Greene County Parks & Trails Summer Camps & Programs

Time to register for Greene County Parks & Trails summer camps, programs

With school ending soon and summer on the way, Greene County Parks & Trails (GCP&T) is now accepting registrations for its 2017 series of summer camps for local children focusing on the natural world and the paved trails network.

This year, participants can view and register on-line for any GCP&T program or event by visiting www.gcparkstrails.com. Registrations may also be made by mail or by stopping in the park agency headquarters, 575 Ledbetter Rd., Xenia, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Space is limited so participants are encouraged to register early.

Programs for 2017 include:

Bike Camp - Ages 7-14
Come join the Greene County Parks & Trails Trail Sentinels and Park Rangers for a week-long bike camp that features cycling rules, safety, bike trail etiquette and more!  Bike camp will be based at Xenia Station, 150 S. Miami Avenue, Xenia.  All skill levels are welcome but participants must know how to ride a bicycle; training wheels not allowed.
Ages: 7 – 9; preregistration before June 1
Monday June 5-Friday June 9, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM
Ages: 10 – 14; pre-registration required before June 8
Monday June 12-Friday June 16, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM
Resident $ 30.00, Non-Resident $ 40.00, Xenia Station, 150 S. Miami Avenue, Xenia, Oh, 45385

Nature's Playground
Start your summer off right with one of our most popular camps. Mud/twig forts, off-trail games of capture the flag, climbing trees --- all the things that parents and grandparents did as kids will be enjoyed by campers this week.
Ages: 7 - 12
Monday June 5-Friday June 9, 9:00 AM-2:30 PM
Resident $ 90.00, Non-Resident $ 100.00, pre-registration required before May 28
Narrows Reserve: Narrows Reserve Nature Center, 2575 Indian Ripple Rd., Xenia, OH, 45385

Outdoor Survival Skills
Campers will learn basic survival skills including campfire building, cooking, use of a pocket knife, plants and knot and lashing techniques. Each camper will receive their own pocket knife.
Ages: 9 - 15
Monday June 12-Friday June 16, 9:00 AM-2:30 PM
Resident $ 100.00, Non-Resident $ 110.00, pre-registration required before June 5
Narrows Reserve: Narrows Reserve Sperling Lane, 2575 Indian Ripple Road, Xenia, OH, 45385

Learn to Canoe and Kayak
Have you ever wanted to learn to canoe or kayak? Instruction includes classroom time, hands-on training and in-the-water instruction. This class is being taught by the Greene County Parks & Trails Certified Watercraft Instructor. Canoes, kayaks, paddles and personal flotation devices provided. Ages 12-15 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Ages: 12 - 80
Saturday June 17, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
Resident $ 10.00, Non-Resident $ 15.00, pre-registration required before June 11
Spring Lakes Park, 2191 Ferry Road, Bellbrook, Oh, 45305

How Does My Garden Grow
Let's start our own garden, play in the dirt and plant seeds to grow. Learn about the critters that live in the dirt as well as who needs plants for their food and homes.
Ages: 6 - 8
Monday June 19-Friday June 23, 8:30 AM-12:00 PM
Resident $ 60.00, Non-Resident $ 65.00, pre-registration required before June 13
James Ranch Park, 177 Fairground Road, Xenia, OH, 45385

Advanced Outdoor Skills
Campers will build on their basic outdoor skills to build a lean-to to sleep in, cook their supper over a fire and use a map and compass to find buried treasure. Dinner, snack and breakfast will be provided. *Must have completed Basic Outdoor Skills to register for this camp*
Ages: 9 - 15
Monday June 19-Friday June 23, 9:00 AM-2:30 PM
Resident $ 110.00, Non-Resident $ 120.00, pre-registration required before June 14
Narrows Reserve: Narrows Reserve Sperling Lane, 2575 Indian Ripple Road, Xenia, OH, 45385

Minecraft Unplugged
Get outside and live Minecraft for real! Actually dig for minerals, craft your own diamond sword, go on survival mode and use a bow and arrow against creepers, zombies and other mobs! Find treasure on adventure mode and more!
Ages: 7 - 12
Monday June 26-Friday June 30, 9:00 AM-2:30 PM
Resident $ 90.00, Non-Resident $ 100.00, pre-registration required before June 20
Monday August 7-Friday August 11, 9:00 AM-2:30 PM
Resident $ 90.00, Non-Resident $ 100.00, pre-registration required before August 1
Narrows Reserve, 2575 Indian Ripple Rd., Xenia, OH, 45385

