Camps

Playground Program

The La Porte Park and Recreation Department offers this FREE drop-in program that will have a ton of fun activities for local children throughout summer break located in five neighborhood parks. The program will run five days a week when school is in recess for the summer following the schedule below. Themes for the upcoming summer program include Treasure Island, World Cup, Superhero Academy, Party in the USA, Mad Scientists, Safari, Wet 'N' Wild, Summer Olympics and Back to School Week.  Program funded in part through a grant from the Health Foundation of La Porte.

Parent Playground Information
Playground Waiver Form

June 9-August 8, 2025

Koomler Park
Allesee Park
Scott Park
Ben Rees Park
NEW THIS SUMMER! Lindewald Park

Art Camp

Art Camp is an enjoyable summer program for La Porte area kids to experience a hands-on visual arts program. Participants will participate in a variety of artistic activities in the picturesque setting of Cummings Lodge, which is located within Soldiers Memorial Park on the shores of Stone Lake.

During Art Camp, students will be experimenting daily by painting in the style of a famous artist, working on a group project, or taking a short hike to find the perfect landscape view to sketch. Instructors teach creativity, experimentation, and artistic exploration, each day will bring a new topic to inspire the artist within. Students will learn techniques such as drawing, painting, paper mache, printmaking, and much more! The afternoon classes will have more challenging opportunities designed for slightly older students. Fine art mediums are used to explore styles, techniques, and incorporate formal elements of making creative art.

Art Camp is scheduled for two sessions. For the flyer, click here.

Session One

June 9-19

Session Two

July 7-17

The camp meets Monday through Thursday with class times for ages 4-14. The cost of the camp is $50 per camper. Register at the Park Office (250 Pine Lake Avenue) between 8 a.m.-4 p.m., by phone with a credit card at 219-326-9600, or ONLINE.
 

Times for Art Camp Classes:

Ages 4 & 5 - 9-10 a.m.

Ages 6 & 7 - 10:15-11:15 a.m.

Ages 8 & 9 - 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Ages 10 & 11 - 1-2 p.m.

Ages 12-14 - 1-2 p.m.

Nature Camp

Young naturalists will explore the ecological wonders of La Porte with the experts from Dunes Learning Center.  Activities focus on teamwork, observation, critical thinking and creativity.  Campers will have fun exploring outdoors!  Searching for salamanders and frogs, hiking in the forest, playing games with friends, go birdwatching and creating nature themed crafts. An optional family hike at the Richardson Preserve is included with registration. 

2025's camp will be held July 28-31 with an optional family hike on August 1. Class sizes are limited to the first 30 campers registered. Pre-registration is required and can be completed online, by clicking here. Deadline to register is July 20 or when camp is full.

This Nature Camp is made possible by the Flora Richardson Foundation, the Healthcare Foundation of La Porte, Friends of Indiana Dunes, South Shore Arts and Indiana Arts Commission.  

 For the flyer, click here.
 

Volleyball 

EVP Academy brings VolleyKidz USA (ages 8-10 years), Jr. VolleyKidz USA (ages 11-14 years) and Grass Volleyball Camps (ages 8-14 years) to Kesling Park this summer.

Volleykidz USA (ages 8-10 years)

This introductory class is for children ages 8-10 interested in learning the game. The lesson plan introduces the pass, set and spike using a very light volleyball. VolleyKidz will improve each child's hand/eye coordination and left/right coordination through the use of fun drills and games. Lesson plan also incorporates short educational drills that includes spelling, math and science. Class is held on the grass volleyball courts at Kesling Park shelter #2.

Jr. VolleyKidz USA (ages 11-14 years)

Improve your volleyball skills with 90-minute drills in setting, passing, overhand serving and spiking. This lesson plan directs the use of individual training, prairing drills and game situation development to help each student reach a new playing level. Instructors organize short games at the end of each class. The lesson plan also will incorporate leadership and educational componets. Class is held on the grass volleyball courts at Kesling Park shelter #2.

EVP - Grass Volleyball Camps

EVP Academy coaches deliver an introductory and challenging lesson plan on the grass volleyball courts at Kesling Park shelter #2. Lots of contests and games, with fun and active instructors! The lesson plan develops passing, setting, overhand serving and spiking. Volleykidz athletes will be divided by age and ability level. The grass adds a new dimension. All campers get an EVP t-shirt at the beginning of class.

To register your youth player, click here.