Youth Groups Don't Need a Tent to Go Camping

The Forest Preserve District of Will County's Environmental Learning Center in Mokena welcomes youth groups to experience camping without having to pitch the tent, tote the lanterns or the cookware. It's there for you so you can enjoy the experience without investing in the equipment. The Environmental Center has platform-style camping for novices or those who don't want to assemble the equipment.

Up to 60 campers—whetherthey be Girl Scouts, church groups, 4-H members or other youth organizations—can gather around the campfire to sing songs, roast marshmallows, laugh and talk. It's a chance to breathe in the outdoors and enjoy it, said Laura Kiran, communications manager for the Forest Preserve District of Will County.

Platform camping features seven large tents with cots and sleeping mats. They are permanently setup at the Environmental Center's Pine Niche and Three Oaks campgrounds. They are within reach of a hand-pump for water, portable latrines, solar showers and a campfire area.  The fee is $4 per person per night for Will County residents and $5 for non-residents.

For those looking to rough it without traveling far from home, Kiran said the primitive campground area, Cleveland Road Campground, also accommodates 60 campers. There are five camp sites that each accommodate up to 12 campers.  Campers bring their own tents and gear. The fee is $15 per 12-person site per night and $30 per site for non-residents.  

The Forest Preserve of Will County also offers camping options are available at Messenger Woods Nature Preserve in Homer Glen, McKinley Woods in Channahon, Hammel Woods in Shorewood, Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve in Beecher and Forked Creek Preserve in Wilmington. For more information about camping, view the Forest Preserve District of Will County website.

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