The best approach for a youngster to develop self-confidence is to have a positive environment and mentorship, which can be found at a summer camp in Chicago. Kids will be drawn to trainers and coaches that model a strong work ethic and commitment to personal development. Because practice makes perfect, they’ll grow confident in their skills and keep trying to do better. Children will learn how to support one another and how to communicate at a young age. On the court and in the field, kids will make mistakes, but with good teamwork, any sports team can develop as a unit. Children can feel like they are an important part of the greater picture when they recognize the benefits of collaboration and teamwork.
Youth Summer Camps In Chicago
A Ballet of Fairies
Crafts and dancing props are included in fairytale camps with fun themes like Jasmine and Encanto, Moana, Frozen, Tangled, and more!
2- and 3-year-olds with a caregiver: Mini Camp 1 hr/9:00-10:00am: Friday or Wednesday
3-6 years Offerings for 2, 3, and 5 days include Drop Off- Mini (1.5 hours; 10:30–12:00) or Full Camp Lunch Bunch (3 hours; 10:30–1:30).
The opportunity to create a ballet with a personalized theme, custom characters, choreography, theatrics, stage make-up, and a take-home outfit is provided by Academy Camps for passionate older students. The final day is for the performance. Dates and times are to be established; for updates, visit afairytaleballet.com or follow them on Instagram at @afairytaleballet!
“Create a Ballet Workshop” for kids ages 7 to 10 at Lakeview.
Ballet Theater Intensive at Lakeview for ages nine and up
Camp AAD for Creativity!
Age: 3 to 10 years (Pre-K and Kinder: half-day, 1st through 4th Grade: full-day)
With their Creativity Camps this summer, All About Dance is expanding beyond the dance floor! The top artists in the business will teach campers everything from arts and crafts to acting, singing, acrobatics, team building, yoga, and, of course, DANCE! Your camper will develop both new and seasoned skills while molding their creative minds in an environment that values creativity, playfulness, and confidence. Enroll your camper for a summer of inspiration!
Altitude Chicago 5–15 years old
Come to Summer Camp 2022 with them! Allowing flexibility to fit YOUR hectic schedule! from June 13 through the week of August 29! “OPEN ENROLLMENT” ***
Options for a full day and a half. Aftercare is offered! Discounts for members, siblings, and full weeks are offered!
Unstructured Activities Led by Their Camp Staff, Open Jump, Arts & Crafts, and Team Building are some of the summer camp activities!
Summer Art Camp at The Paintbrush and Art in the Park
Age: The Paintbrush Summer ART Camp (Ages 5-11), Art in the Park (Ages 5-11). (Ages 5-10)
Meet up at certain spots in Lincoln Park (between Fullerton and North Avenue) for Art In The Park to explore, study, sketch, and paint the stunning artistic features of their city, including its animals, architecture, flora, and fauna. It is the ART program that takes your children outside to explore Art in their local park.
For children ages 5 to 10 who love the arts, The Paintbrush offers a summer camp. Discover Art through a range of methods, such as painting, drawing, projects inspired by artists, games, and more! There will be an outdoor lunch break. They will keep taking precautions to guarantee everyone’s safety while camping.
Ages: 4 to 16 Bennett Day Camp
Are you prepared to maximize the summer? Registration for Bennett Day Camp in 2022 is currently available! Bennett is offering academic and specialty programs like Camp Read-A-Lot, Extreme Adventures, Woodworking & more in addition to the day camp everyone is familiar with and loves! Check out the Summer 2022 Camp Guide to see all of the options.
Highlights of Camp:
Day camp incorporates STEM, Art, and movement activities every week that cater to a variety of interests.
Their play area is the city! The campers will take part in age-appropriate field trips that expose them to interesting architecture, nearby communities, and various cultures.
From Monday through Friday, a full-day camp is offered, with morning and aftercare options.
Bennett takes great satisfaction in being adaptable. Up until the first day of Camp, families are eligible for a full return under their refund policy.
