Summer camps 2013 | General interest

Akiba-Schechter Jewish Day School This camp offers a play-based curriculum featuring arts and science projects, as well as yoga classes, swimming and cooking. Attendance is very flexible, and kids can come for a short morning or an extended day starting as early as 7:45am, though some options require kids to be enrolled at Akiba. All faiths are welcome to participate. 5235 S Cornell Ave (773-493-8880, akibaschechter.org). Jun 5–Aug 1. Prices vary. Ages 2–6.

The Ancona School A forward-thinking, Montessori-based program rooted in the philosophy that children are active learners, the summer program is culturally themed here, and this year’s campers’ curriculum will revolve around Brazil. Older campers have the choice between an arts focus or a science and athletics concentration. 4770 S Dorchester Ave (773-924-2356, anconaschool.org). Jun 24–Aug 2. Full day $1,664; half day (pre-primary) $1,066. Ages 3–13.

Avery Coonley School Your little one will exercise her brain cells and her muscles during this camp’s dynamic programs. Kids are guaranteed to find something, from swimming to chess to academic programs, that interests them and a place to beat the Chicago heat.1400 Maple Ave (630-969-0800, averycoonley.org). Jun 17–Jul 26. Prices vary by program. Ages 4–13.

Baker Demonstration School Camp days brim with indoor and outdoor play, arts and crafts, music, drama, interactive games and swim instruction. Preschool and kindergarten activities focus on imaginative play, artistic creativity, scientific questioning and early literacy. Campers entering first through sixth grades participate in hands-on Educational Explorations during their sessions; last year’s topics included archaeology, mythical creatures and oceanics. 201 Sheridan Rd (847-425-5800, bakerdemschool.org). Jun 17–Aug 9. $1,185–2,850 for the full session. Ages 3–15.

Banner Day Camp Banner offers two private lakes, a large aquatic center with four heated pools and two water slides, plus indoor and outdoor facilities for sports, music, dancing, wall climbing and more. 1225 Riverwoods Rd, Lake Forest (847-295-4900, bannerdaycamp.com). Jun 17–Aug 9. $1,900–$5,810. Ages 3–14.

Black Bear Academy Your little cub will spend the summer playing in the wild as much as Mother Nature allows. Every week, BBA presents a new theme for campers. Activities like scavenger hunts, art projects and field trips round out the experience. Black Bear Academy, 1801 W Byron St (733-244-0500, blackbearpreschool.com). Jul 1–Aug 2. Prices vary by program. Ages 2–6.

Boys and Girls Club of Chicago Campers spend the summer exploring our fair city with field trips to baseball games, water parks and museums. And then, we’re guessing, they sleep like logs every night. Locations vary (312-235-8000, bgcc.org). Dates, prices, ages vary by location.

Brickton’s Summertime Wonder Camp Campers explore their environment with field trips for ages 4 and older. The “Discover Chicago” session for 6th through 8th graders allows kids to engage with the Windy City through culture, history and community service. 8622 Catalpa Ave (773-714-0646, brickton.org/summer). Jun 10–Aug 16. Prices TBA. Ages 2–11.

Bright Horizons In these summer day camps, children experience a smattering of activities—including basketball, computer programming and magazine publishing. Locations throughout Chicago, go to brighthorizons.com for more info on session dates, prices and ages.

Brookfield Zoo Summer Day Camp Pint-size animal lovers learn about animal habitats and life as a zookeeper, and take a sneak peek into the world of zoology with behind-the-scenes zoo activities. Each camp lasts one week and has a different curriculum. 8400 31st St, Brookfield (708-688-836, brookfieldzoo.org). Jun 3–Aug 9. $145–$375. Ages vary by program.

Bubbles Academy Summer Camp A morning drop-off camp for 3 to 7-year-olds. Campers will engage in art, music, stories, sports, science and more, while extending their imaginations and forming new friendships. Each week includes a new theme. Held at The Catherine Cook School, 226 W Schiller St. (312-944-7677, bubblesacademy.com). Jun 10-Aug 9. $65 per day. $275 per week. Drop-ins available (call 48-hours in advance).

Camp Tuckabatchee See "Choosing a sleepaway camp." 1973 N 35th Rd, Ottawa (815-433-2984, camptuckabatchee.org). Jun 17–28, Jul 7–20. Mini camps $175, weeklong $425. Ages 6–14.

Camp White Pines Dude Ranch See “Choosing a sleepaway camp.” 3581 Pines Rd, Oregon, IL (815-732-7923, whitepinesranch.com). July–August. $550 per week. Ages 8–15.

Chicago Park District Expect traditional summer day-camp activities, including field trips, visits to the local pool, arts and crafts, nature exploration, sports and games at more than 200 parks throughout Chicago. There are toddler and tween programs available: Contact local parks for specific camp agendas. Locations throughout the city (312-742-7529, chicagoparkdistrict.com). Jun 25–Aug 3. $1–$3 per hour. Ages 6–12.

