Nature-Based Learning and Community
The Dickson Valley Learning Collective is a weekly drop-off enrichment program for kids in grades 1–8, held every Wednesday on 160 acres in Kendall County, Illinois. Kids spend the day outside learning together — nature, science, geography, Bible, art, and a whole lot of free play. It's the best of camp and homeschooling in one place!
Fall Registration is now Open!
At DVLC, kids in grades 1–8 spend Wednesdays exploring 150 acres of woods and trails, working through hands-on science experiments, learning about countries around the world, making art, hearing great books read aloud, and doing all the things camp does best — together.
Classes are split into three age groups (Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, and Middle School), and mixed-age time is built into every day on purpose. Community is central to our days.
Everything we do is rooted in faith and the good news of Jesus Christ. You don't have to share our faith to enroll — but you should know it shapes everything.
When
Wednesdays, 9am–3pm
Starting September 9, 2026
Where
Dickson Valley Camp & Retreat Center
Kendall County, IL
Who
Grades 1–8
Homeschool families are a natural fit, but all are welcome
Cost
$150/month per child
$25 sibling discount · No registration fees · Scholarships available
Commitment
Enrollment is by semester. We ask for that commitment because community takes time to build — kids need a few weeks to settle in and find their people. Need to leave early? Just let us know by the 15th of the month before your last month — no penalties.
A typical day includes:
Academics in the morning · Camp time in the afternoon
Questions? Email us at office@dicksonvalley.com
“Nature-deficit disorder describes the human costs of alienation from nature, among them: diminished use of the senses, attention difficulties, and higher rates of physical and emotional illness.”
Fall 2026 is now open!
Questions? Email us at office@dicksonvalley.com
Wednesdays at Dickson Valley are a gift for the whole family — kids come home tired, happy, and full of stories. Parents get a full day to work, rest, or just breathe.
FAQ
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No, lunch is not provided. Students should bring their own lunch and snack each day. Please note that Dickson Valley is a peanut-free facility.
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Drop-off begins at 8:45 AM, and the program starts promptly at 9:00 AM. Pick-up is at 3:00 PM. Please be on time so our day can start and end smoothly!
Drop-off and pick-up will take place at the Parking Lot Pavilion unless weather requires a change-in that case, we’ll let you know ahead of time.
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As much as possible! Weather permitting, lessons and activities will take place outdoors. We have several covered pavilions for rainy days, our large gym, and our lovely dining hall we’ll use when it’s too cold or unsafe to be outside. Kids should come prepared for all kinds of weather and expect to be outdoors often. For those keeping track for the 1000 Hours outside challenge…thats 6 hour to add!
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Weather-appropriate clothing such as rain gear (jacket and pants), snow gear, and cold-weather layers as needed.
Sturdy, weather-appropriate shoes or boots
Lunch and snack (peanut-free)
A backpack or bag to carry home art and papers
A full set of clothes (can be left at camp in a labeled zip-lock bag)
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We use mixed-age groups on purpose. There's something that happens when a 3rd grader is watching a 7th grader navigate a challenge — and something else that happens when that 7th grader realizes a younger kid is watching. That said, we do split into three groups for certain lessons and activities — Lower Elementary (grades 1–3), Upper Elementary (grades 4–6), and Middle School (grades 7–8). A good chunk of the day is still all together.
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If your child is placed on the waitlist, we’ll reach out as soon as a spot opens up. Deposit is still required to hold your spot on the waitlist. If a spot becomes available, we’ll contact you via email and give you 48 hours to confirm your registration. If we’re unable to place your child in the program, your deposit will be fully refunded.
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(Spoiler alert: Yes. In the best way!) We believe the best kind of learning often involves mud, leaves, paint, and a healthy dose of outdoor play. Your child will come home with full hearts, tired legs, and probably dirt on their clothes- and we think that’s a win.
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Registration is by semester — fall (September–December) and spring (January–May). We ask for that commitment because community is a big part of what makes DVLC work. If you need to leave early, just let us know by the 15th of the month before your last month. No penalties.
