Welcome to the 2016 Champaign-Urbana Area Summer Camp 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 I-Power Gymnastics for helping to make this guide possible. All featured listings are sponsors of Chambanamoms.com. We will continue to add listings as we receive them. If you would like to see your camp added to this guide, please fill out this submission form.
I-Power Gymnastics
I-Power camps are guaranteed to keep your child active, engaged, and physically fit over the summer! Each day campers will get practice on vault, bars, beam, and floor as well as the trampoline and tumble track. Children are grouped by age and ability level. All Camps are taught by experienced, professional I-Power Gymnastics Staff members.
Dates: May 31 – June 3 half day, 1-5 p.m.
June 6-10 half day, 1-5 p.m.
June 13-17 full day, 8-5 p.m.
June 20-24 wee adventure, 9-11:30 a.m. and half day, 1-5 p.m.
June 27 – July 1 half day, 1-5 p.m.
July 5-8 wee adventure 9-11:30 a.m., and half day 1-5 p.m.
July 11-15 full day, 8-5 p.m.
July 18-22 half day, 1-5 p.m.
July 25-29 full day, 8-5 p.m.
Aug. 1-5 wee adventure 9-11:30 a.m., and half day 1-5 p.m.
Aug. 8-12 full day, 1-5 p.m.
Parent Comment: I-Power summer camps are great because my children wake up wanting to get there! The staff is trained and reliable and my kids stay active in a safe environment while keeping engaged with their friends over group games and crafts. I highly recommend!
Ages Served: 3-14
Location: I-Power School of Gymnastics, 215 S. Staley, Champaign
For more information: website or call (217) 359-3547
Savoy Recreation Center
A couple of our most cost effective camps are Savoy Summer Camp, which is a four-week camp and The Ultimate Summer Camp. Go to our website for more information. Some of the themed camps we have are Mad Scientists, Aloha, Dig It Volleyball, Basketball, Lego, Taste Buds, Time Travelers and many more to choose from!
Dates: We offer camps all summer long. From May 31 to Aug. 19.
May 31-June 3 Summer Camp Rocks
June 6-10 All Star Sports and Lego Challenge Camps
June 13-17 Savoy Summer Camp, Baseball Camp, Dig it Volleyball Camp, The Ultimate Summer Camp, Animal Planet Camp
June 20-24 Savoy Summer Camp, Girls Only and Boys Only Camps, The Ultimate Summer Camp, Survivor Camp
June 27-July 1 Savoy Summer Camp, Basketball Camp, Nature Wonders Camp, The Ultimate Summer Camp
July 5-8 Savoy Summer Camp, Camp SRC Unplugged, The Ultimate Summer Camp, Discover Illinois Camp
July 11-15 Mad Scientists Camp, Camp SRC Unplugged, Illinois FC Soccer
July 18-22 Camp SRC Unplugged, Aloha Camp, Camp Holiday
July 25-29 Girls Only, Boys Only, Time Traveler’s and Taste Buds Camps
Aug. 1-5 All Star Sports and Jr. Engineers Camps
Aug. 8-12 Basketball and Lego Camps
Aug. 15-19 Summer’s Last Hurrah
Parent Comment: My three children, ranging in age from 5-11, not only love the variety of camps offered at SRC and the various activities provided, they also love the coordinators and staff that run the programs! They have built wonderful bonds over the years of attendance.
Laura Barragan
Ages Served: 5 to 12
Location: Savoy Recreation Center, 402 W. Graham Dr., Savoy
For more information: website or call (217) 359-3550
STEAMcation Summer Camp by Next Generation School
Through these weeklong enrichment camps, students will have the opportunity to explore themes in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. Each week students will immerse themselves in units of study that foster creativity and discovery-based learning. In the mornings, campers will spend the week rotating through hands-on and inquiry based programs in our STEM lab, Maker’s Studio and Art Studio. The afternoon will include swimming trips, enjoying outdoor activities or going on theme-related field trips.
Dates: All camps are from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with early and after care available from 7:30-9 a.m. and 4-5:45 p.m. Camps are available all summer beginning on May 30 and ending Aug. 5.