Chicago Waldorf School Camp Days revolve around arts, nature, crafts, sports, beach visits and weekly field trips. Campers can play sports, explore Chicago’s urban art or learn all about West African djembe drumming.1300 W Loyola Ave (773-465-2662, chicagowaldorf.org). Jun 10–Aug 9. $225 per week, full day kids’ camp. Prices vary by program. Ages vary by program.

Children’s World Learning Centers Via themes such as Wild, Wild West, Spectacular Sports and Animal Antics, children all across Chicago can join in any or all of Kindercare’s 12-week programs. Locations throughout the city (kindercare.com/summercamp). Dates, prices and ages vary by location. Preschool to prekindergarten.

Creative World Montessori Montessori kids will dig the relaxed but invigorating camp vibe, which includes academic-related activities in the morning, naptime, and then arts and crafts, gardening and water play in the afternoon. Plus, kids get to go on—wait for it—pony rides! 1250 W Goodman Ave (708-354-5255, creativeworldmontessori.com). Jun 3–Jul 26. $320–540 per session; $288–481 week of July 4th. Ages 3–7.

Cub Creek Camp See “Choosing a sleepaway camp.” 16795 State Route E, Rolla, MO (573-458-2125, bearriverranch.com). Jun 2–Aug 10. $825–$4,950. Ages 7–17.

Decoma Day Camp The morning means traditional camp activities like sports, swimming (twice a day) and games. In the afternoon, it’s “campers’ choice,” when kids 7 and older can choose a skill to hone—think baton twirling, photography, square dancing and more. Kids must register for a minimum of four weeks of camp, but they don’t have to be consecutive weeks. 4350 Walters Ave, Northbrook (847-945-4455, decomadaycamp.com). Jun 10–Aug 2. $1,500 and up. Ages 3–13.

Fred’s Camp Kids in junior, senior and tween sessions take field trips, go swimming, bowling and more at this popular teacher-founded camp. DePaul University Athletic Training Center, 2323 N Sheffield Ave (773-818-8027, fredscamp.com). Jun 24–Aug 16. $2,100–$3,995. Ages 4–14.

Girl Scouts All that cookie selling pays off for these outdoorsy gals. Troopers enjoy hiking, cooking, learning new things and just hanging out in the comfort of nature at camp. Young ladies have the option to register for day or resident camps where they’ll live by the Girl Scout Law. Locations vary (girlscoutsgcnwi.org). Dates and prices vary by location. Ages 5–18.

Grand Avenue Preschools Trips to the Lincoln Park Zoo, swimming at local pools, miniature golf and horseback riding are just some past activities offered at Grand Avenue’s full- and half-day camps. For the preschool kiddies, each camp offers five different themes.Locations vary (grandavenuepreschool.com). Dates and prices vary. Ages 3–12.

Jewish Community Center Day Camps Programs range from the traditional camp experience to specialty sessions geared toward the arts or sports. Jewish values, tradition and Israeli culture are knit into camp days through stories, games, arts and celebrations. JCC also offers an overnight camp in Wisconsin. Locations vary (gojcc.org). Dates and prices vary. Ages 3–16.

Kensington School For youngsters (ages 2 to 5), oodles of outdoor activities, exploration and learning await. For older kiddos, workshops, special guests, field trips and swimming are on the agenda. 743 McClintock Dr; multiple locations (630-990-8000, kensingtonschool.com). Jun 10–Aug 23. Prices vary by program. Ages 2–10.

Lake of the Woods and Greenwoods Camps Two-, four- and eight-week sessions are available. See “Freshman four,” page 44. 484600 47½ St, Decatur, MI (847-242-0009, lwcgwc.com). Jun 17–Aug 10. $2,605–$8,450. Ages 7–15.

Lakefront Children’s Academy Summer Camp Songs, games, literature, art, cooking and more—it’s all here. Each week centers on a different theme, like Under the Sea, Wild Kingdom and On the Go. Campers take weekly field trips to places such as the zoo. 400 E Randolph St (312-819-1760, lakefrontchildrensacademy.com). Jun 24–Aug 23. Price upon request. Ages 2–12.

Lakeshore Athletic Club Day Campers in Junior, Fun N Sun, and Adventure programs burn off some of their energy through active endeavors like swimming, basketball, arts and crafts, and outdoor play. 1320 W Fullerton Ave (773-770-2422, lakeshoresf.com). Jun 11–Aug 31. Prices vary. Ages 4–11.

Latin School of Chicago Day Camp Activities range from swim lessons to computers to cooking at this day camp. Beach days, scavenger hunts and trips to local climbing walls and water parks are also on the docket. Summer academic and recreational programs, sports camp, chess camp and more are available as well, with options for high-school students. 1531 N Dearborn Pkwy (312-582-6300, latinschool.org). Jun 10–Aug 2. Prices vary by program. Ages 3–14. 

Lincoln Park Zoo Conservation Camps & Zoo Crew Send your kids where the wild things are. Campers explore the inner workings of the zoo, how zoos function and ecology. The Zoo Crew camp is a two-week-long session (with an overnight on the second Thursday) for children entering grades 5 through 8 this fall. Via interactions with zookeepers, nutritionists and veterinarians—and partaking in hands-on projects—kids find out how important zoos are in the 21st century. 2001 N Clark St (312-742-2056, lpzoo.org). Jun 10–Aug 16. Conservation Camp $155–$310, members $130–$265; Zoo Crew $765, members $650. Ages 4 to 8th grade.