Bennett Day Camp’s mission is to provide a positive environment where campers can grow in their sense of self, their capacity for leadership, and their sense of adventure. In a cooperative environment, their campers and counselors will engage in water play, team sports, music, art, and field trips.
The Bubbles Academy’s Camp Bubbles Children will be in first or second Grade in September 2022.
As they embark on incredible summer adventures together, IGNITE WONDER! A summer camp built around your child’s curiosity and hobbies is called Camp Bubbles. Over the past two years, their kids have been unable to regulate a lot of things. This summer, they’re fostering a setting where kids can direct their own education, conduct independent research on subjects that interest them, and engage in practical exploration. Together, they will come up with ideas for field trips, professional speakers, and more!
Spanish Camps at Cervantes Kids 4 to 15 years old (students are grouped depending on their age)
The goal of the 2022 Instituto Cervantes Summer Camps program is to give kids of all ages a chance to learn Spanish in an engaging, exciting, and encouraging atmosphere that promotes fun and curiosity. Children will study Spanish in a secure environment where they feel free to engage fully. Spanish communication skills will be fostered and encouraged in the classroom.
Your children will learn Spanish as part of their camp curriculum.
-Participate in total immersion lessons in Spanish taught by top-tier industry experts.
-Participate in a wide range of ludic activities. By imitating, touching, listening, playing, and other activities, practice your communication, reading, and writing skills.
-Become familiar with Spanish and Latin American cultures.
Chicago Youth Theater Camps (West Loop) Age: 6-14
Enter a fairy tale tornado, board a ship for a deep sea expedition, travel through space, mount a unicorn hunt, and more! Students have the opportunity to produce fanciful, original on-stage and filmed performances through Chicago Children’s Theatre’s distinctive lineup of online and in-person programs. Learn the principles of acting, songwriting, scenic and prop design, choreography, and cooperative story-building in a fun, energetic setting. A world premiere performance for friends and family concludes each program. Financial assistance was offered.
Ages 6 to 16 for CircEsteem Summer Camp
Children can learn about the various talents that go into making circus arts at the CircEsteem Summer Camp, which offers a fun, safe, and encouraging environment. Each child has the opportunity to grow in self-assurance, self-worth, physical awareness, and awareness of their potential while at Camp. Trapeze, acrobatics, clowning, juggling, stilt walking, gym wheels, tight wire, rola bola, and small trampolines are just a few of the skills that can be taught.
Children’s Theatre Academy at Corella Productions Age: 8-16
Junior Fiddler on the Roof During the two-week course, your actor will learn the whole musical and give an in-studio performance.
Camp Hi-Five Sports Age: 4-13
For the 22nd summer in a row, Hi-Five Sports Camp is back in the city! Pre-K (4 years old) to eighth-grade students can participate in a comprehensive menu of team sports at the sports camp called Hi-Five. Hi-Five Sports Camp Chicago emphasizes teamwork, playing hard, and playing fairly in addition to winning and losing. Additionally, it’s about making new friends and relishing camaraderie. A camp that is both uplifting and demanding. As energetic as it is safe. And as entertaining as it is educational. They are a full-service day camp that provides field trips, a delectable hot lunch program, swim lessons, and transportation to and from the bus. The goal at Hi-Five is to have fun!
Old Town JCC Apachi Day Camp Age: 4 years to 7th Grade + 8th to 10th-grade Counselor in Training
Chicago is redefining creativity, athletics, cooperation, and adventure! The traditional and cutting-edge activities at Apachi Old Town keep campers engaged, thinking, and moving all summer long while also giving them heart-pounding enjoyment and the thrill of discovery. Consider your camper.
- Gaining assurance while completing obstacle courses, climbing walls, and high ropes courses.
- Employing Art and building to develop solutions in the Design & Tinkering Lab.
- Playing and competing in a wide variety of team and individual sports and practicing skills.
- Developing their identity while participating on a cheerleading squad or tumbling team.
Of course, each week is also jam-packed with Apachi Magic, including theme days, Shabbat festivities, guest performers, and more. Smiles and giggles are welcomed. Camps introduce students to a wide variety of art supplies while focusing on fundamental artistic principles. Campers get to explore, mess around, and enjoy themselves!
