2014 Champaign-Urbana Area Summer Camps Guide
photo from http://www.k5learning.com/
Welcome to the 2014 Champaign-Urbana Area Summer Camps Guide! If you are looking for quality experiences for your child this summer, you’ve come to the right place. Registration for summer camps is now up and running at many organizations, although some may not have information ready yet.
Thank you so much to our featured listing sponsors for helping to make this guide possible. All featured listings are sponsors of Chambanamoms.com. If your organization would like to have a featured listing, please contact Jennifer at jennifer(at)chambanamoms.com. We will continue to add featured listings as desired!
FEATURED LISTINGS
Next Generation Summer Programs
Next Generation Camp
About: Next Generation Summer Camp for Primary School Students
Regular weekly activities include field trips, swimming, cooking projects, science experiments, crafts, drama and music, in addition to sport activities both in the gymnasium and outside!
Next Generation Enrichment Camp
Types of Classes Offered: Coding, Creative Writing, Journalism, World Cultures, Graphic Design, and much more!
Next Generation Summer Camp for Middle School Students
With daily labs and explorations, visits to the University of Illinois campus, along with swimming and games in the afternoon, there will be plenty to keep your middle school student engaged and having fun this summer.
Dates:
May 29-August 10
9 a.m.-4 p.m. (care offered 7:30-9 a.m. & 4-5:30 p.m.)
Parent Comment: “The numerous activities give the children enough to keep them busy and happy throughout the day. I never worry because they are always active and learning. The variety of options make it easy for my child to choose what she likes best!”
Ages Served: Students who have completed kindergarten through 8th grade
Location: Next Generation School, 2521 Galen Dr., Champaign
For more information: Krystal Moya, Gabi Cooper or Kristin Sandone, http://nextgenerationschool.
com/ or (217)356-6995
Savoy Recreation Center/Village of Savoy
Savoy Rec Center
About: Our summer camps continue to grow every summer. We promise lots of activities to maintain a physically active program coupled with some valuable life skills that will last your child a lifetime. Offering a variety of themes all summer long
Dates: Camps begin June 2 and continue on through August 22. Most camps are 1 week in duration and morning and afternoon camps can be mixed and matched. Most camps are 7:30 am to 12 pm and 12:30 pm to 5 pm. Those registered in morning and afternoon will have a lunch from 12-12:30 that is included with most camps.
Parent Comment: Our family has been using SRC for the last five years for summer and school out programs, as well as for birthday celebrations. We cannot say enough good things for the staff and the programs. I have found everybody to be very professional, courteous and caring. It truly feels like a ‘home away from home’ for my kids. - Nick and Anna Stanev, Savoy
Ages Served: 5-12
Location: Savoy Recreation Center, 402 W. Graham Dr.
For more information: http://www.
savoyrecreationcenter.com or (217)359-3550 or Contact Lexi Hartman at lexi@savoyrecreationcenter.com for more detailed camp information
Indian Acres Swim Club
Indian Acres Day Camp
About: This camp provides children ages 3-12 years-of-age quality learning and recreational opportunities in a safe and enjoyable environment. All campers receive daily swim instruction commensurate with their ability. Campers also participate in a variety of passive activities and active sports and games. Campers do not have to be members of the swim club.
Dates: Parents can enroll children for one or more weeks. Camp is in session from 8:30 until 12 noon, Monday-Friday, for nine weeks starting June 9 through Aug. 8. A 10th week of camp may offered if there is sufficient interest and staff.
Parent Comment: Thirty years ago I attended many weeks of camp every summer. Now my children love it just as much as I did. The swim instruction is excellent.
Ages Served: Campers are 3-12 years of age
Location: Indian Acres Swim Club, Near the corner of Prospect Ave. and Kirby Ave., 1 Arrow Rd., Champaign
For more information: http://indianacresswimclub.org or call Don at (217)352-9538
Countryside School Summer Camps
Countryside School
Dates: Different camps offered each week for various grade levels during June (Session 1 – June 9-13, Session 2 – June 16-20, Session 3 – June 23-27). Camps meet Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to noon.
Ages: Students entering Kindergarten – 9th grade depending on the camp. Camps open to students from any school.
About: Our summer camps are open to ANY student from ANY school. Choose from weekly specialized camps in art, computers, sports, books, science, crafts, and much more. Great news – Hogwarts Academy is back this summer! And new this year, Camp Half-Blood (Percy Jackson)! Detailed information and enrollment forms are available on our website.
Parent Comment: “My children have attended these camps since Kindergarten. I love that both of them could choose camps to match their interests from LEGO robotics and digital photography to theater and volleyball.” – mother of a 4th grader and a 7th grader
Photo attached: Hogwarts Academy
Website: http://www.countrysideschool.
org/ or call 217.355.1253
I-Power School of Gymnastics
About: I-Power summer camps are guaranteed to keep your child active, engaged and physically fit over the summer! Skills will be taught on vault, bars, beam, and floor, as well as the trampoline and tumble track. Each camp will include crafts and activities related to the theme of the week.
