Chicago Public School teachers may very well be going on strike tomorrow, extending students’ three-day Columbus Day weekend indefinitely. Or, at least, until the Chicago Teachers Union and the Board of Education reach a negotiation over school funding.
While the kids are out of school, you’ve still got to go to work, right? Kids can spend the day at their school if they have nowhere else to go, but they're highly encouraged to explore other opportunities. Luckily, Chicago’s got this whole CPS strike thing down pat. Lots of community centers around the city are offering “strike camps” where the little ones can spend the day learning. Your kids may be out of school, but they can stay active and educated at these “strike camps.”
YMCA of Metro Chicago’s School Day Out program—Children ages 5-12 will be provided with supervised activities, and at many locations, meals. All are welcome, but Y members are given priority. Find a location near you here.
Bit Space day-off camps—Bit Space, a hands-on design workshop for kids, will offer its day-off camps on strike days. 2541 W Lawrence Ave.
Power Up Tech Academy—This kids coding institute is holding half-day and full-day camps for grades 2-6. 2867 N Clybourn Ave.
Lill Street Art Center—Lill Street offers an incredible array of arts, crafts and design classes for people of all ages. Classes will be open and available during the teachers’ strike. 4401 N Ravenswood Ave.
Kids STEM Studio—Future engineers will love a hands-on day camp at Kids STEM Studio in the South Loop. 1319 S State St.
Junior Ninja Warriors—Let your kids roll around at Junior Ninja Warriors’ day camp on October 12-13. Come ready to be active! 2915 W Montrose Ave.
C.I.T.Y. Club Gymnastics Academy—From gymnastics to “brain games” to arts and crafts, the kids will have a jam-packed day during the strike at C.I.T.Y Club. 1723 S Michigan Ave.
Chicago Park District’s “Play at the Park Camp”—89 parks across the city are offering programming from 8:30am-3:30pm. It’s totally free(!), though pre-registration is encouraged. Find your nearest location here.
Youth Pop-Up Camps at Hubbard Street Dance Studio—Hubbard Street will teach kids about creativity and the techniques used in contemporary dance. 1147 W Jackson Blvd.
Camp 4041 at Filament Theatre—Send your little thespians to Filament Theater. The camp will be extended as long as the strike is on. 4041 N Milwaukee Ave.
All CPS parents should sign up for the strike up email here, to stay up-to-date on the latest in strike news. Plus, check out the full contingency site map.
Want more? Sign up here to stay in the know.