Paddling, Campfire Weekend Coming to Monee Reservoir

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.