The Center

The Center
For 74 years, The Center has provided children with a place to camp under the stars, catch frogs, and play in the mud – an experience no child is likely ever to forget. Four different sessions start June 20th, with the last session starting August 1st. Camp runs two weeks per session.

Spaces are available for boys grades 4 through 12 and for girls in grades 4-5 and 10-12. For more information, please contact Megan Maricle or visit www.thecenterpalos.org. The Center, 12700 Southwest Hwy, Palos Park. 708.361.3650

The Center rests on seventy-eight acres of woods and open farmland featuring rustic buildings and nature trails. The Center is a nonprofit organization that hosts a variety of programs serving the needs of our community. We divide our programs into five general groups:

An environmental program featuring two residential summer camps, school camps, 4-H, and a farm with an educational emphasis
A religious program centered around the Wayside Chapel, which hosts interdenominational weddings, baptisms, memorial services, and Sunday after-noon vespers services
A social service program which includes Pathway to Sobriety, a holistic recovery program that heals mind, body, and spirit
An art program for adults and children including classes in painting, pottery, basket-making, and other folk crafts
An education program for children 3-5 years old at our Farm and Nature Discovery Preschool

If you would like more details on any of these programs please stop by the lodge or call (708) 361-3650 for more information. We also offer a newsletter; please call to be included on the mailing list.

The Children's Farm
A real working farm where chickens lay eggs, sheep grow wool, goats give milk, fields grow hay & pumpkins, and ponies give rides! For more information or reservations, please call The Children's Farm at the Center, (708) 361-3650.

Group Farm Tours
Tours for school classes, youth groups and private parties, weekdays throughout the year A guide will lead your group and teach the children about each of the animals, then invite the children into the animal pens for a closer look. Tours last approximately one hour, and we have a picnic pavilion available. By Reservation Only

Family Farm Tours

Open for the public Saturdays & Sundays 1 to 4 p.m., March through November Guides invite the public into each animal pen and are happy to answer questions for a laid-back afternoon’s fun. Complimentary pony rides are offered for children, except in October, when free hayrack rides are offered to all our Pick-Your-Own Pumpkin Patch visitors. No Reservations Needed

Junior Farm Programs
Weekday classes for children 4-8 years old throughout the year featuring farm animal care By Reservation Only.

Farm and Nature Discovery Preschool
The Center’s Preschool is a lively hands-on learning community that gives children the opportunity to become creative learners using natural resources. Our classroom is designed to foster learning through the exploration and discovery of the woods, fields, farm, and animals that are outside or within walking distance of our classroom door. For more information please call (708) 361-8933.

Log Cabin Center for the Arts Classes Painting in Watercolor Painting in Oil Pen & Ink Drawing Calligraphy Woodcarving Basketry Silver Jewelry Stoneware Pottery Poetry & Creative Writing Workshops Wreath-making Herbal Vinegar Paper-making Seasonal Folk Arts Children's Classes Drawing Painting Printmaking Pottery Family Art Workshops
The Wayside Chapel The Wayside Chapel can accommodate up to seventy-two guests for a variety of interdenominational services: Vespers on Sunday afternoons at 4:30, with special holiday services Baptisms on weekend mornings Weddings in our cozy chapel and in our gorgeous garden Renewal of Wedding Vows Memorial Services
Please call today at (708) 361-3650 for more information and for reservations.
Resident Camp Programs Farm and Ranch Camp Live in bunk houses with meals professionally cooked and served at the Cen-ter dining hall. Everyone learns to know and love horses as well as small farm animals. Experience creek walks, farm life, camp-outs and an end-of-camp ro-deo. This is a two week overnight camp featuring nature, animals, and horseback riding for ages 9 to 15. Scholarships available.
Sunship Earth Delivering the message of environmental responsibility at a 3-day, 2-night educational camp, Sunship Earth gives 5th graders a new perspective on the Earth. Students learn that our planet is a ship on which we sail through the universe and come away with a new respect for all forms of living things that surround us. Teachers are invited to accompany their students. For more information and reservations please call (708) 361-3650.

Pathway to Sobriety Pathway to Sobriety at the Center is an AA-based long-term recovery program that guides addicts to reclaim positive attributes of body, mind, and spirit—mislaid during active addiction but inherent in humans—through hard work, counseling, fellowship, and spirituality. For more information please call (708) 361-3650. Pathway's Website Retreat Calendar The Center currently sponsors and leads various retreats. Many are specifically focused on personal and spiritual growth. Additionally, we host recreational horseback retreats.
Outside Retreat Groups Many outside organizations use the meeting facilities at the Center. Recently, church groups, corporate executives, and recovery programs have been our guests. Our twelve retreat rooms, singles and doubles, can accommodate seven-teen guests. Our kitchen staff prepares delicious home-style meals. Please call (708) 361-3650 to book a retreat. Tuesday Luncheon Program Every Tuesday (except during summer months) the Center features a noon-time lunch with a specially selected program. Luncheons are open to the general public. Reservations required
Please call (708) 361-3650 for current program information.