Monee Reservoir

The Forest Preserve District of Will County offers many different youth group programs at Monee Reservoir. Call 708-534-8499 for more information or to book a youth group program.

Damsels and Dragons

Discover all of the insects that start their lives in the water, including damselflies and dragonflies. We will take an up-close look at life in the water using nets and magnifying lenses. Learn how these critters can indicate the health of the water. Some of the program is on natural, uneven terrain.

Fees: $25/program for non-profit groups; $50/program for for-profit groups
Badge correlations: BSA – Insect Study
Ages: 7-18
Time: 2 hours

Bug Out!

Get down and dirty discovering the incredible world of insects — what makes them an insect, where they live, cool adaptations, how they grow and finally meet some stars of the show! Some of the program is on natural, uneven terrain.

Fees: $25/program for non-profit groups; $50/program for for-profit groups
Badge correlations: BSA Webeloes – Naturalist; BSA – Insect Study, Environmental Science, and Nature
Ages: 8-12
Time: 2 hours

Go Fish

This program teaches kids about fish and allows them to practice casting and play a fun fishing game. Kids will learn about the rules, regulations and ethics that go along with fishing in an interactive, exciting way. Shoreline fishing and sidewalks are accessible for all participants.

Fees: $25/program for non-profit groups; $50/program for for-profit groups
Badge correlations: BSA Webeloes – Naturalist; BSA – Fishing, and Nature
Ages: 5-7
Time: 1 hour

_{(Photo courtesy of Phil Pursley)}

First-Time Fishing

Learn fishing basics, such as putting tackle on the pole and baiting the hook. Practice casting and gain hands-on experience while fishing along the shoreline with the guidance of an instructor. All materials are provided, including pole, tackle and bait. A sidewalk makes the shoreline accessible to all.

Fees: $25/program for non-profit groups; $50/program for for-profit groups
Badge correlations: BSA – Fishing Belt Loop, Fishing Sports Pin, and Fishing Merit Badge
Ages: 8-18
Time: 2 hours

Canoeing Workshop

Certified instructors cover small watercraft safety, equipment, terminology, basic strokes and maneuvering skills. All gear and equipment are supplied, including life jackets, paddles and canoes. Workshop size is 10-20 participants. A sandy canoe landing where the canoes are launched is accessible via a short paved trail from the parking lot.

Fees: $80 per workshop.
Badge correlations: BSA – Canoeing Merit Badge
Ages: 10 and older
Time: 2 hours

Kayak Kollege

Participants will learn basic kayaking safety, equipment and paddle skills, as well as paddling a kayak in flat water conditions. All equipment is provided, including life jackets. Be sure to wear shoes and clothes that can get wet. For participant safety, a maximum of 10 people per workshop is allowed. Fee is $80 per workshop. A sandy canoe landing where kayaks are launched is accessible via a short paved trail from the parking lot.

Fees: $80 per workshop.
Badge correlations: BSA – Kayaking
Ages: 12-18
Time: 2 hours

Badge Program

Calling all troops! Just for you — a program to help fulfill select scout badge requirements. Working with a District interpreter, scout leaders plan and receive a program to help satisfy badge requirements, utilizing Forest Preserve resources such as: staff expertise, cultural artifacts, education equipment and, of course, the preserves themselves. Due to BSA and GSA administration, time requirements and site limitations, no program will meet badge requirements in full. Program and time limits apply. Scheduling is subject to staff availability.

Fee: $40 per interpreter, per hour.
Ages: 5-18
Time: 2 hours

Discovery Program

Our experienced interpretive staff will work with group leaders to design a program to meet your group’s needs. Content must be on natural and cultural history subject areas that keep with the Forest Preserve District’s mission. Scheduling is subject to staff availability.

Fee: $40 per interpreter, per hour.
Ages: 5-18
Time: 2 hours