sheffield Village)
Camp Dates: Weekdays, June 24 - July 26, 2024
Camp Times: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Show Dates: July 27, 28, and August 2, 3, & 4, 2024
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 “High School Musical Jr.”
Disney Channel's smash hit movie musical comes to life in French Creek Youth Theatre Camp’s presentation of Disney’s High School Musical Jr. Youth actors from the summer theatre camp will present the story of Troy, Gabriella, and the students of East High. Sing along as they deal with issues of love, friends, and family while balancing their classes and extra-curricular activities. The show’s infectious, danceable songs will surely have you dancing in your seat.
Contact Erin at (440) 949-5200 or e-mail emoran@loraincountymetroparks.com with any questions.
JUNIOR WILD WONDERS CAMP
Location: Carlisle Reservation - Carlisle Visitor Center (LaGrange)
Dates: July 9 - 11, 2024
Times: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., each day
Age Range: 6-8 years old
Fee: $150/child
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 Wild Wonders Camp and explore some of the beautiful places and fascinating creatures that can be found in your very own Lorain County Metro Parks. This camp is for children ages 6 – 8 and will take place from July 9th to July 11th and run from 10 am - 3 pm. Register camper by June 25. 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 Derek at (440) 458-5121 or e-mail druffner@loraincountymetroparks.com with any questions.
TRACKERS OF THE WILD CAMP
Location: Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)
Date: July 9 - 12, 2024
Times: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., each day
Age Range: 11-14 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 June 25. 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.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CAMP
Locations: Wellington Reservation
Dates: July 15 - 18, 2024 or July 22 - 25, 2024
Times: 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! Register by July 1 for the first session and by July 8 for the second session. 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.
CASCADE EXPLORERS
Location: Cascade Park (Elyria)
Dates: July 16 - 18, 2024
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 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 Bev at (440) 949-5200 ext. 304 or e-mail bwalborn@loraincountymetroparks.com with any questions.
TEEN SURVIVOR CAMP
Locations: Black River Reservation, Days Dam Picnic Area (Lorain)
Dates: July 29 - August 1, 2024
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 day camp geared towards teenagers runs from 10 am – 3 pm Monday to Thursday. Campers will explore the Black River 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 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 Lexi at (440) 949-5200 or e-mail at arohrbach@loraincountymetroparks.com with any questions.
GARDEN EXPLORERS CAMP
Locations: Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)
Dates: July 30 - August 1, 2024
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! Registration by July 16 is required. 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.
EARTH KEEPERS CAMP
Locations: Vermilion River Reservation - Mill Hollow side (Vermilion)
Dates: July 30 - August 1, 2024
Times: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., each day
Age Range: 11-13 years old
Fee: $150/camper
Spend time with a naturalist learning about aspects of the Earth and how we can protect it with hands-on demonstrations, games, interactive activities, and more! Some topics during the week will be Earth’s elements, change in our environment, all about animals, and learning to protect our great planet! Camp will run from 10 am – 3 pm each day, July 30 – August 1. Register by July 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 Rachel at (440) 967-7310 or e-mail rkalizewski@loraincountymetroparks.com with any questions.
SUPER SLEUTHS CAMP
Location: Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)
Dates: August 6 - 8, 2024
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 July 23. 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.
A camper with her grandmother at Grandparents Camp | Click or tap to enlarge
GRANDPARENTS CAMP
Age Range: children of all ages with grandparent
Fee: $10/camper
SESSION 1 (morning):
Location: Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation
Date: Wed., August 7, 2024
Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
SESSION 2 (evening):
Location: Cascade Park (Elyria)
Date: Wed., August 14, 2024
Time: 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
SESSION 3 (morning):
Location: Carlisle Reservation - Visitor Center (LaGrange)
Date: Wed., August 21, 2024
Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
SESSION 4 (evening):
Location: Vermilion River Reservation - Mill Hollow side (Vermilion)
Date: Wed., August 28, 2024
Time: 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
Grandparents and Grandchildren are out of this world! Come explore nature together at one of our four park options! The program includes outdoor games, indoor games, a self-guided hike, crafts and light refreshments- All with a SPACE-THEMED twist! Bring a bag lunch (for morning sessions) and a portable dinner (for evening sessions) and your senses of wonder and creativity! The program is open to all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required at least two weeks prior to your selected date. Please register all participants.
**Session 1, 2, & 3 Note: Building does not have stairs, and the hiking path is paved. Closed-toe shoes are advised.
**Session 4 Note: Building does not have stairs, and the hiking path is unpaved. Closed-toe shoes are advised.
Contact Andrea at (440) 865-8786 or e-mail aarriaga@loraincountymetroparks.com with any questions or food allergies.