Parent Comment: I love that I know my child is safe and well-cared for throughout the day! The staff and administration are extremely responsive, responsible and communicative – so I always feel well informed about my child’s day.
Ages Served: STEAMcation camps are available for students entering grades 1-5. Campers will be in three groups based on age and experience.
Location: STEAM Studio by Next Generation School, 2533 Galen Dr., Champaign
For more information: website or call (217) 356-6995
Campus Middle School for Girls
Come and expand your artistic abilities at CMS this summer! We offer a variety of fun arts camps where you can learn new skills, make new friends, and have lots of fun! Detailed camp descriptions and registration will be available on our website March 1, 2016.
Dates: June 6-10, 9 a.m.-noon: Fiber Arts (Knitting & Art Quilting)
June 6-10, 1-4 p.m.: Jeans Makeover
June 13-17, 9 a.m.-noon: Plein Air Drawing, Photography, Watercolor & Collage with Traci Pines
June 13-17, 1-4 p.m.: Brazilian Cultural Camp
July 11-15, 9 a.m.-noon: Cake Decorating Fun
July 11-15, 1-4 p.m.: Making Miniatures
Children attending both a morning and an afternoon camp will have the option of eating lunch at CMS from noon-1 p.m.
Parent Comment: “I’m really excited for my daughter–she gets to learn some fun new skills with her friends, and work with some amazing teachers!” Katie L.
Ages Served: Incoming 5th to 9th grade girls and boys
Location: First United Methodist Church of Urbana, 304 S. Race Street, 3rd floor, Urbana
For more information: website or call (217) 344-8279
First Christian Church Summer Care
Summer Care is a fun-filled, 11-week child care program where kids are active in many fun activities such as trips to I-Power, Skateland, the movies, and the park! You can register your child for all 11 weeks or for just a few! Part-time options are also available for three days per week.
Dates: May 31 – Aug. 12 Monday-Friday; Drop off is anytime after 7:30 a.m., pick up is anytime before 5:30 p.m.
Parent Comment: The leaders work hard to create a safe and fun atmosphere where the kids are exposed to a variety of experiences and activities that they look forward to each week. The summers my kids spent at Summer Care were more than just a summer at a day care; they made lasting friendships and heard lessons that have stuck, and for that I’m extremely grateful.
Ages Served: Children entering 1st — 6th grade
Location: First Christian Church, 3601 Staley Rd, Champaign
For more information: website or call (217) 356-1649
Stephens Family YMCA
The Y will be offering over 80 camp options throughout the summer both full day and half-day options. Each camp runs for one week beginning May 31 – Aug. 12. Y camp, horseback riding camp, sports camps, gymnastics camp, extreme camp, slumber party camp and much more. Go to our website for complete Summer Camp Guide.
Dates: Weekly starting May 31 – Aug. 12. Option of all day camps and half-day camps available. Typical Full-day camp hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (early/late pick-up options available). Half-day camps 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. or 1-4 p.m.
Parent Comment: My son had the best summer ever! In addition to all the activities, the Y also teaches values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Each camper could earn a bracelet by demonstrating each of these values. My son got them all and was so proud. We will be back next year!
Ages Served: 3-13
Location: Stephens Family YMCA, 2501 Fields South Dr., Champaign
For more information: website or call (217) 239-2811
Countryside School
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. Back by popular demand: Hogwarts Academy; Polymer Beads/Jewelry Making. New this year: Viking Camp (complete with blacksmithing demo). Detailed information and enrollment forms are available on our website.
Dates: Different camps offered each week for various grade levels during June (Session 1 – June 6-10, Session 2 – June 13-17, Session 3 – June 20-24). Camps meet Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to noon. Extend your day at Countryside by registering for The Neighborhood, an extended camp experience including outdoor play, arts and crafts, and organized P.E. activities from noon to 4 p.m.
Parent Comment: “My children love the variety of camps to choose from and that they can attend camp with their friends from other schools.” – Mother of a 2nd grader and a 5th grader
Ages Served: Students entering Kindergarten – 9th grade depending on the camp. Camps open to students from any school.
