The Forest Preserve District of Will County offers a variety of programs for youth groups focusing on nature, environmental education, cultural history, and/or recreation. Youth group programs are offered to scouts, church groups, 4-H, and any organized youth group.

General Information

Programs and workshops are offered seasonally and are dependent on staff availability. Select programs satisfy some Boy and Girl Scout badge requirements. Please note that no program satisfies badge requirements in full.

Group size minimum and maximum varies according to the nature of the program. We recommend one chaperone for every five children. Groups can arrive for programs until 7:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

Download the Youth Group Program Guide below for detailed information about program offerings and requirements.

Program Locations

Programs are offered at the Plum Creek Nature Center in Beecher, Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville, Environmental Learning Center in Mokena, Whalon Lake in Naperville, and Monee Reservoir in Monee. Youth group programs may also be presented at approved District preserves in conjunction with a day camp permit.

Please note that from August 1, 2011 through July 2012, improvements will be made to Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, and the first phase of the Plum Creek Greenway Trail will be constructed. Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve and the Plum Creek Nature Center will be closed during this time. View more information about this project. Youth group programs will therefore not be offered at Plum Creek Nature Center during the closure.

Program Fees

Programs at the Environmental Learning Center are offered at $7 per child, per program. The Environmental Learning Center also offers group camping, day use, and equipment rentals. For more information, download the Youth Group Program Guide below.

Programs at Isle a la Cache Museum, Plum Creek Nature Center, Monee Reservoir, and Whalon Lake are offered to scout and non-profit youth groups for $25 per program. The fee for for-profit groups, such as day care centers, clubs, and park districts, is $50 per program.

Workshops at Monee Reservoir and Whalon Lake are offered for $80 per workshop.

Reservations are required for all programs and rentals. For reservations, program availability, or additional information, please contact the facility hosting the program.

For more information regarding our program offerings and the program reservation process, download the Youth Group Program Guide below. Please note that the file is large and may take a few moments to download.