Kids summer camps in the Chicago Suburbs

Quarry Camp for Explorers (Ages 10-14)

Your 10-14 year old Explorers will love this camp!

June 9th - August 1st, 2025

Exploration awaits at Quarry Camp! Join us for a week at The Forge!  Quarry Camp is back for another spectacular summer with new activities and programming that your camper will love! Each day campers will have the opportunity to make new friends, get to know their super fun counselors, participate in several Forge activities including Climbing & Ziplining (if the camper meets height & weight requirements), Kayaking, Laser Tag, Archery and so much more.

 

Explorers get to spend their Tuesdays or Wednesdays on an all day long kayak trek exploring some of the many quarries we have at The Forge! They have this unique opportunity to learn new paddling skills, play games, do scavenger hunts on the water, explore Snake Island, and have a picnic lunch on the far Northeast side of the park. This is only offered for Explorers (10-14 year olds), meanwhile Adventurers (7-9 year olds) will have their own special day of activities and exploration. Whether it's their first time or it's their third summer with us, you do not want to miss out on registration! 

 

Adventurers: 7-9 year-olds | $460 per week

Explorers: 10-14 year-olds | $510 per week

Location:
Lemont Quarries, 227 Heritage Quarries Dr Lemont, IL, 60439

Details

Date:
June 9th - August 1st, 2025
Price:
Explorers: $510 per week

Camp Details

Dates:

(Week 1) June 09-13

(Week 2) June 16-20

(Week 3) June 23-27

(Week 4) July 7-11

(Week 5) July 14-18

(Week 6) July 21-25

(Week 7) July 28-Aug 1

 

  • Full day camp from 8:00am-4:00pm Monday to Friday
  • There will be NO camp on July 3 & 4

 

Activities Include: 

  • Ropes Course (must meet minimum requirements)
  • 1 Big Zipline (must meet minimum requirements)
  • Mountain Bike Trails (must bring your own bike)
  • Pump Track (must bring your own bike)
  • Paddlesports
  • Archery
  • Outdoor Laser Tag
  • Nature trail exploration
  • STEM & Art Activities
  • Conservation Activities
  • *NEW* Kids Discovery Zone
  • *NEW* Nature Center
  • *NEW* 18-hole miniature golf course
  • And so much more!

 

Registration includes a special Quarry Camper t-shirt.

 

Quarry Camp lunch options available for purchase.

Requirements

For ropes course and zipline activities campers must meet the following requirements:

  • Minimum weight 70 lbs-250 lbs
  • Minimum height 4'4” (52") - 6’6” (78")

** There will be other activities for those who do not meet climbing requirements.

 

Sample Schedule

Frequently Asked Questions

How much Climbing & Ziplining do campers get?

For all campers who meet the height and weight requirements, we will be climbing on Monday and Thursday from 9:00am - 12:00 pm and ziplining on Friday.

What if my camper does not meet the Climb & Zip requirements?

No worries! They will still have plenty of fun on our Low Ropes Course, Bouldering, Kids Adventure Zone, and other related activities on those mornings.

How will campers be separated?

Campers will be separated by age groups so that they will be met with activities that peak their interests and abilities:

 

Adventurers: 7-9 year-olds (maximum of 50 campers)

Explorers: 10-14 year-olds (maximum of 50 campers)

How much does camp cost?
  • The Adventurer Camp for kids ages 7-9 costs $445 per week
  • The Explorer Camp for kids ages 10-14 costs $495 per week
Can my children who are 2 years apart be in the same camp group?
  • We make every effort to honor requests, but cannot guarantee them.
  • Camp is an awesome place to meet new friends and do some self discovery.
  • Campers in the 7-9 years of age group follow a different schedule than the campers in the 10-14 years of age group.
  • Siblings in these different age groups will not be in the same group due to their different activity schedules.
What is the Explorers' Kayak Trek?

Our Explorers (10-14 year-olds) go on an excursion, Kayak Trek on Tuesday or Wednesay!

  • 9:00-10:00 am -- "Paddle Techniques and Skills" on Quarry Lake
  • 10:00-10:45 am -- Paddle portage kayaks and canoes to Great Lakes Quarry
  • 10:45-2:00 pm -- Exploring Great Lakes Quarries, Snake Island, picnic for lunch, games and a short hike
  • 2:00-3:00 pm -- Paddle back to dock and portage to Quarry Lake to resume camp
Who is facilitating the Summer Quarry Camps?
  • Quarry Camp is designed and created by educators with a combined 30+years of experience working in camps, schools, and community programming.
  • Led by our Educational Program Director and Camp Coordinator, extensive hiring efforts are underway to find mature, creative, and AWESOME college, high school and adult camp Lead Counselors and Junior Counselors.
  • All counselors will be trained in CPR, AED, Basic First Aid, and YPT (Youth Protection Training) along with The Forge Adventure Guides and staff, and have a deep commitment to creating the safest camp environment possible.
  • All counselors will also go through extensive training in activities, inclusion, diversity, and much more to ensure the best camp experience for all campers.
  • Awesome adult, college & high school camp Lead Counselors who are 16+ years in age will be engaging and facilitating the campers each week.
Are phones and electronic devices allowed at camp?

Yes, but they must be in a backpack during activities. There will be plenty of time at lunch, during freetime, and Exploration for pictures and capturing memories!

Will my child need money?
  • The Forge is a Cashless Operation.
  • Parents and campers have the opportunity to purchase The Forge merchandise at check-in and check-out.
  • We are currently accepting credit card swipe and chip pay, as well as debit cards.
  • Campers may purchase snacks and drinks during lunch time only, when The Foundry is open.
What is a Quarry Lunch if I choose this option?
  • You will receive more details regarding camp lunches in the Parent Welcome letter closer to the beginning of camp, in the spring.
  • A delicious meal with just the right amount of nutrition and energy to set your camper up for the rest of the day!
Does my child need to bring a bike?
  • Campers must bring their own bikes and helmets if they want to utilize the Pump Track and on trail rides.
  • The Forge does not have any  bikes for campers to use this summer.
  • We will lock the campers' bikes up at Base camp after camp each day for the duration of the week.
Can The Forge prorate your camper for missing days?

We cannot. We understand that summer can be hectic but we encourage parents to book their campers for a week that they can attend all five days and get the best experience possible!

  • We do not offer prorating or refunds
Is Quarry Camp always outside?

Yes! We play outside in rain or shine! Please prepare your Quarry Camper(s) for the elements with proper shoes, rain boots, jackets and an extra change of clothes (just in case).

 

* Camp will be cancelled for extreme weather conditions.

What is the camp cancellation policy?

Summer camp programming occurs rain or shine. Refunds will be offered up to 3 weeks prior to the start of camp  (transaction fees will NOT be refunded). Credit or changes (availability permitting) are allowed up to 48 hours before the start date.

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