Zionsville Parks Summer Camps

Focus on Forests

Registration Information

There is no wait list, we recommend you check the MyRec website often for openings as late cancellations do occur.

Counselor-in-Training CIT Program

Applications for CIT is CLOSED

  • The Counselor in Training (CIT) program with Zionsville Parks offers teens who’ve aged out of our traditional camps an opportunity to learn valuable leadership and real-life skills during the summer. 
  • Through guidance and support from the counselors they are working with, CITs will learn through team building, leadership training, and assisting with camp activities. 
  • This program allows CITs to experience increased responsibility and independence at camp while still enjoying all the fun that camp has to offer. 
  • CITs attend camp at a reduced (1/2 price) rate.
  • Ages: 13 – 15 years
  • CIT will be considered on a first come first serve basis.
  • There will be limited CIT positions in camps for ages 4 - 8 years. 
  • No CIT positions are available in 9 - 12 year old camps.
  • All CIT are required to attend a mandatory camp training session Saturday, June 7 from 10 - 11:30 am at the Zionsville Nature Center.
294263792_1448728452266116_5058588423716239113_n

Day Camps

American Girl Camp - CAMP FULL

Tuesday, June 10

  • 1:00 – 4:00 pm
  • Mulberry Fields Park, 9645 Whitestown Road
  • Ages: 6 – 12 years
  • Fee: $24/Resident, $27/Nonresident

This is a fun-filled, one-of-a-kind camp that encourages creativity and gives campers a chance to share their love of American Girl stories. Campers may, but are not required, to bring a doll.

 

Enchanted Explorers - CAMP FULL

Tuesday, June 24

  • 1:00 – 4:00 pm
  • Overley-Worman Park, 6040 Godello Circle
  • Ages: 6 – 12 years
  • Fee: $24/Resident, $27/Nonresident

Magic awaits around every corner as we explore the world of fairies, gnomes, and whimsical creatures that dwell in the heart of nature. Uncover hidden wonders and unlock the keys to a world filled with imagination and fun.

294722257_545197340637836_3215226336652426144_n
IMG_1376

PEEPs Camp - CAMP FULL

Tuesday, July 1

  • 9:00 – 11:00 am
  • Zionsville Nature Center, 250 N 5th Street
  • Ages: 4 – 5 years 
  • Fee: $16/Resident, $18/Nonresident

Calling all little explorers! Discover the magic of nature camp through outdoor play and exploration. This fun introduction to camp is perfect for sparking curiosity, connecting with nature, and building confidence.

Pickleball Camp - 8 spots left!

Wednesday, July 2

  • 9:00 – 11:00 am
  • Mulberry Fields Park, 9645 Whitestown Road
  • Ages: 10 – 14 years
  • Fee: $16/Resident, $18/Nonresident

Pickleball Camp is designed for individuals who are new to the sport or have limited experience. This camp focuses on teaching the fundamental skills needed to confidently play and enjoy pickleball through engaging lessons and hands-on experience. Participants will gain a solid understanding of pickleball while building their confidence. 

Stinky, Slimy, and Gross Camp - CAMP FULL

Tuesday, July 8

  • 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
  • Zionsville Nature Center, 250 N 5th Street
  • Ages: 6 – 8 years
  • Fee: $40/Resident, $45/Nonresident

Ready to get messy? This camp is all about the grossest and gooiest sides of nature! From stinky skunks to slimy worms, we’ll dig into mud, bugs, and fungi to discover why being gross is great. Get ready to squish, sniff, and explore.

Pokémon Camp - CAMP FULL

Wednesday, July 9

  • 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
  • Overley-Worman Park, 6040 Godello Circle
  • Ages: 6 – 8 years
  • Fee: $40/Resident, $45/Nonresident

Did you know many Pokémon are based on real animals? Join the Zionsville Nature Center Gym, choose from three nature animals and learn how to evolve them through the day! Learn about Pokémon and how they fit into the natural world through crafts, games and more in this exciting camp.

Animal Olympics - CAMP FULL

Thursday, July 10

  • 9:00 am – 2:00 pm 
  • Zionsville Nature Center, 250 N 5th Street 
  • Ages: 6 – 8 years
  • Fee: $40 Resident/$45 Nonresident

Do you have what it takes to jump further than a bullfrog or outrun a deer? Get ready to run, jump, and explore nature like never before. Test your skills in fun, nature-inspired challenges while learning about the amazing abilities of wildlife.

290285226_400439472050938_7800249288484396351_n

Grandparent and ME! Camp - CAMP FULL

Friday, July 11

  • 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Zionsville Nature Sanctuary, 690 Beech Street
  • Ages: 4 - 6 years with grandparent
  • Fee: $24/Resident, $27/Nonresident

Kids, here’s your chance to bring your grandparent to spend a morning at summer camp and share in all your activities and explorations! It’s okay if siblings share a grandparent. 


Wetland Exploration

Wet and Wild Camp - CAMP FULL

Tuesday, July 29

  • 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
  • Ages: 6 – 12 years
  • Overley-Worman Park, 6040 Godello Circle
  • Fee: $40/Resident, $45/Nonresident

This camp will be a wet and wild blast! We will spend the day exploring the creek and pond, playing tons of fun games, and making a mess with friends! 

Art Adventures Camp - 8 spots left!

