Sherwood Forest Summer Camp serves children from low-income households and underserved communities in Missouri and Illinois, who live at or below the federal poverty line. We strive to establish and sustain long-term relationships with our campers, their families, and the agencies and schools that serve them. By balancing traditional camp adventures with evidence-based programs that reinforce and support school-year learning, Sherwood Forest connects with, educates, and inspires the youth of St. Louis.
Sherwood Forest’s Quest program is designed for children in 1st-9th grades who live in the St. Louis region. In order to be eligible for our programs, campers should live in one of the following counties: St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Jefferson County, Franklin County, St. Charles County, St. Clair County (IL), or Madison County (IL). Sherwood Forest reserves 80% of our spaces for children from low-income families. This is defined by a child’s qualification for the Summer Food Service Program. Campers who do not qualify for this program are able to attend camp, but priority is given to those who do qualify. It is also a requirement that campers themselves have a strong interest in going to camp.
Sessions:
Mini Camp (1st and 2nd Graders)
Session 1: June 7, 2026 to June 13, 2026
Session 2: July 9, 2026 to July 15, 2026
Cost: $35
Explorer Camp (3rd – 5th Graders)
Session 1: June 17, 2026 to July 2, 2026
Session 2: July 19, 2026 to August 3, 2026
Cost: $50
Leadership Camp (6th – 9th Graders)
Session 1: June 7, 2026 to July 2, 2026
Session 2: July 9, 2026 to August 3, 2026
Cost: $75
** Participants can only attend one camp session. **



See the Zoo's California sea lions perform acrobatic and athletic feats, including Olympic-style dives on a high-diving platform, flipper walks, frisbee tosses and plenty of surprises. While on stage with the sea lions, the Zoo's trainers explain sea lion behavior and positive-reinforcement training, in addition to the need for conserving the sea lion's ocean habitat.
Discovery Club is an exploration of all kinds of science! Kids ages 7-11 will navigate through the sciences with projects, experiments and activities at this free program. Themes include robots, roller coasters, potato batteries and more.
Explore the Saint Louis Zoo in the evenings at the Chinese lantern festival Animals Aglow! Animals Aglow returns to illuminate the Saint Louis Zoo for the second year with dozens of new, towering lanterns and light displays.
Visit The Magic House for Toddler Time, a special early-morning program for toddlers. Children age 1-4 can take part in exhibits and exclusive interactive activities designed just for little ones. There are new themes every week!
Join Ms. Amanda in the Makerspace at the Edwardsville Children's Museum for a fun, lively Dance Party. The toddler-friendly tunes will accompany free play time and musical instrument exploration.