Sussex County
Cape Henlopen State Park, located in Lewes, Delaware, offers 14 summer programs. Each camp lasts one week and is targeted toward a specific age group.
Children age 4-5 can attend "Sea Stars: Colors at Cape," which teaches about the colors of Cape Henlopen's wildlife. "The Animal Experience," for campers age 6-7, which aims for kids to experience Cape Henlopen through the eyes of an animal while teaching them about the balance between the animals and their environment. For children age 11-13, select from "Fort Miles Camp," which teaches them about the history of World War II in the area, or "Eco-Odyessy," which transforms the children into a team of outdoor scientists, collecting samples and investigating environments.
If your child wishes to create her own summer adventure rather than attend a summer camp, she can hike the 3-mile paved trail around the park, rent a kayak to paddle through the water or play in the sand on the park's beach.
Cape Henlopen State Park
15099 Cape Henlopen Drive
Lewes, DE 19958
(302) 645-6852
destateparks.com/park/cape-henlopen
Kent County
Explore the middle of Delaware in Kent County's Killens Pond State Park. The park offers 10 one-week camps, each designated for a particular age group.
The "Outdoor Enthusiasts" summer camp explores potential environmental careers for campers age 10-14. It features demonstrations by environmental professionals. Younger environmentalists, age 6-10, might be interested in the "Ecology Explorers" camp, which has campers exploring the park's ponds, rivers, beaches and swamps, learning about the creatures that live in them.
Non-camp summer activities include boating and fishing in the park's centerpiece, the 66-acre millpond, or splashing around in the Killens Pond Waterpark. The waterpark features a zero-edge main pool, two waterslides and a lap pool.
Killens Pond State Park
5025 Killens Pond Road
Felton, DE 19943
(302) 284-4526
www.destateparks.com/park/killens-pond
New Castle County
At the top of state is New Castle County, where White Clay Creek State Parkoffers 18 summer camps. Each camp is one week long and grouped by age or grade.
Campers who have completed kindergarten or first grade can spend a week at the creek learning about the animals who live at camp in "Stream Explorers: Animal Tales."
Campers who've completed grades five, six or seven can learn how to mountain bike in the "Mountain Biking & Hiking Camp," which teaches the fundamentals of trailside bike maintenance, compass reading and basic first aid.
For less structured activities, hike one of White Clay Creek State Park's 37 miles of trails, visit the nature center or play a game on the horseshoe pits.
White Clay Creek State Park
880 New London Road
Newark, DE 19711
(302) 368-6900
destateparks.com/park/white-clay-creek