Wednesday, July 30

  • 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
  • Mulberry Fields Park, 9645 Whitestown Road
  • Ages: 9 – 12 years
  • Fee: $40/Resident, $45/Nonresident

Combine your love of art with the fun of summer camp. We will explore hands on, messy and fun arts and crafts while out in the park and let our imaginations soar.

Animal Helpers Camp - CAMP FULL

Thursday, July 31

  • 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
  • Zionsville Nature Center, 250 N 5th Street
  • Ages: 6 – 8 years
  • Fee: $40/Resident, $45/Nonresident

Have you ever wanted to help animals? Now’s your chance! Join us at Zionsville Nature Center to learn what it takes to care for our resident animals before adventuring out to help those living in the wild! Spend the day exploring the great outdoors and learning what animals need to survive. 


Reptile Program

Week Camps

IMG_0067

Nature Navigators Camp

June 9 - 13  - CAMP FULL

or 

July 14 – 18 - CAMP FULL

  • 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • Zionsville Nature Center, 250 N 5th Street
  • Ages: 6 – 8 years
  • Fee: $120/Resident, $135/Nonresident

Join us for an exciting week of outdoor activities while learning about nature in your backyard. Become a Junior Naturalist and discover different habitats, explore creeks, use binoculars to spot birds and so much more! Friday camp will meet at Elm Street Green, 165 N Elm Street.

Summer Adventures Camp - CAMP FULL

June 16 - 18

  • 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • Mulberry Fields Park 9645 Whitestown Road
  • Ages: 6 – 8 years
  • Fee: $72/Resident, $81/Nonresident

This is what camp is all about! Spend your mornings with Zionsville Parks staff and discover new games, crafts, and summer adventures. We can’t forget time to cool off in the splash pad!

STEAM Camp - 10 Spots Left!

June 16 – June 18

  • 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
  • Overley-Worman Park, 6040 Godello Circle
  • Ages: 9 – 12 years
  • Fee: $72/Resident, $81/Nonresident

Discover the wonders of nature through exciting STEAM activities! Conduct hands-on science experiments, explore the natural world with art and technology, and use your creativity to design and build.

Backyard Explorers Camp

June 23 – 27 - CAMP FULL

or

July 21 - 25 - CAMP FULL

  • 9:00 – 11:00 am
  • Zionsville Nature Center, 250 N 5th Street
  • Ages: 4 – 5 years
  • Fee: $80/Resident, $90/Nonresident

Discover animals and habitats in your backyard as we turn over logs, hike trails, and explore nature with all our senses. Get up-close to a turtle, discover what a snake feels like and get creative!

Wilderness Adventure Camp - CAMP FULL

June 30 – July 2

  • 1:00 – 4:00 pm
  • Various Locations
  • Ages: 9 – 12 years
  • Fee: $72/Resident, $81/Nonresident

Join us for an exciting wilderness adventure! Learn basic survival skills such as shelter building, starting a fire with flint and steel, and navigating all while enjoying the beautiful world around us. 

Immersive Experience

Junior Indiana Master Naturalist - REGISTRATION CLOSED

June 2 - 6

  • 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • Zionsville Nature Center, 250 N 5th Street
  • 9 – 12 years old
  • Fee: $240/Resident, $270/Nonresident

This program is for our biggest nature enthusiasts! Junior Indiana Master Naturalist is an immersive program to connect kids ages 9 - 12 to natural resources through hands-on learning, field experiences, and volunteer work. This program will deep dive into many topics, like local plants, animals, and ecosystems. Participants will also give back to the natural world through service projects. 

  • Junior Indiana Master Naturalist is a program through Indiana DNR. 
  • Participants will participate in at least 2 hours of class time (inside the classroom and outdoors) on eight different natural resource-related topics like zoology, botany, geology, and more.
  • Participants will complete the Jr IMN requirement of 6 hours of volunteer work during the week.
  • After completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate and Jr IMN pin.
  • 80% attendance is required for course completion.
  • Previous participants can return to receive an Advanced Indiana Master Naturalist certification.
Junior Indiana Master Naturalist

Camp Policies and Procedures

Transfer Policy

A transfer from one day camp to another day camp is contingent upon the availability of spots within the desired camp. If the camp is at maximum capacity, a transfer will not be allowed.

Wait List Policy

There will be no wait list offered for camps once registration is full. It is recommended that families check back occasionally to see if spots have opened from cancellations.

Age Policy

The cutoff date for a camper’s age on the first day of the camp week.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Please note our cancellation policy has changed.

  • The Zionsville Parks and Recreation will issue a full refund if the department cancels a camp.
  • Camp cancellations received by end of business day (4 pm) April 30 will receive a 100% refund, less a $10 service charge for cancellation per camp, per camper.
  • Cancellations received between May 1 to end of business day May 16 (4 pm) will receive 50% refund.  
  • Cancellations made after May 16 will not be issued a refund.
  • There will be no camper substitutions.

Inclusion and Modifications

The Zionsville Parks and Recreation Summer camp program is committed to being an inclusive program. We will make reasonable modifications to allow participants of many different ability levels to join our camp programs. 

With that in mind, our summer camps are not specialized or therapeutic programs. Safety of our staff and each participant is our top priority. Planning reasonable modifications may take time. The earlier we know of your need the more likely we can make modifications before the programs begin. We reserve the right to decline modifications if said modifications fundamentally alter the nature of the program or is unreasonable as outlined by ADA regulations.