Make It Better 2014 Camp Guide

2014

DIGITA L Emakeitbetter.net DI T I O N2 0 1 4 C A M P G U I D E

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GET YOUR TEEN OUT OF BED

THIS SUMMER WITH

KENDALL SUMMER CAMPS Suddenly, your teenager isn’t sleeping in.

Because they’re going to Summer Camp at Kendall College. From culinary arts to hospitality management, business to early childhood education, week-long or weekend, overnight or day-camps, Kendall has the camp your kid will actually want to get up for.

CAMPS START IN JUNE—REGISTER TODAY

kendall.edu/camps 312.752.2206

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Click here to register for bo ys soccer camp!

gister Click to re ccer for girls so academy!

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contents 2014 camp guide

CIT: Your Tween’s Summer Thrills– First Summer Job u Camps for Your Teen u

BY K RISTINA TOB ER

Special Camps for Special Kids u

BY K RISTINA TOB ER

BY TR ACE Y L ABOVIT Z

Kids Tech Camps Take Gaming to Another Level u

Great camps listing u

BY JE SSIC A DOWNS COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF CAMP WOODLAND

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Camp 2014

Experts in Play New! Early Bird Pricing

Discounts until noon, Feb 28, 2014

Field trips, friends, fun, life skills... it’s all HERE.

Register Online www.pdhp.org

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Summer Day Camp

For kids ages 5–12

ng

s Field Trip

Spor ts

Swimmi

June 9th to August i5th • • • •

Field Trips!

Special Events!

Swimming!

Sports & Activities!

Friends

Flexible Schedules Convenient Drop off locations Glenview, Northbrook, Deerfield, and Arlington heights

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CIT: YOUR TWEEN’S FIRST SUMMER JOB

BY KRISTINA TOBER

Is your tween too young for a summer job but they still love camp? This might be the summer to explore being a Counselor in Training (CIT).

Most summer camps—both day and sleepaway—offer older campers the opportunity to serve as CITs or staff in training (SITs). It’s a great way to build necessary job skills, like

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leadership and accountability, while still taking advantage of all the fun to be had at camp.

W HER E TO LOOK

Start with your local park district summer camp programs. Local day camps, such as Banner Day Camp and HiFive Sports Camp, also offer CIT and SIT programs.

The application process varies from camp to camp.

Most require an application (filled out by the prospective CIT), references and interviews, while others are more casual in their approach and require a phone call or email.

K N OW T H E C A M P

It helps if your child knows what he is signing up for. Not only should the camp include

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activities that your tween enjoys, it’s also beneficial to have familiarity with the staff, schedule, rules, emergency procedures and more.

“Having gone to the camp before, he knew the drill,” says Lydia Steck, a Lake Forest mother whose son has worked as a CIT for the same park district camp he attended as a child. “He was able to apply his own experience to his CIT role and share stories of his past adventures with the younger campers.”

H OW O L D D O YO U H AV E T O B E ?

Day campers can usually become CITs the summer before 7th grade and continue through 9th grade, though age requirements vary by camp and the level of responsibility given to the CIT/SIT.

Typically, a CIT receives some training from the camp and is there to assist the counselors with all camper activities.

Many overnight camps require CITs to be older and undergo Wilderness First Aid, Lifeguarding, basic CPR and Canoe Whitewater Training, in addition to their CIT program training.

IS IT THE R IGHT FIT?

To be successful, prospective CITs should be honest with themselves about whether the job fits. Ask yourself obvious questions like: Does your tween enjoy being with younger kids?

Are they responsible, careful and energetic? Chances are if he or she is an avid artist, an all-day sports camp might not be the ideal fit. And perhaps

the most important question: Does your tween like camp?

REMEMBER , IT’S A JOB

Make sure your tween understands that it’s a job. “Just because your child still goes to camp, you and he need to approach it like a job, with responsibilities to help staff work to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for the young campers,” Steck says.

