Lorain County Metro Parks offers youth camps for various ages in various formats. 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 Wednesday, April 1, 2026, 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 Wednesday, April 8, 2026. All drop-off Camps require a completed medical form per participants. Find medical form below.
Two friends at Summer Camp
SUPER SLEUTHS CAMP
Location: Columbia Reservation, Briarwood Lodge (Columbia Station)
Dates: June 9 - 11, 2026
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 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 Keely at (440) 949-5200 ext. 301 or e-mail kbirsic@loraincountymetroparks.com with any questions.
Campers experiencing a live animal demonstration at Summer Camp
FRENCH CREEK EXPLORERS CAMP
Locations: French Creek Reservation - Nature Center (Sheffield Village)
Dates: June 10 - 12, 2026
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 Wednesday to Friday, and you can choose either the 9:00 am–11:30 am session OR the 1:00–3:30 pm session. 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 Keely at (440) 949-5200 ext. 301 or e-mail kbirsic@loraincountymetroparks.com with any questions.
Campers exploring the Vermilion River at River Ramblers Camp
VERMILION RIVER RAMBLERS CAMP
Locations: Vermilion River Reservation - Mill Hollow side (Vermilion)
Dates: June 16 - 19, 2026
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 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 Rachel at (440) 967-7310 or e-mail rkalizewski@loraincountymetroparks.com with any questions.
TEEN SURVIVAL CAMP
Location: French Creek Nature Center (Sheffield Village)
Dates: June 16 - 19, 2026
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 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 Lexi at (440) 949-5200 or e-mail at arohrbach@loraincountymetroparks.com with any questions.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CAMP
Location: Wellington Reservation
Dates: June 23 - 26, 2026 (session 1) or June 30 - July 3, 2026 (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. Register by June 8 (session 1) or June 15 (session 2). 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.
Campers at Theatre Camp
YOUTH THEATRE CAMP
Location: French Creek Nature Center (Sheffield Village)
Camp Dates: Weekdays, June 29 - July 31, 2026
Camp Times: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Age Range: 8-18 years old
Fee: $200/cast member
Show Dates: July 31 - Aug. 2 and Aug. 7 - 9, 2026
Show Times: Fri. & Sat. shows at 7:30 p.m. and Sun. matinee shows at 2 p.m.
Campers ages 8-18 audition, are cast, rehearse, and perform Matilda Jr., The 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.
Matilda Jr. is a lively, heartwarming tale of a remarkable girl with a love of learning, cleverness, and a touch of magic. Facing cruel parents and a fearsome headmistress, Matilda inspires her classmates to take a stand and embrace their own courage. Bursting with energetic songs, dazzling dance, and unforgettable humor, this story celebrates imagination, resilience, and the joy of standing up for what’s right.
Contact Erin at (440) 949-5200 or e-mail emoran@loraincountymetroparks.com with any questions.
Campers exploring a creek habitat at Jr. Wild Wonders Camp
JUNIOR WILD WONDERS CAMP
Location: Carlisle Reservation - Carlisle Visitor Center (LaGrange)
Dates: July 7 - 9, 2026 (session 1) or July 28 - 30, 2026 (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 July 7th to July 9th or from July 28th to July 30th. Both sessions will run from 10 am - 3 pm each day. Register the camper by June 23 for session 1 and by July 14 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 krandolph@loraincountymetroparks.com with any questions.
Campers by the Cascade Park West Falls
CASCADE EXPLORERS
Location: Cascade Park (Elyria)
Dates: July 8 - 10, 2026
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 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.
Campers exploring a river habitat
VERMILION RIVER EXPLORERS CAMP
Locations: Vermilion River Reservation - Mill Hollow side (Vermilion)
Dates: July 14 - 16, 2026
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 June 30. 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.
WILDLIFE FORENSICS CAMP
Location: Columbia Reservation, Briarwood Lodge (Columbia Station)
Date: July 20 - 23, 2026
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. Come make new detective friends and graduate as an LCMP Wildlife Agent. Register by July 9. 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.
Campers exploring the conservatory at Miller Nature Preserve
GARDEN EXPLORERS CAMP
Locations: Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)
Dates: July 28 - 30, 2026
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 14. 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.
Campers exploring a wooded trail at Summer Camp
FRENCH CREEK ADVENTURERS CAMP
Locations: French Creek Reservation - Nature Center (Sheffield Village)
Dates: August 3 - 6, 2026
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, Monday, August 3 through Thursday, August 7, 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 July 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 Keely at (440) 949-5200 ext. 301 or e-mail kbirsic@loraincountymetroparks.com with any questions.
Campers with their grandparents at Grandparents Camp
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 4, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
SESSION 2 (evening):
Date: Wed., August 5, 2026
Time: 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
SESSION 3 (morning):
Date: Thur., August 6, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
SESSION 4 (evening):
Date: Fri., August 7, 2026
Time: 3:00 p.m.-7:00 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 lunch/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 Curtis at (440) 865-8786 or e-mail cdavies@loraincountymetroparks.com with any questions or food allergies.