Location: Countryside School, 4301 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign
For more information: website or call (217) 351-1253
Urbana Park District Nature Day Camps
Nature Day Camp has traditional summer camp activities that increase a child’s appreciation for nature, community and the environment. Children are divided into separate camp groups by age: Kneehigh Camp (ages 3-4), Kinder Camp (age
5-6), Crystal Lake Camp (ages 6-8) and Earthscope Camp (ages 9-12). In each camp children spend their days exploring the outdoors during weekly themed sessions. Leaders guide hands-on discovery, games, crafts, field trips and more. Each camper receives a Nature Day Camp T-shirt. Please dress your child for mess and bring a refillable water bottle daily.
Dates: One week sessions May 31-July 29, Additional week of specialty camps Aug. 1-5
Ages Served: Preschool-Age 12
Location: Anita Purves Nature Center, 1505 N. Broadway, Urbana
For more information: website or call (217) 367-1544
Urbana Park District Sports Camp
Kids will enjoy a variety of fun activities involving sports and games, while making new friends in an active environment. Campers are instructed on a variety of sports activities, participate in competitions, and go on trips. Camp includes two afternoons a week of free swim at the Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center or Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center. Campers ride MTD buses for field trips. Bring a lunch that does not need refrigeration, a morning snack, and a swimsuit and towel on swim days. Campers should wear tennis shoes daily.
Dates: One week sessions May 31 through Aug. 12
Parent Comment: “The leaders are great; my daughter loves all of them.”
Ages Served: 6-12
Location: Children should be dropped off and picked up at Brookens Gym
For more information: website or call (217) 367-1544
Urbana Park District Specialty Camps
In addition to our summer-long camps, the Urbana Park District offers several camps with special themes. CONSTRUCTION CAMP: In this camp we will build, build, build! Make structures and usable items with a variety of materials, including Legos, Magnatiles, PVC pipes, bricks, wood, and more. You will be able to take some creations home and have fun (safely) deconstructing the others. SCIENCE CAMP: Scientists in the making can engage their curious minds in this hands on camp. Campers will explore chemistry, engineering, and more through fun projects, games, and activities. WILDLIFE WATCHERS CAMP: This camp offers games, lessons and crafts for youth interested in local wildlife. Interact with some of the nature center’s education animals and meet visitors from the community who work with wildlife. The week will end with a field trip to Weaver Park. ANIMAL ADVENTURE CAMP: Calling all young animal lovers! The Champaign County Humane Society invites you to experience a week filled with pet-related games, lessons and crafts. Enjoy daily interactions with “animal ambassadors” and learn about their care in a fun and safe manner. Meet visitors from the community who work to help animals every day. The week will end with an experience at the Champaign County Humane Society! TEENS IN ACTION: Campers develop and execute service projects together at locations around Urbana-Champaign. They challenge, inspire and energize themselves while giving back to the community.
Dates: –Construction Camp (Aug. 1-5); Science Camp (Aug. 8-12); Wildlife Watchers Camp (Aug. 1-5); Animal Adventure Camp (Aug. 1-5); Teens in Action Camp for kids in grades 6-8 (July 4-22)
Parent Comment: This was the first year my daughter has done construction camp. It was her one of her favorite weeks of camp, and we will definitely be back next summer! (construction camp)
Ages Served: 5-14, depending on camp
Location: Various park district locations, Urbana
For more information: website or call (217) 367-1544
Urbana Park District Summer Arts Camp
We have two arts camp opportunities for you this year. NEW! PRESCHOOL ARTS CAMP: Young artists will develop their visual and performing arts skills in this exciting new camp created just for 3- and 4-year-old campers. Each session will include hands-on art exploration as well as play-based learning and recreation in a small group setting. Each session will have a virtual art show posted online. This camp is for children who no longer require a napping period during the day. Campers will learn new art terms and techniques and gain valuable friendships. Campers will ride MTD buses for field trips, have open play time at the Phillips Recreation Center playground, and supervised swimming. SUMMER ARTS CAMP: Budding artists focus on the visual and performing arts: painting, sketching, collage, printmaking, mixed media, sculpture, cartooning, and photography, to name just a few. Each session will have a virtual art show posted online. Each camper will learn new art terms and techniques and gain valuable friendships.