Dates: Full day gymnastics camps, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (early drop off 7:30 am and late pick up 5:30 pm available): June 9 – 13 Silly Science Week; July 7 – 11 Olympic Sports Week; July 21 – 25 Movie Week; August 4 – 8 Water Week; August 11 – 15 Bouncy House Week
Half Day Gymnastics Camps: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm: June 2 – 6; June 16 – 20; June 23 – 27; June 30 – July 3; July 14 – 18; July 28 – August 1
Wee Camp: 9:00 am – 11:30 a.m. June 16 – 20; July 14 – 18; August 4 – 8
Parent Comment: My kids LOVE camp at I-Power! The camp staff is energetic and great with kids!
Ages Served: 3-12
Location: I-Power School of Gymnastics, 215 S. Staley, Champaign
For more information: http://ipowergymnastics.com/ or call 217-359-3547
The Little Gym
The Little Gym
About: Our Super kids camps are entirely new, adventure-filled 3 hour camps for kids 3-10 years old. Each camp is theme based with creative storylines that incorporate exercise, imagination and cooperation skills. Our camps follow a totally new camp format, so get ready for totally new and exciting experience. New grade-school specific Skill Thrill Camps are also offered.
Dates: Camps Start June 9 and run every week until August 22. Camps are offered every week at the following times: Monday/Wednesday/Friday: 9 a.m. -12 p.m. ; Tuesday/Thursday: 1 – 4 p.m.
Parent Comment: My kids love The Little Gym!!! The camps are so much fun with many different themes and skills. They never want to come home.
Ages Served: 3 – 10
Location: The Little Gym, 2860 South Philo Rd, Suite K, Urbana
For more information: http://tlgchampaignil.com or call Lindsay at (217)352-5500
Soccer Planet Camps
About: In Little Kickers, your children (ages 4-8) will learn the basics of soccer while having a blast on the field! Our great coaches will lead creative, age-appropriate, high energy games that will ensure an amazing soccer experience. Soccer Planet High School Soccer camps are designed to prepare players for their upcoming season and give them an advantage by reviewing their skills involved in the game. The Soccer Planet/Illinois FC Soccer Camps will focus on technical and tactical development of each player; including dribbling, passing & receiving, finishing and defending. Coaches will use individual and small group activities, small sided games, and world-cup style tournaments throughout the week to help each player enhance their skills.
Dates:
Little Kickers: June 9-13, July 14-18, August 4-8
High School Soccer: June 23-27 (1-4pm); July 21-25 (1-4pm)
Soccer Planet/Illinois FC Soccer Camp: June 9-13 (1-4pm); July 21-25 (9am-12pm); August 4-8 (1-4pm)
Ages Served: 4-17 (depends on the camp)
Location: Soccer Planet, 2310 N. Willow Rd., Urbana
For more information: http://www.soccerplanetcu.com/ or call Britni at (217)367-9999 Sign up 30 days prior to the first day of camp to receive a free white jersey (in Lil’ Kickers) or t-shirt (for high school soccer).
Champaign School of Music summer camps
Champaign School of Music
About: Five camps to choose from, for various ages.
MUSIC TOGETHER® (Baby-5 yrs): Sing, Dance, Drum and Jam with your child in our fun-filled Family Music Class, Music Together®. Help your child develop musically, aurally, kinesthetically, visually and cognitively. PIANO ADVENTURES (4-5 yrs): This lively class will have your child singing, moving and creating music at the piano. Through fun music games and keyboard activities your child will begin to understand the fundamentals of music and draw upon their own creative abilities to play it. POP STAR (8-12 yrs): Live the Dream. Be a Pop Star! We rehearse and perform popular songs and dance moves (child appropriate), do photo shoots, break out into Flash Mobs, perform live concerts and sometimes even guest star on TV and Radio. ROCK BAND (8-16 yrs): Calling all Guitarist, Drummers, Vocalist and Keyboardist who can play a few tunes on their instrument! Are you ready to rock to your favorite songs? Learn how to play together, create your own music, market the band and acquire the basics of sound recording. Finish up with a live concert! DISNEY’S ALICE IN WONDERLAND MUSICAL THEATRE (8-16 yrs): Join Alice’s madcap adventures in Wonderland as she chases the White Rabbit, races the Dodo Bird, gets tied up with the Tweedles, raps with a bubble-blowing Caterpillar, and beats the Queen of Hearts at her own game! Roles are plentiful, including three Cheshire Cats and dozens of other wonderfully wacky characters in this fast-paced stage adaptation of Alice in Wonderland.