While a CIT can certainly enjoy the camp experience, it’s still a role that requires your tween to be on time and ready to help. It’s the best way to get a feel for what it really takes to be a counselor. And though it’s usually a “volunteer” position, many camps offer reduced fees (up to half off) to any tween that takes the job. makeitbetter.net

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ster i g e r am p c r o f

Explore, Experience, Create Lasting Memories COED OVERNIGHT CAMP, AGES 7–16 • TRADITIONAL ACTIVITIES, HORSES, TEEN PROGRAMS, ADVENTURE TRIPS • SESSIONS FROM 4 DAYS TO 1 OR MORE WEEKS • LOCATED 2 HOURS FROM CHICAGO OUTRAGEOUS FUN!

PERSONAL GROWTH!

GREAT ADVENTURES! POSITIVE VALUES!

NEW FRIENDS!

Overnight Summer Camp • Transportation Available Online Registration Available • Outrageous Fun!!

PLYMOUTH, WI • WWW.ANOKIJIG.COM • 800.741.6931

At most overnight camps, CITs start finessing the skills necessary to be a counselor. At Kooch-i-Ching, an all-boys wilderness camp in Minnesota, the CIT program emphasizes educational best practices.

“CITs do more than focus on campers having fun,” explains camp director JR Verkamp. “Partnering with counselors, CITs learn how to challenge campers and get to know each camper’s background, skill sets and interests. They quickly learn the importance of being a caregiver and the amazing responsibility that comes with being a staff member.”

ing, but according to Dr. Wendy Mogel, acclaimed clinical psychologist and the author of the best-selling parenting books “The Blessing of a Skinned Knee,” and “The Blessing of a B Minus,” there’s no better first job for your child than being a camp counselor.

“For most kids, it’s the first time they are responsible for keeping other people safe,” Mogel says. “They quickly learn that campers throw up and they have to clean it up.

They have to be patient, work with others and stay focused.

Camp offers authentic experiences with real consequences. It’s preparation for college and beyond.”

P R E PA R AT I O N F O R LIFE

Not only is being a CIT a great introduction to work

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Camps for Your Teen

BY TR ACE Y L ABOVITZ

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Your teenager has likely spent many summers swimming in lakes and making crafts. It’s time to step up the game and give your young adult a truly exciting summer.

Here are some summer opportunities guaranteed to change your teen’s life.

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Teens bike across the country with Apogee Adventures.

C A M P JA M

Held at Lake Forest Academy, Camp Jam can make an aspiring teen musician’s dream summer come true.

Founded by Jeff Carlisi, former lead guitarist for .38 Special, this overnight and day rock ‘n’ roll camp was featured on MTV’s “Camp’d Out.” Beginner to advanced guitarists, bassists, keyboard14

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ists, drummers and vocalists receive instrument-specific instruction, on-stage performance time, song-writing sessions and master classes taught by celebrity musicians.

Jennifer Batten—Michael Jackson’s lead guitarist for over 10 years—will perform and work hands-on with first-session campers.

If your teen doesn’t play an instrument, Camp Jam Tech, a new program taught by industry professionals, covers all aspects of staging and recording live performances.

APOGEE A DV E N T U R E S

Your teen can watch the entire country unfold while bicycling. America Coast to Coast starts with back wheels in the Atlantic Ocean off South Carolina, then takes

An acclaimed North Shore institution celebrating 41 years of excellence in training children and adults in the theatre arts.

Offering camps, classes, workshops, and more.

click to see our summer classes u

847. 866. 65 97 | EVAN STON, I L | P I V ENT H EAT R E .ORG

Teens can volunteer at Equestrian Connection

cyclists 2,600 miles over six weeks through the Deep South, small town America, the Rocky Mountains and desert landscapes before dipping front wheels in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego.

“The neatest thing I’ve heard a teen say after a trip,” says founder Kevin Cashman, “is he had renewed faith in

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human kindness.”

Cyclists carry their own gear and spend many nights indoors.

Touring bikes required.

Ages: 15-18 Locations: Starts, Charleston, South Carolina; Ends, San Diego, California For more information, visit apogeeadventures.com/trips or call 877-700-5046.

EQUESTR I A N CON N ECTION

T H E R OA D L E S S T R AV E L E D

If your teen loves horses, he or she will feel great about volunteering at this Lake Forest horseback riding facility that provides therapy to disabled children. The camp needs volunteers to walk alongside the horses while the children ride, groom the horses and more.

The minimum age is 13.