Hunger Games Camp Style
Campers get to participate in the real life action of the Hunger Games. Hide in the forest, form alliances with others, outwit your opponents and compete in the battle to be crowned victor.
Ages: 12 - 16
Thursday July 6-Friday July 7, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
Resident $ 50.00, Non-Resident $ 55.00, pre-registration required before June 27
Russ Nature Reserve, 380 Kemp Rd., Beavercreek, OH, 45431

Nature-on-the-Go
Explore nature through an action-packed week of nature exploring, creekin, archery and fishing (when available), looking for critters, hiking, crafts and more. Each day has a new theme and new activities.
Ages: 6 - 13
Monday July 10-Friday July 14, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
Resident $ 50.00, Non-Resident $ 60.00, pre-registration required before July 3
Russ Nature Reserve, 2380 Kemp Rd., Beavercreek, OH, 45431

Beauty and the Beasts
Campers will explore the woods, creeks and meadows for nature's beauty and its beasts. Experience how what was once scary is now magical.
Ages: 4 - 6
Monday July 10-Friday July 14, 9:30-11:30 AM
Monday July 10-Friday July 14, 1:00-3:00 PM
Resident $ 60.00, Non-Resident $ 65.00, pre-registration required before June 20
Narrows Reserve, 2575 Indian Ripple Rd., Xenia, OH, 45385

Canoeing and Creekin'
Learn entering and exiting a canoe, strokes, emergencies and more.  In the afternoon, campers will cool off exploring the creek. Friday will include a down river canoe float along the Little Miami River. Campers need to have swimsuits, beach towel and water shoes. Funded through a grant from ODNR, Division of Watercraft.
Ages: 9 - 15
Monday July 17-Friday July 21, 9:00 AM-2:30 PM
Resident $ 110.00, Non-Resident $ 120.00, pre-registration required before July 7
Spring Lakes Park, 2191 Ferry Road, Bellbrook, Oh, 45305

What's Buggin U?
Join in a hands-on adventure exploring local beetles, butterflies, ants and other insect adaptations ranging from camouflaged caterpillars to moths that look like owls and twigs that have legs and can walk away.
Ages: 7 - 12
Monday July 17-Friday July 21, 9:00 AM-2:30 PM
Resident $ 90.00, Non-Resident $ 100.00, pre-registration required before July 11
Narrows Reserve, 2575 Indian Ripple Rd., Xenia, OH, 45385

Ultimate Nature's Playground
Take your outdoor play to the next level - bigger forts, tougher challenges and a week long search for "Sasquatch". Explore creeks and ravines and play challenging tag games inspired by animals.
Ages: 13 - 16
Monday July 24-Friday July 28, 9:00 AM-2:30 PM
Resident $ 100.00, Non-Resident $ 110.00, pre-registration required before July 14
Narrows Reserve: Narrows Reserve Sperling Lane, 2575 Indian Ripple Road, Xenia, OH, 45385

Grandparent and Me
Grandparents be a kid again- Skip rocks, collecting caterpillars, make mud and share these memorable experiences with your grandchild.
Ages: 4 - 6
Monday July 24-Friday July 28, 9:30-11:30 AM
Monday July 24-Friday July 28, 1:00-3:00 PM
Resident $ 60.00, Non-Resident $ 65.00, pre-registration required before July 18
Narrows Reserve, 2575 Indian Ripple Rd., Xenia, OH, 45385

Creek Week
Summer is all about getting wet, playing in the creek, exploring for salamanders and crawdads. Lean the ecosystem of the river and what other animals depend on it for life.
Ages: 7 - 12
Monday July 31-Friday August 4, 9:00 AM-2:30 PM
Resident $ 90.00, Non-Resident $ 100.00, pre-registration required before July 25
Narrows Reserve, 2575 Indian Ripple Rd., Xenia, OH, 45385

For more information about any GCP&T program or event, call the park agency headquarters at 937.562.6440, email  info @gcparktrails.com or visit www.gcparkstrails.com.