Summer Programs at the Environmental Education Center
Join the educators at Lake County Solid Waste Management District for a free, fun experience this summer. Participants are encouraged to bring a snack to their scheduled program, as no food is provided. Programs listed below are “drop-off” programs, adults are not expected to attend. Prompt drop-offs and pick-ups are appreciated. Grade levels listed are for the 2024-2025 school year.
2025 Summer Program Information
BOWLING BLASTOFF!
1st- 5th grade
We're blasting off into Summer with an exciting and fun bowling bonanza! Learn how to make your own fun with entirely re-used materials. Participants will learn how to make their own bowling set to take home and compete in our Reuse Bowling Tournament!
WHAT'S IN OUR WATER?
1st-7th grade
Step into the water with us at Bellaboo’s to become a scientist for the day! Using waders, we'll test water quality and explore the tiny creatures—macroinvertebrates—that call it home. Learn how these organisms help indicate a healthy ecosystem and discover ways we can all protect our waterways through responsible environmental care.
COMPOST EXPLORATION
3rd-7th grade
Dig into the topic of natural decomposition with our composting program! Learn how to create your own compost and investigate how our red wiggler friends (worms) help to break down organic materials.
EDIBLE LANDFILL
1st-7th grade
Do you know how a landfill is constructed? Learn about the important design and construction of a landfill by making your own edible version! Discover how to reduce your waste production while snacking on the tasty layers of your creation. This program uses foods containing common allergens.
ART CAMP JR. (2 days)
1st- 4th grade
Do you have a 1st-4th grader who loves to create their own art? We have just the program for you! Join us for a two-day art camp where participants will repurpose common materials to create new masterpieces. Camp will conclude with an “Art Show” for families exhibiting student work.
ART CAMP (2 Days)
5th- 8th grade
Do you have a 5th-8th grader who loves to create their own art? We have just the program for you! Join us for a two-day art camp where participants will repurpose common materials to create new masterpieces. Camp will conclude with an “Art Show” for families exhibiting student work.
SEED PAPER CRAFTING (2 Days)
3rd- 8th grade
Craft your own seed paper greeting card/postcard! In this workshop, we will break down junked paper into pulp, add flower seeds, and shape out our new paper creations. After an evening to dry, we will use the finished paper to make cards for the special people in our lives. When the card is no longer needed, let the recipient know they can bury it in their yard for a splash of color in the coming warm season!
CRAFT A BOAT (2 Days)
4th – 8th grade
Get creative and set sail with our Craft a Boat program! On day one at the Environmental Education Center, participants will design and build their own boats using reused materials. Then, on day two, we'll meet at Marquette Park to test their creations in the water and see if they float! Afterward, we’ll head to the lakefront for a mini beach cleanup, where kids will learn about the importance of keeping our waterways clean and disposing of trash responsibly.
CARTER CREEK MYSTERY
4th – 8th grade
Attention aspiring forensic investigators: Carterville Creek is polluted! You must learn the nature of the contamination, locate its source, and find the culprit responsible, using forensic science to test water and soil samples.
2ND ANNUAL RECYCLING CARNIVAL
Open to the Public
Join us for this open-house style end of summer celebration at the Recycling Carnival! Participants are invited to play a variety of carnival games created using repurposed materials! Open to all!
2025 Enviromobile Information
K-6th Grade Programs:
REUSE CRAFT
30-60 Minutes
Students will explore creative ways to reuse items that would have otherwise been thrown away or recycled. Offered crafts will vary depending on supply availability and age group.
RECYCLED GAMES
30-60 Minutes
Participants will play a variety of carnival games created using repurposed materials.
ENVIRONMENTAL BINGO
45-60 Minutes
Students will play an environmentally-themed BINGO and learn how they can help protect their environment. Small prizes will be awarded.
7th-12th Grade Programs:
REUSE ART
45-60 Minutes
Teens will explore creative ways to reuse items that would have otherwise been thrown away or recycled. Offered crafts will vary depending on supply availability and age group.
ENVIRONMENTAL ESCAPE ROOM
45-60 Minutes
Teens will work together to help discover a solution against climate change. They will have to decode cryptic clues to find the planet-saving solution before time runs out!
ENVIRONMENTAL TRIVIA
45-60 Minutes
Test your knowledge and compete for the title of Master Environmentalists! Small prizes will be awarded to the winning team.
Adult Programs:
COMPOSTING/SEED STARTING
60 Minutes
This program teaches all about backyard composting. Participants will learn about the proper ratio of brown and green material, as well as the other requirements for a successful compost.
REUSE CRAFT
45-60 Minutes
Explore creative ways to reuse items that would have otherwise been thrown away or recycled. Offered crafts will vary depending on supply availability and age group,
CLEANING SOLUTIONS/RECYCLING 101
45-60 Minutes
Join us for a fun and educational afternoon to discuss healthier cleaning solutions! Participants will make a bottle of their very own earth-friendly cleaner. Information on household hazardous waste disposal will be provided, and staff will be available to answer questions.