Ages 2-4 JCC Apachi Day Camp in Rogers Park
Summer at the J, a Jewish Orthodox camp, places a significant emphasis on a Torah-rich setting while still providing daily camp fun. Additionally, camper care is a top priority, and they encourage each camper’s social and emotional development as they establish friendships, negotiate interpersonal interactions, gain independence, and develop confidence.
The J takes pride in providing campers with the chance to find their particular passions via creative chugim (choice-based specialties). Additionally, every week is unique thanks to the wide range of activities they offer, such as Judaic education, daily davening, arts and crafts, sports and games, archery, Color Wars, and theme days.
While it may not be seen from the outside of the building, the campus’s sporting field is a stunning, spacious green space with two baseball diamonds, covered spaces, a rock climbing wall, an archery range, two playgrounds, and a sizable tent in the middle. The addition of an indoor heated pool and indoor air-conditioned areas makes this the ideal setting for campers to forge lifelong connections and experiences.
Age Range: 4 to 13
Jen’s Camp is geared toward children and families. Their intention? Provide the kids with excellent activities and options for how they spend their days so that the entire process will be very simple for the families. They observed families struggle with 3-hour-long programs, and they witnessed the stress that was placed on families. Their intention is to simplify things for the families. This saves time spent on logistics planning. From 7:30 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday, from Monday, June 20 through Friday, August 12, 2022, they are open. Their cost is all-inclusive and automatically includes lunch, morning and afternoon snacks, and all of our available activities. For certain programs, there are no additional registration requirements and no before- or aftercare requirements. They never leave the property, allowing parents to drop by and pick up their campers at any time during business hours. They allow for enrollment by the day, weekly blocks, or the entire summer (best value). Just need the afternoon? Register for their half-day pilot program, which runs from Noon to 6 p.m.
The campers select from the available activities—which are available at various times throughout the day—and spend their time engaging in whatever interests them the most. Even the smallest campers can start participating in any of their activities because they are all made to be simple to understand. How? Meticulous planning and preparation are made so that everything appears straightforward and simple to do. They have visual guides that campers can refer to, and staff members are always on hand if a camper needs a little assistance or wants to celebrate trying something new for the first time by giving them a high five. They have a fantastic summer planned for your campers, complete with water play on the turf field, hand stitching, and stop-motion animation. Enrollment is now open!
Lakeview’s KidCreate Studio Age: 3-12
Their vibrant summer camps provide a stimulating environment for artistic discovery. The camp curriculum is created to encourage and instruct your child artist in a setting where smiles and laughter are welcomed. Camps introduce students to a wide variety of art supplies while focusing on fundamental artistic principles. Campers get to explore, mess around, and enjoy themselves!
Lillstreet Art Center Camps for the Summer Age: 3-16
Drawing, painting, comics, jewelry-making, photography, and more. Every day, campers enrich the vibrant Lillstreet neighborhood by exploring and learning with established artists. They value the individuality and distinctive voice of every camper, and tjheir instructors create a pleasant, laid-back atmosphere in the classroom.
Dates/Themes: From June 14 through September 2, new camps start every Monday. This summer’s featured programs include Jurassic Art for children ages 3-5, Plushies for children ages 6–8, Urban Nature Photography for children ages 8–10, Creative Costumes for children ages 10–13, and Scientific Illustration for children ages 13–16.
Summer Camp at the Nature Museum Children between the ages of 4 and 11
The Nature Museum Summer Camp offers exciting day sessions that completely immerse kids in the fascinating worlds of science and nature. 4 to 11-year-old campers will play, explore, and perform investigations over the course of two-week programs that take place in the Museum building and on the Museum grounds. In addition to seeing museum animals, campers will also play unrestrained outside and explore Lincoln Park.
