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.

A minimum of eight participants and a maximum of 20 participants are required per program, unless otherwise noted. We recommend one chaperone for every five children. Groups can arrive for programs until 7 p.m., depending on staff availability.

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

Program Locations

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

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.