Dates: 8 Weeks Long; June 16 – Aug 16 (No classes week of July 4)
Parent Comment: I have been very pleased with the music instruction my children have received. Each of my three children learns in a different way and the teachers have been flexible and creative in bringing out the best in each of them. The performing opportunities have enhanced their poise, confidence, and musicianship. I am very happy to have found a place for my children to study music that offers challenging, high quality lessons approached in an individualized, developmentally-appropriate manner. Mom, Suzanne M.
Ages Served: Babies – 16 years
Location: Champaign School of Music, 1712 S Duncan, (immediately south of Kirby & Duncan intersection)
For more information: http://www.
ChampaignSchoolofMusic.org or call (217)359-0541 and ask for Ms Michelle or Ms Holly
Credit: Champaign Park District
Champaign Park District
About: Scholarships are available for families facing economic hardship. Registration begins March 15 for residents and March 25 for non-residents.
Dates: Camps run from June 3 to August 15 and are available with both full and partial day options.
Ages: Champaign Park District offers a variety of summer day camps for children of all abilities ages 6 to 15.
Locations: Camps are held at a variety of locations including the Leonhard Recreation Center, Springer Cultural Center, Douglass Recreation Center and Hays Recreation Center.
For more information: go to www.champaignparkdistrict.com.
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Our list continues:
Stephens Family YMCA: Y Day Camps provide an exciting, safe community for young people to explore the outdoors, build self-esteem, develop interpersonal skills and make lasting friendships and memories. You must register in person at the Stephens Family YMCA (starts March 1).
Ages: Kids age 3 through 14
Camp Kiwanis (Girl Scout Camp), located in Mahomet near Lake of the Woods. Different themes each week, including water, reading, art, outdoors.
Ages: Girls entering grades 1-5
Chesterbrook Academy Camp Zone (two Champaign locations, Duncan and Research Park)
Dates: 6:30 am – 6:00 pm, Five days a week
Ages: 5 to 12
College for Kids at Parkland College offers science, theatre, writing, computers, and much more.
Dates: June 16-26 and/or July 7-17; Monday-Thursday, 12:15-2:15pm and/or 2:30-4:30pm
Ages: Entering grades 3 through 8
Community Center for the Arts, Urbana, offers a variety of music, drama and culture camps.
Dates and ages vary with each camp; general music camps last one week (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily).
Ages: 7 and up
4-H Memorial Camps, Monticello (residential camp): Five days or three days of fun and adventure in the out-of-doors. Champaign County and non 4-H children welcome.
Ages: 8-16
Girls’ Adventures in Mathematics, Engineering, and Science (GAMES) at the University of Illinois
Dates: July 13– July 19
Ages: open to academically talented girls who will enter grades 9 through 12 in fall 2014.
Illinois Summer Youth Music
ISYM is not a day camp; students are housed in the Illinois Street Residence Halls on the University of Illinois campus.
Dates: June 15 – 21, June 22 – July 28, July 6 – July 12
Ages: Junior high and high school
KinderCare Champaign offers 12 weeks of full-day camps, with a different theme each week.
Dates: May through August
Ages: Pre-school through school-age
La Petite Academy, Champaign, offers a different full-day camp each week including space camp, arts and crafts, animal camp, weekly swimming and more.
Dates: June through August
Ages: Kindergarten through age 12
Orpheum Children’s Science Museum offers art, science, Lego robotics, grossology, explosions and more
Dates: Not announced yet.
Ages: K – seventh grade, depending on camp.
Spanish Summer Camps is a University of Illinois program that promotes early second language acquisition; stories, games, songs, and crafts while immersed in Spanish.
Dates: June 9 – August 1; half day and full day options
Ages: 4-11
Tap In Leadership Academy: Summer Enrichment Program is a multicultural six-week program. Housed at the McKinley Foundation on University of Illinois campus, each week, scholars explore a different culture/world area through hands-on learning facilitated by university professionals.
Dates: TBA
Ages: students entering 5th – 12th grade
University of Illinois Sports Fitness Program of The Department of Kinesiology and Community Health offers half-day and full-day enrollment in two-, four- and eight- week sessions.
Dates: June 10 – Aug. 1; program runs Monday through Thursdays.
Ages: 7 – 12
University of Illinois Summer Sports Camps: Led by U of I coaches/players. Dates/ ages vary. wrestling, football, gymnastics, golf, basketball, cross country, track and field, tennis, softball, baseball, volleyball, soccer, swimming. For boys and girls.
Dates: Begin in early June
Ages: 6 though high school
University of Illinois Young Writers Summer Camps: Enrichment opportunity for young writers.
Ages/Dates: TBA
Urbana School District STEM Enrichment Camp: Provide hands-on exploration in science, math, engineering, and technology
Ages: children entering 1st grade – 8th grade
Hayasaki Gymnastics Center: boys and girls gymnastics, and cheer tumbling
Ages: 4 and up
Does your organization have a camp that we have missed? Don’t have information yet? Want a featured listing? Contact us (jennifer@chambanamoms.com).