Rogers Park West Age: 4–8 years (Young Artist Playhouse) and 9–12 years (Young Artist Workshop)
New Artists In order to foster a love for the arts, Playhouse campers (Ages 4-8) will spend their days having fun while being completely immersed in a range of artistic techniques. By the end of every week, campers will be able to exhibit fundamental competency in a variety of artistic mediums and will have concentrated on developing skills specific to each acquired art form. Campers will get a fully-rounded introduction to the arts, as well as time to relax and meet new people.
In order to help them develop as young artists, campers in the Young Artists Workshop (Ages 9–12) spend each morning (9 am–12 pm) learning the fundamentals of music, dance, Art, and theater. In the afternoons (1 pm–4 pm), under the direction of their teacher, campers will put these new abilities to use by using their imaginations to create and work with their campmates. The campers will work together to develop plays and songs, design sets, produce works of Art, and more. Campers will have a venue where they may express their own thoughts and visions in a supportive, secure, and motivating setting.
Ages 2–12 Pedalheads Bicycle
It is a two- to twelve-year-old learn-to-ride bicycle program that is best recognized for assisting kids in removing their training wheels and riding safely on public roads. They offer cutting-edge, productive activities that are secure and enjoyable and encourage kids to explore a world of possibilities. They emphasize the development of healthy, self-assured, and independent children through their unique teaching strategies, small courses, and outstanding instructors.
Skyline Children’s Theatre 5 to 12 years old
Growing actors may immerse themselves in musical theatre at Skyline Broadway Summer Camps, from the thrilling first day of learning about production to the thrilling final performance. The Descendants, High School Musical 2, Moana, Wizard of Oz, High School Musical, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Annie, Frozen, Mary Poppins, The Lion King, and Disney musicals will all have a moment in the spotlight performing songs and dances. Campers will sing solos, learn dances, explore characters, collaborate to tell a tale, make show-themed crafts, enjoy outdoor lunch and recess, and have fun with their friends under the direction of an accomplished teaching artist. Every Friday afternoon, performers can take in the finest of Broadway for a week or the entire summer, with a fresh theme and brand-new musical numbers to learn for the show’s final fully staged showcase!
Age: 5 to 14 Snapology Summer Camps
Snapology has been the top franchise in its category for two years running. They think that play is how kids are supposed to learn. Children’s creativity blossoms, and their enthusiasm in school rises when they participate in engaging, hands-on learning activities. They encourage a hunger for knowledge in your child as they grow. What is the process? Using technology, K’Nex, and Lego bricks!
Ages: 3-5 (half-day) and 5-14 at Stages Performing Arts (full day)
What do you acquire when you mix the fun and freedom of summer with the magic of Broadway? The pinnacle of summer camps! The week will be spent by the campers practicing for their Final Performance at the end of each week through singing, dancing, acting, and more! Additionally, they will have the chance to see what happens “behind the scenes” by participating in the production of costumes, sets, and props. Stages camps are led by qualified teaching artists with years of experience both in the classroom and on professional stages, so you can send your child off knowing that they will care for the entire week.
Camp Steve & Kate
Kids learn to trust themselves when you do. Children have been in charge of their own learning experiences at Steve & Kate’s since 1980. As campers experiment, fail and learn on their own, they gain the confidence to rely on their own judgment and meet the difficulties of a constantly changing world.
Every minute, campers can select from a number of activities, such as sewing, stop-motion animation, music, sports, and entertainment, as well as creative crafts like bread-making. They will choose what to do and how long they want to do it.
Families can purchase as many days or weeks to utilize over the summer this year, depending on their needs, thanks to Chicago’s pandemic protocol. Or, if you require extra assistance, you can get a Summer Pass that is valid for the entire season. At the conclusion of the summer, they’ll immediately reimburse any unused Passes in full if your plans change for any reason. All hours (8 am–6 pm) and lunch are covered.
Age: 4.5-8 years old Summer Art Camp at Small Gathering
Children between the ages of 4.5-8 are welcome at summer art camp. Throughout the week, we’ll work with a variety of materials, such as paint, clay, collage, and more. At the end of every week, students will have the chance to take home their original works. Their mornings together will include time for both individual and group art projects, daily walks, sensory art activities, and snack and restroom breaks.
