best kayaking programs in Oak Park, IL

Swift Nature Camp is the perfect place for your child to spend their summer! Our overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 is located in beautiful Wisconsin. We offer a unique blend of traditional summer camp activities and environmental education to help kids increase their appreciation for nature, science, and the environment. We’ve got it all – fun, friendships, adventure trips, and nature! Spend your summer with us – you’ll never forget it!

Our travelers often come back with a better understanding of the world and the people in it. They are more aware of their global context and the need to make a difference. Through their service and stewardship of the natural world, our travelers learn to appreciate and respect the beauty of the places they visit. We strive to make a lasting impact on our travelers. We believe that the experiences we provide have the power to change young people’s lives. We are passionate about giving our travelers the opportunity to not only explore the world but also to make a meaningful impact on the places they visit. We want them to gain the skills, knowledge, and connections necessary to help make the world a better place.

At Camp Ben Frankel, we focus on creating a lifetime of memories for Jewish children of all backgrounds. Our leadership and staff are experienced and highly trained in providing a safe, welcoming camp environment, and we’re proud to be accredited by the American Camp Association. We strive to meet and exceed the expectations of our campers, parents, and staff. During the summer of 2021, we reopened our in-person camp and experienced no cases of Covid. In 2020, we launched CBF Online, our virtual summer camp program. It quickly gained recognition from the Jewish Telegraph Agency, The Forward, The Telegraph (UK), the St. Louis Jewish Light, and eJewishPhilanthropy. We partner with organizations like the Foundation For Jewish Camp, JCamp180, Jewish Camps USA, Life and Legacy, and Jewish Federations across the country to better serve our community. We are proud to have been presented with the JCamp180 Outstanding Board Leadership Award in October 2020. At Camp Ben Frankel, our mission is to provide a lifetime of memories to Jewish children from all backgrounds. We create an inclusive and welcoming environment that invites exploration of identity. Our staff are trained in safety protocols, and we use best-practices, strategic partnerships, and an open-minded approach to develop programs and activities that meet our high standards. We are thrilled to have been able to offer both in-person and virtual camp in 2021 and look forward to continuing to provide high-quality programming for years to come.

The American Camp Association (ACA) is a community of passionate camp professionals with over 100 years of collective experience. Our 10,000+ members come from all sorts of backgrounds, providing a wealth of knowledge and expertise. With our exceptional programs, we provide children and adults with invaluable opportunities to learn valuable life lessons. These lessons, which teach positive values like community, character-building, skill development, and healthy living, cannot be found anywhere else. At the American Camp Association, we believe in the power of community. We have been connecting camp professionals for over a century, sharing our knowledge and experience to ensure the quality of camp programs. Our diverse 10,000+ membership is a testament to our commitment to helping each other, and our programs are designed to help children and adults develop vital skills and values. The American Camp Association is proud to offer lessons in community, character-building, skill development, and healthy living - lessons that can only be found at camp. With our exceptional programs, we have been providing children and adults with the opportunity to grow for over 100 years. We are committed to helping others learn and share powerful life lessons.

In 2010, Dan and Andy bought and invested $1 million in construction and renovation of Camp Manitowa Rend Lake. Since then, the 40-acre property has been hosting sleep-away summer camps, retreats, and festivals. It is the newest, freshest camp in the Benton area of Southern Illinois, and is located only 90 minutes from St. Louis, MO and Paducah, KY. At Camp Manitowa, campers entering grades 2nd through 8th can benefit from a tailored 1 or 2 week residential camp program. This program is designed with younger campers’ needs in mind, and encourages the development of independence, self-esteem, cooperation, and problem-solving skills. Campers also have the opportunity to make lifelong friends in a small, nurturing community. The camp also offers structured free play and choice time, allowing campers to feel a sense of belonging and empowerment to learn. In 2013, Camp Manitowa is offering week long specialty camps that focus on water skiing, magic, rock school, science, and the popular sport of Gaga. With its unique program and offerings, Camp Manitowa Rend Lake is a great place for campers to experience all the fun and adventure of a summer camp.

At Glacial Park, McHenry County Conservation District’s most treasured open space, outdoor adventure awaits. Over 3,400 acres of rolling prairie, delta kames, oak savanna and tranquil presence of the meandering Nippersink Creek make this destination a nature lover’s paradise. From fishing and birding, to biking and paddling, Glacial Park is the perfect spot for a day of exploration. The park is home to over 40 state endangered and threatened plant and animal species, and is listed as one of the top five areas to view migratory wetland birds in the region. Over 64,000 guests visit the park each year to hike or horseback along eight miles of trails, bike a five-mile portion of the 26-mile Prairie Trail, or fish the shoreline of Nippersink Creek. At the Lost Valley Visitor Center, visitors can enjoy changing exhibits, pick up trail maps and guide books, and check out upcoming featured programs, outdoor concerts or workshops. Self-guided exploration is also encouraged, with options such as the Glacial Park hiking app, the two-mile interpretive trail loop, or outdoor treetop decks equipped with binoculars, guide books, and viewing scopes. No matter your interest, a day at Glacial Park promises a unique and unforgettable experience.

Celebrating its 65th anniversary this year, Camp Little Giant has been a beacon of inclusivity since 1952. It was the first camp in the nation designed specifically to serve campers with disabilities, and was the first camp to be accredited by the American Camp Association. The camp's mission of providing a safe and enriching environment for campers has set the standard for special needs camps across the country, and has even paved the way for the Special Olympics. Camp Little Giant is dedicated to giving campers with disabilities a true camp experience. It offers traditional activities such as outdoor recreation, swimming, arts & crafts, and music & drama, and all activities are adapted to meet the needs of campers with disabilities. Through its commitment to inclusion, Camp Little Giant has been a leader in providing campers with disabilities an opportunity to enjoy all the benefits of a traditional camp experience. For 65 years, Camp Little Giant has been at the forefront of special needs camps, paving the way for the Special Olympics, and bringing joy and inclusivity to campers of all abilities.

More than 70,000 acres of land make up the Forest Preserves of Cook County, an incredible space that's been around for over a century. It's an incredible resource for Cook County residents, providing a home to rare plants and animals, as well as plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and explore. With 62 million visits each year, the Forest Preserves of Cook County are a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. From camping and fishing to biking and bird-watching, there's something for everyone. The Forest Preserves of Cook County are an incredible asset to our community, providing a unique way for us to experience nature and the outdoors. Whether you're looking for a relaxing stroll in the woods or an afternoon of fishing, you can find it all here. Not only that, but the forest preserves are also helping to keep our air and water clean, making them an important part of our environment. With so much to enjoy, the Forest Preserves of Cook County are a place where families can come together and create lasting memories.

For more than a century, the Y has been the go-to swim instructor for families across America. In today's day and age, research has revealed that if a child hasn't learned to swim by third grade, it's unlikely they ever will. Participating in formal swimming lessons is an effective way to decrease the chances of a child drowning. Knowing how to be safe around water is an absolute must for all families. At the Y, we believe swimming is an essential life skill. Our swim lessons give kids of all ages the tools they need to stay safe and have fun in the water. Through our program, children not only gain the skills to be strong swimmers but also build their self-confidence. It's our top priority to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn this critical life skill. We strive to provide a safe and supportive environment, so kids can gain the knowledge and skills they need to confidently navigate the waters.