Summer Program Registration is now open!
Summer Programs at the Environmental Education Center
Join us at the Environmental Education Center for a summer of fun and learning! Our free, hands-on programs are designed to engage kids with exciting activities all about the environment and sustainability. We can't wait to explore with you this summer!
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Food is not provided during our programs, so participants are encouraged to bring a snack.
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These are drop-off programs, so adults are not required to attend. We appreciate prompt drop-offs and pick-ups.
Grade levels listed below apply to the 2025-2026 school year. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to give us a call at (219) 853-2420.
2025 Summer Programs
Bowling Blastoff!
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1st- 5th grade
- We're blasting off the 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?
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 - 11am-1pm @ Bellaboo's
- 1st- 5th grade
- Step into the water with us near Bellaboo’s and 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
- 3rd- 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.
- Allergen Warning: 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)
- 3rd- 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: An Environmental Disaster
- 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.
The 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 the public!