Kids Camp (Ages 5-10) Teen Camp The Kids Table (Ages 11-14)
The Kids’ Table is the top children’s cooking school in Chicago, and they are thrilled to be returning to present their 16th In-Person Summer Camp right in the middle of Wicker Park. This summer, join them to fill up, broaden your palate, learn new dishes, and develop some serious culinary talents.
In their full-day kid’s camps, students prepare delectable meals for around half the day while engaging in activities centered around food for the remaining time.
For optimum skill development and enhanced independence, campers in their half-day teen camp will work at small group cooking stations.
If you prefer a distance learning approach, they will also continue to offer Virtual Summer Camp this year.
Age: 5 to 14 West Loop Soccer Club
Any soccer fan wishing to sharpen their skills, work hard, meet new friends, and have fun will love the WLSC Soccer Camps! Their goal is to give athletes the resources they need to get better and love soccer forever! They provide coed programs in a secure, enjoyable, and family-focused setting for kids of all skill levels. They emphasize footwork and ball control, SAQ (speed, agility, and quickness), small-sided games, and finishing throughout training.
How To Pick The Best Chicago Camp For Your Child
Every year at this time, parents struggle to find the best summer camp for their kids. The decision-making process might be difficult with so many options.
Their Better List, which includes a thorough listing of summer camps in the Chicago area to take into consideration, is an excellent place to start.
- Arts camps
- Summer camps
- A music camp
- Nighttime Camps
- Specialized Camps
- Athletic camps
- Camps for acting and theater
Check out the articles below for additional details on the kind of camps you should send your kids to, things to keep in mind when making your decision, or just a few fantastic camps they suggest.
20 Summer Camps for Children of All Ages in Chicago and the North Shore
The arrival of summer means you can finally send your adorable kids out of the house for lovely stretches of time (I know they’ll be pleased too). But where should you send your family, given the vast, untamed world of summer camps? Here are 20 suggestions for prospective campers in and around Chicago and the North Shore. Keep reading.
Sending your children to a summer sleepaway camp? What to Think About
Summer camps for kids
When the school year finished and the first day of summer arrived as a child, I used to become fixated on the number of days left until I could leave for Girl Scout summer camp. It felt like Christmas Eve the night before I got on the camp bus to spend two weeks in the New Mexico mountains. I could hardly sleep because I was so excited about meeting old friends and creating new ones, going on hikes and horseback rides, and roasting marshmallows over a campfire. My happy spot was summer camp, where I could be who I truly was and have unrestrained fun. Keep reading.
Camp Interlochen Arts
The renowned summer arts programs offered by Interlochen Arts Camp inspire budding young artists to pursue and hone their passion for the arts. Students can spend their entire day doing what they enjoy here in the most breathtaking setting possible. While rehearsing, performing, and creating Art, students will enjoy all the summer camp excitement, including cabin games and outdoor exploration. Young artists between the ages of 8 and 18 gather at Interlochen to develop their talents and gain assurance in:
- Music
- Theatre
- Dance
- Ingenious writing
- Arts, visual
- Film
Is Your Teen Ready to Work as a Camp Counselor or Babysitter?
Your kid may be an excellent candidate if they possess the traits you would look for in a babysitter, such as dependability, organization, and punctuality. Start them started with some instruction at a babysitting program offered by the American Red Cross. They will pick up useful skills, and it will enable them to decide whether providing care is something they truly want to do. They will also learn how to practice fundamental first-aid techniques and launch their own babysitting business. Keep reading.
Woodlands School
All-girls summer day camp GrowGirl is available to participants entering grades 4-6. This Camp offers a one-of-a-kind interdisciplinary approach to inquiry, learning, and fun and is taught by top-notch professors from Woodlands Academy! Families can choose to take part in one or all four of the camp programs, which last four weeks. The following topics are covered in the sessions: roller coaster design, investigating mysteries: forensics and fiction, earthworks: clay and photo nature art, and robotics and space exploration. Enroll your daughter to learn from instructors from Illinois’ top Catholic all-girls school this summer as they all grow together. Visit woodlandsacademy.org/growgirl right away to sign up.
