What can you purchase for $2.50? Believe it or not, at the Valpo Parks Discovery Camps program, most camp fees break down to less than $2.50 an hour.
The benefits of spending that $2.50 toward camp for your child are endless. Children who attend camp can enhance their self-esteem, develop new skills, and grow their childhood friendships. For $2.50 an hour, the benefits of camp can be affordable at Discovery Camps.
The Discovery Camps program is accredited through the American Camp Association and the four age specific programs are offered in weekly sessions all summer at Rogers-Lakewood Park. The camps include Adventures Camp for ages 3-5, Voyagers Camp for children entering kindergarten, Discovery Day Camp for grades 1-6, and Rangers Camp for tweens entering grades 7 & 8. Scholarships are available for all camp programs and extended camp care is available for Day and Rangers Camp.
Registration is currently open, camp begins June 13; to register contact the Valpo Parks Office at 219-462-5144 or visit us online at www.valpoparks.org.
ACA Accredited since 2007
ACA Accreditation means that Discovery Camps voluntarily submitted to a thorough (up to 300 standards) review of its opersations by the American Camp Association (ACA)- from staff qualifications and training to emergency management. ACA collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth-serving agencies to ensure that current practices at the camp reflect the most up-to date, research-based standards in camp operation.
Camp Staff
All camp directors are area teachers and youth workers whose special skills fit their individual camps. Also, the camp counselors are at least high school seniors, most are college students majoring in education or youth development related areas. Each member of the Discovery Camps team brings unique talents and whole-hearted enthusiasm to the camp experience. All staff undergo background checks and participate in Camp Training including CPR, First Aid and program development instruction.
Camp Location
All the camp programs are offered at Rogers-Lakewood Park. This outdoor location allows the staff and campers to explore the great hiking trails, safe playgrounds, and the unique natural areas of the park.
Discovery Adventures Camp
Preschool: Ages 3-5
Fill your child's summer with wondrous camp adventures. From exploring the nature trails on scavenger hunts to creating unique arts and crafts projects, the staff at Adventures Camp will make this a great first camp experience for your little one. Each week the children will explore a new fun theme such as "Luau Wow" or "Ahoy Mateys" through games, stories, crafts, and other specially planned activities. Join us on a unique preschool camp adventure this summer!
Location: Hickory Grove Shelter
Max: 25
Discovery Voyagers Camp
Entering Kindergarten: Ages 5-6
Continue your child's summer camp voyage in this unique kindergarten camp. This small camp setting provides a great opportunity for your child to learn and grow as they transition to elementary-age programs. Each week the staff of Voyagers Camp will create fun, age-appropriate and hands-on experiences through themed activities such as "Ooey Gooey Messes" or "Search for the Pot of Gold." Jump on board for an exciting adventure this summer!
Location: Kiwanis West Shelter
Max: 12
Discovery Day Camp
Entering Grades: 1-6
Summer is a time to be outside and learn in a new environment; Discovery Day Camp is the place to make this all happen for your child. Whether the children are participating in the all-camp Special Event program or a small cabin time activity, they are sure to learn new skills and make new friends. It is through these experiences that they Day Camp staff can help your child build their self-confidence while being a "kid" at camp.
Location: Discovery Shelter
Max: 105
Age Groups
The children are placed in age groups according to the grade they are entering in the Fall.
Explorers: Grs. 1-2 Pioneers: Grs. 3-4 Jr. Rangers: Grs. 5-6
Specialty Activities
Each week children may sign up for two specialty activities for special instruction and activity time.
- Arts & Crafts: based on theme
- Sports: disc golf, lacrosse, field hockey, etc.
- Outdoor Adventures: archery, boating, hiking, camp cooking, nature
Rangers Camp
Entering Grades: 7-8
Summer is more than fun and games at Rangers Camp; this camp is about exploring the community through leadership and service opportunities. Three years ago the Rangers set out on a journey to redefine summer day camp for tweens; no longer are they just campers, they are leaders. Rangers take weekly trips learning about future careers from area entrepreneurs, in addition to helping others through volunteer projects. Camp is also filled with fun field trips, activities and overnight campouts. Join the Rangers for a new kind of day camp experience this summer!
Location: Program Center
Max: 20
Special Scholarships Available
The Ranger Camp program received a grant from the United Way Power of Youth to provide camp scholarships for middle school youth. The scholarship allows families to reduce the weekly camp fee by 50%. There are a limited number of scholarships available. To request information contact the Parks office.
Camp Care
Entering Grades: 1-6
Discovery Day and Ranger Campers are invited to extend the camp day fun by playing games, making crafts, and enjoying the outdoors at AM and PM camp care. This is the perfect option for working parents. A snack is provided during the PM Care program. Camp Care is not available for Adventures or Voyagers Camps.
Overnight Campouts
Join us for a full camp experience by camping overnight at Rogers-Lakewood Park. Campers will sleep in tents, cook over a campfire, take night hikes and more. Each overnight is led by qualified camp staff. Age groups are designated for the overnights to allow for age appropriate activities.
- June 30: Pioneers
- July 14: Rangers
- July 28: Jr. Rangers
- August 18: Jr. Rangers & Rangers
Max: 20
Registration deadline is Thursday at 12:00 noon, of the overnight date. Registrations are only taken at the Parks office.
Field Trips
Discovery Day and Ranger Camps take three fun-filled field trips during the summer time. Campers and staff will travel by school bus to area destinations; they will depart from and return to the Discovery Shelter. All camp staff attend field trips, therefore camp is no available that day for campers not attending field trips. All field trip fees (admission, bus and lunch) are included in the weekly registration fee for that week.
- June 24: Zao Island
- July 22: Cinemark Movie
- August 5: Potawatomi Zoo
How to Register- Registrations can only be taken at the Valpo Parks office. Parents may register via phone, fax, in person, or online. The registration deadline for all camps is the Wednesday prior to the week your child is attending. A $5 processing fee will be added when registering after this deadline.
Parks Office: 3210 N Campbell St, Valparaiso, IN 46385 Contact: P: 219.462.5144, www.valpoparks.org, F: 219.465.0098
Fee Assistance- Fee assistance is available for all Discovery Camps. Applications are available through the Parks Office and must be submitted for consideration at least one week prior to attending camp.
Attending Summer School?- Campers attending summer school in the Valparaiso Community School district may attend camp during those weeks at a half day rate. This is only available during summer school weeks. You must contact the school district transporation office for bus assignments.