Dates: one week sessions, May 31-July 29, Meets 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Parent Comment: Hands down, no questions asked … the Phillips rec center has the best camp leaders in all of Champaign Urbana! Thanks to all of them, they did an excellent job! (arts camp)
Ages Served: Preschool – ages 3-4 OR Ages 5-12, depending on camp
Location: Phillips Recreation Center, 505 W. Stoughton, Urbana
For more information: website or call (217) 367-1544
The Little Gym
Each camp is full of exciting, creative missions where kids will exercise their muscles, imaginations and cooperation skills as they complete a different quest each day! Each week has a special theme and each day is a different, exciting quest! Schedule a day, a few days, or several full week sessions! You can customize your child’s camp days to fit your schedule!
Dates: Monday, June 6-Friday, Aug. 19. Monday’s, Wednesday’s and Friday’s camp is 9 a.m.-noon and Tuesday’s and Thursday’s camp is 1-4 p.m.
Parent Comment: “The Little Gym is a guaranteed fun time. My daughter loves to play at camps and I love knowing that she is comfortable, safe and busy having a blast!” -Amanda
Ages Served: 3-12 years
Location: The Little Gym, 2860 S. Philo Road, Suite K, Urbana
For more information: website or call (217) 352-5500
Allerton Day Camps
Allerton camps offer a unique blend of nature, art, and fun. Campers will explore everything Allerton has to offer, from hiking trails to sculpture. As always, camp isn’t camp without running and playing in the sunshine and outdoors!
Dates: Discovery Camp, June 6-10, 9 a.m.-noon
Allerton Adventurers, June 13-17, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
(Extended Day available)
Allerton Acorns, June 20-24, 9 a.m.-noon
Allerton Artists, June 27-30, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
(Extended Day available)
Parent Comment: This was David’s first experience at camp. We were nervous for him, but didn’t need to be! Every day when we picked him up, he told us how much fun he was having. He even made a new friend! It was a great experience for him.
Ages Served: 3-11
Location: Allerton Park & Retreat Center, 515 Old Timber Road, Monticello
For more information: website or call (217) 333-3287
Class Act
Does your child love to Act? Sing? Dance? Create?
Class Act offers a variety of training and performance opportunities for students of all levels. Camps are taught by professional educators Kat Downs, Jaclyn Loewenstein and Donna Warwick. Each session culminates with a performance on the SoDo Theatre stage.
Dates: June 6-Aug. 5. Check our website for details. Most camps meet for three hours/day for one, two or three weeks.
Parent Comment: “Our 11-year-old has participated in Class Act’s theatre programs for four years and has loved every moment. She has developed a sense of self confidence that we never thought possible in a child. Class Act’s instructors are top notch. They care about the kids and encourage them to be their best without competing against each other.” — Johnalene and Jeff Radek
Ages Served: Entering Kindergarten through 12th grade
Location: SoDo Theatre (at Christ Community Church), 114 S. Neil St., Champaign
For more information: website or call (217) 689-1493
Soccer Planet
From Lil’ Kickers child development camps to skill focused camps to prepare you for your high school season, we have a camp for any child 4-17 years old. Camps may take place indoors OR outdoors at our facility in Urbana!
Dates: Lil’ Kickers Skills Camp: Ages 4-8
June 13-17 9-11 a.m.
July 18-22 9-11 a.m.
Aug. 8-12 9-11 a.m.
Youth Soccer Camp: Ages 9-14
June 13-17 1-4 p.m.
July 18-22 1-4 p.m.
Aug. 8-12 1-4 p.m.
High School Camp: (Incoming Freshmen-Seniors)
June 20-24 1-4 p.m.
July 18-22 1-4 p.m.
Parent Comment: “Soccer Planet Camps are safe, fun, and extremely well-organized.” “My kids love Summer Camp at Soccer Planet, they can escape the heat while working on fundamentals and athleticism.”
Ages Served: 4-17
Location: Soccer Planet, 2310 N. Willow Rd., Urbana
For more information: website or call (217) 367-9999
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