


Champaign Park District Summer Camp 2025 registration is right around the corner on February 10! Whether you’re new to our camps or a returning camper, browse the answers to the frequently asked questions below to learn what to expect from this year’s registration process.
What is the difference between the camps being offered?
- Adventure Explorer’s Camp at Douglass and Leonhard are essentially the same camp in different locations! Both are run by the same management staff, take field trips, go to Sholem twice a week, and spend lots of time in the park with friends. (For ages 6-12)
- Creative Kids Summer Camp at Springer Cultural Center offers the same traditional camp activities, such as swimming and field trips, while adding an extra emphasis on arts, crafts, dance, and performing arts. (For ages 6-12)
- Teen Trailblazers Camp meets at Leonhard Recreation Center daily before heading on a unique adventure. The camp alternates weekly between biking trips and out-of-town excursions. (For ages 12-14)
- Preschool Camp at Springer Cultural Center provides a fun and engaging environment for young children all summer. Kids will enjoy indoor and outdoor activities, including music, arts and crafts, storytime, snacks, and playtime at West Side Park. (For ages 3-5)
- Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation For Kids Only Camp at CUSR Center is an inclusive camp that provides exciting sensory activities like games, crafts, sports, cooking, swimming, and field trips. A 1:4 staff-to-participant ratio is maintained as often as possible. FKO Camp is open to any individual with a disability in the age range. (For ages 5-12)
- Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation Camp Spirit at CUSR Center is an inclusive camp that provides engaging sensory activities like games, crafts, sports, cooking, swimming, and field trips for teens and young adults. A 1:4 staff-to-participant ratio is maintained as often as possible. Camp Spirit is open to any individual with a disability in the age range. (For ages 13-high school graduate)
My child would benefit from a one-on-one aide. Is there an inclusion service available for camps?
Yes! We offer free inclusion services for all Champaign Park District programming through Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation.
To request an aide: please fill in ADA information with INCLUSION REQUEST on the registration form.
For more questions, email the Inclusion Coordinator: cole.alvis@champaignparks.org
Do I have to pay in full upfront?
No, full payment is not required at the time of registration. However, all camp activities with weekly registration will require a $20 deposit for each week when choosing an installment plan. Installment plans require the deposit at checkout, and final payments for each week are due 10 days prior to the first day of camp. A chart of due dates for weekly camps is provided below for reference.
Week | Camp Dates | Payment Due |
1 | June 2 – 6 | May 23 |
2 | June 9 – 13 | May 30 |
3 | June 16 – 20 | June 6 |
4 | June 23 – 27 | June 13 |
5 | June 30 – July 3 | June 20 |
6 | July 7 – 11 | June 27 |
7 | July 14 – 18 | July 4 |
8 | July 21 – 25 | July 11 |
9 | July 28 – Aug 1 | July 18 |
10 | August 4 – 8 | July 25 |
Are scholarships available for summer camp?
Yes! Parents MUST apply for scholarships as soon as possible to ensure a smooth registration process. Click here to apply.
CUSR Summer Camp scholarships have a separate application. Click here to apply.
What happens if there are no available spots when I try to register?
Complete the registration process even if your camp of choice appears to be full. Champaign Park District offers a first-come, first-served waitlist. If a spot opens, you will be contacted when it is your turn on the waitlist, and you will have 24 hours to register after being contacted. If your camper is already in a camp for those dates, please reach out to Registration (217-398-2550) ASAP to process a transfer.