The Forest Preserve District has organized three days of paddling and campfire fun for college students, adults and families at Monee Reservoir in Monee Township. Each program will feature a tour of the lake by kayak or canoe, games of paddle Frisbee or beach ball on the water followed by roasted hot dogs and s’mores by a campfire. The programs are:

  • Paddle and Campfire: College Night – 6-9 p.m. Thursday, June 20. Half-price kayak or canoe rentals, $10. For college students ages 18-29.
  • Paddle and Campfire: Adults Night Out – 6-9 p.m. Friday, June 21, $20; ages 21 and older.
  • Paddle and Campfire: Family Night – 4-7 p.m. Sunday, June 23, $20; ages 5 and older.

Registration is required two days before each program. Sign up at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 708-534-8499.
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Forest Preserve programs feature fitness and outdoor activities

Happy Mornings Yoga & Hike – 9-10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 20, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, Channahon. Enjoy a 35-minute, all-levels yoga session and a 35-minute hike. Bring a yoga mat, water bottle, a journal and a writing utensil. Free, ages 18 and older. Register by Friday, June 14, at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 815-722-9470.
Summer Solstice Campfire – 8-9:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center. Enjoy a campfire, songs, stories, poetry and a night hike. Free, ages 18 and older. Register by Friday, June 14, at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 815-722-9470.

Bear Goes Fishing Badge: Bear Scouts – 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m., Saturday, June 22, Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville. This program fulfills the requirements for the Bear Boy Scouts “Bear Goes Fishing Badge.” Cost: $25 non-profits/$50 for-profits, for Scouts age 8-9. Register by Wednesday, June 19, at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 815-886-1467.

Kayak Kollege – 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. Saturday, June 22, Monee Reservoir, Monee Township. Led by U.S. Canoe Association/American Canoe Association certified instructors who will teach paddle strokes, wet exits and safety measures. Cost: $50, ages 12 and older. Register by Thursday, June 20, at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 708-534-8499.

First-time Fishing – 4-6 p.m. Saturday, June 22, Monee Reservoir. Learn basic skills, safety and ethics. Equipment and bait will be provided. Cost: $3, ages 7 and older. Register by Thursday, June 20, at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 708-946-2216.

Beginning Birding – 1-3 p.m. Sunday, June 23, at Monee Reservoir. A naturalist will teach the basics of bird-watching. Free, all ages. Register by Thursday, June 20, at ReconnectWithNature.org or call 708-534-8499.