Little Green Tree House Childcare and Preschool Calling all green thumbs, this one’s for you. Self-described as Chicago’s first ecofriendly child-care center, Little Green Tree House emphasizes an organic, earth-conscious learning style. Children are served locally sourced food as they learn about music, art, science and math. They can also frolic in an outdoor play space with an organic vegetable garden. 118 S Ashland Ave (312-492-9876, littlegreentreehouse.com). Dates, prices and ages TBD.

Little Gym Day Camp Interactive themes like Sports Spectacular and Barnyard Bonanza set the tone for the three-hour camp session chock-full of fitness and fun—think obstacle courses, arts and crafts, and group games. Parents can customize when campers attend: a day, a few days, or several full-week sessions. 3216 N Lincoln Ave (773-525-5750, thelittlegym.com/chicagoil). $180 per week, prorated per day. Ages 3–12.

Menomonee Club Come summer, camps focused on sports, dance, judo, chess and more are on offer at three locations in northern Chicagoland. Go to menomoneeclub.org for camp info and locations. Dates and prices vary. Ages 4 to 8th grade.

My Corner Playroom Day Camp At this preschool-geared day camp that promises both fun and learning, the goal is to teach children important skills—including self-sufficiency, problem solving, adaptation, socializing and even potty training—through play-based activities. 2121 N Clybourn Ave (773-388-2121, mycornerplayroom.com). June 10–Aug 29. $255 per week, daily prorate. Ages 2–6.

My Gym Kids enjoy fitness games, gymnastics, arts and crafts, music and more. Each camp program is designed to keep children moving—the emphasis is on physical development and personal success. 1880 W Fullerton Ave (773-645-9600, mygym.com). $35–$40 per session. Ages 9 and under.

Natalie G. Heineman Smart Love Preschool When they aren’t sowing seeds or immersed in nature exercises in the enclosed garden, little campers stay busy indoors in the play townhouse and library. The preschool offers play-based activities such as “Splish and Splash” water play and greenhouse gardening. 800 W Buena Ave (773-665-8052, smartlovepreschool.org). Jun 17–Aug 9, $2,205 for five half-days. Ages 3–5.

Near North Montessori Campers choose from a variety of fun and educational programs, including specialty camps in technology, science, theater, ceramics and more. And there’s the promise of a dip in the pool to keep them extra happy. There are half-day or full-day camps for flexible scheduling. 1434 W Division St (773-384-1434, nnms.org/summer). Jun 17–Aug 9. $108–$370 per week. Ages 3–14.

Oasis Summer Day Camp Oasis is packed with activities ranging from swimming to sports tournaments to costume contests. Weekly field trips take children to the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Lake County Fair and more. 180 W Ridge Ave, Winnetka (847-858-0415, oasisdaycamp.com). Jun 17–Aug 9. Weekly $375, six weeks $2,100, nine weeks $3,000. Ages 5–12.

Rainbow Families Great Lakes Nontraditional families, LGBT parents and children of LGBT parents of all ages gather annually for a week of community, activities, counseling (such as an anti-bullying class) and shared meals. See "Nuclear fusion." Visti rfgl.org for lodging locations. Jul 13–18. $250.

Summer Lab at the University of Chicago Laboratory School Whether kids want to stretch their minds or just run around in a traditional camp setting, U. of C. has it—and everything in between—covered. There are lots of options: Summer School, Adventure Kids Day Camp, Summer Lab Sports Camps, Fun in the Sun and Summer Lab on Stage. The school’s commitment to academic excellence is enhanced by a summertime mandate for plenty of good old-fashioned fun. 1362 E 59th St (773-834-7766, summerlab.org). Jun 24–Aug 2. One session $505–$1,300, full session $930–$2,475. Nursery school through 12th grade.

Skokie Park District The emphasis at these summer camps is on “adventure, friendship, fun, exploration, discovery and safety,” according to their site. Kids get a taste of all of that good stuff via topic-specific camps (think sports camps, arts camp, theater camp and even LEGO building). Locations vary (skokieparkdistrict.org). Jun 10–Aug 16. Prices vary. Ages 3–18.

Summer at Sacred Heart School The daily schedule ranges from classic camp activities—arts and crafts, drama, cooking, sports, beach play—to academic endeavors. (Think language courses, math lessons, etc.) There’s also an overnight option in July. 6250 N Sheridan Rd (773-262-4446, shschicago.org). Jun 17–Jul 26. $350 per week. Ages 3–15.

Summer Programs at Parker Your wish is their command. There’s a million sports to play (like wiffle ball, floor hockey, basketball and judo) and activities to engage in (think LEGO robotics, chess and cooking). Kids are also guaranteed to find classes right up their alley with camp offerings like driver’s ed and writing workshops. Parker also has PSAT/SAT and ACT prep camps for high schoolers. 330 W Webster Ave (773-353-3000, fwparker.org/summers). Jun 10–Aug 23. Prices vary by program. Ages vary by program.