What Do Children Take Back From Sleepaway Camp?
My son will soon depart for overnight Camp for the fourth consecutive summer. I was preoccupied with making sure he was okay during his first year. I hurried to the mailbox every day to check the mail, and I saw the weather on my phone as I excitedly perused the camp pictures posted every evening. I was Sherlock Holmes, searching for hints about his contentment. Is his hazy face in the backdrop grinning?
I fretted. Was there enough sunblock on him? He seemed warm enough. Didn’t I pack enough? Why is he sporting the same pair of shorts three days in a row? I believed that my planning was what made his experience possible. What I learned from those pictures is that once the kids are at Camp, anything goes. It doesn’t really matter what you pack. Keep reading.
Day Camp in Apachi
In order to help kids negotiate relationships and make friends, achieve independence and confidence, and enjoy each day at Camp, Apachi Day Camp encourages their social and emotional development. Everything they do is centered on providing for the needs of the campers, and fostering an atmosphere where they all feel secure and supported is their top concern. The trademarks of an Apache summer are finding new interests, learning new skills, and creating memories with camp buddies. The ingredients for a fantastic summer include activities like rock climbing, sports, science, performing arts, unique Shabbat celebrations, Maccabi Games (camp-wide, team-based games), theme days, and energetic song sessions. 7th Grade in 3 years plus counselors in training (8th-10th Grade).
The importance of summer camp’s ability to change a child’s life is more than ever in today’s world, where academic drills and online pals occupy a growing amount of a child’s time. Kids are given a chance to safely select their own adventures at day camps or overnight camps with the help of highly skilled role models who are neither parents nor teachers. Keep reading.
Chi Camp
Summers for kids have been changed by Camp Chi for more than 100 years. They help campers grow personally by disconnecting them from their regular lives and introducing them to life-changing experiences. The best of Camp Chi sticks with you long after the final s’more has been consumed. Where else is it possible to sail a boat, zip line, record a song, jump in a pool, shoot a bullseye with an archery bow, and sing around a campfire all in one day? While they witness campers making their own decisions, developing independence, and finding their hobbies, campers see possibilities for adventure and enjoyment.
2nd grade to 11th grade
Parents, they understand how anxious it can be to send your children to Camp. Laugh a lot with the P.S. I Detest This Place! Series of books Author, parent, and principal designer Diane Falanga of Space Defined Interiors in Chicago gathered amusing and endearing letters written by kids from the ages of eight and sixteen to their parents about their summer camp experiences. The letters are hilarious and will make readers think back on their own summers spent camping. Study more.
Northwestern St. John’s Summer Academy
Your youngster will undoubtedly soar this summer, whether it is in the classroom while rappelling down the 43-foot tower or while enjoying Lake Nagawicka on their personal island. Every activity at St. John’s Northwestern Summer Academy takes place on their lovely campus, which is situated in the sleepy hamlet of Delafield in the Lake Country of Waukesha County. Regardless of the objectives, they achieve them via compassionate leadership, empowerment, and structure. All students from all school districts are welcome to enroll in their coed programs for grades 1–12. Check out sjnacademies.org/summer to see what your youngster might accomplish.
F.A.Q.
What is the price of summer camp in Chicago?
Although summer camp costs vary, the average weekly cost for overnight programs in the United States is between $325 and $780, and the average weekly cost for day camps is between $100 and $275. However, it can be as low as $75. Costs for seven to nine-week full-season camps range from $3,000 to $9,000.
Will there be a summer camp at Chicago Park District?
Holiday Hours: To view their fieldhouses and other facilities’ holiday hours, click here. Merry Christmas! The Chicago Park District is excited to offer a summer of summertime fun to Chicago’s youngsters through its 2022 Day Camp program.
Is going to a summer camp a wise idea?
Summer camps provide a chance to engage in non-competitive activities and achieve a variety of successes. It instills the belief that “I CAN” while boosting their self-esteem and confidence.
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