Though headquartered in Chicago, RLT explores the world through its adventure, language, service and leadership programs. Whether it’s planting coral in Florida, building a school in India, backpacking through Alaska or performing a concert in Costa Rica, this family-run business

The Spanish Countryside

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Now celebrating our 60th Anniversary Season!

Camper backpacking through Alaska

promises a safe, rewarding experience for your teen.

Ages: 13-19 Locations: Countries throughout the U.S., Canada, Central America, South America, Africa, Asia, Europe Cost: Varies; Financial aid available for Chicago area residents.

For more information, visit theroadlesstraveled.com or call 773-342-5200.

intimate knowledge of its culture by helping Spanish students learn English at Pueblo Ingles, which is Spanish for English Village. Accommodations and meals are covered.

Ages: 13-18 Location: Spain Cost: Airfare and hotel the night before and after the oneweek program.

For more information, visit diverbo.com/en/volunteer-abroad/teens.

TEEN PUEBLO INGLES

Your teen can experience beautiful Spain and gain an

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FOR KIDS, CAMP IS ALL ABOUT

FUN & FRIENDS! K TO NT C I L E C PAR LS H C WAT IMONIA TEST

RIDING • SAILING • TENNIS • SWIMMING • ARCHERY • AND MUCH MORE!

PARENTS, you know it’s about growing up and the power of fun!

Surrounded by purposeful, caring leaders, your child will: • Specialize in a variety of activities • Build self reliance in a supportive environment • Practice leadership skills with growing confidence

THE T I S I P V CAM S Y O B GO u

TOWERING PINES CAMP for BOYS, since 1946

CAMP WOODLAND for GIRLS, since 1970

VISIT GIRL THE S CA GO u MP

LOCATED IN NORTHERN WISCONSIN CONTACT US TODAY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TOWERING PINES & WOODLAND ADVANTAGE!

eaglerivercamps.com • 847-446-7311 • info@eaglerivercamps.com

sports • waterskiing • sailing • tripping • American Indian traditions

LEARN MORE!

Camp Kawaga – an exciting and fun tradition like none other for the development and growth of your son.

• 4 or 8 week sessions • Ages 7–16

• 1 or 2 week sessions available for Rookie Campers under age 10.

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF CAMPING IN 2014 LOCATED IN MINOCQUA, WI

(847) 383-5643

KAWAGA.COM

SPECIAL CAMPS FOR SPECIAL KIDS

BY KRISTINA TOBER

Finding the right camp is always important, particularly when your child has special needs.

“It’s not just about summer recreation,” explains Katie Koske, manager of cooperative programs for the Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA). “When you have a child who is already challenged developmentally, it’s imperative to find a summer program that can provide consistency and support ongoing developmental needs.”

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There’s also the simple reality that parents need help. Caring for a child who needs constant one-on-one supervision can be exhausting and taxing on the whole family. Summer camp provides the necessary respite while allowing your child to stay engaged.

ation the needs of your family.

Do you need a full-day camp?

Transportation? Do you require a more flexible schedule to accommodate therapy schedules and summer school? Do you want your child to attend the same camp as siblings and peers?

So where do you start?

REVIEW YOUR OPTIONS. As with mainstream kids, there are a variety of camp options for kids with special needs.

IDENTIFY YOUR CHILD’S NEEDS FIRST. Does your child have medical needs? Will your child’s physical challenges limit his or her participation in typical camp activities, or does the camp offer adaptive activities? Does your child need one-on-one assistance? Does your child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) recommend summer school?

In addition to your child’s needs, you need to take into consider-

Both Northern Suburban Special Education District (NSSED) and NSSRA, as well as Special Education District of Lake County (SEDOL) and the Special Recreation Association of Lake County (SRALC), offer a combined summer program that ensures an easy transition between school and recreation.

When a student enrolls, they have the option to stay after

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va

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m m u

s a nd f e s t p m a c er i Beginning June 10, 2014 Enroll Today!

Oboe Boot Camp

Piano Boot Camp

Adult Piano Camp

Chicago Suzuki Institute

(JUNE 9 - 13)

(JUNE 23- 27)

(JUNE 12 - 15)

(JUNE 28- JULY 4)

Art of the Jazz Band Camps

Quintet Attacca’s Chamber Camp for Winds

(JUNE 16 - 20 & JUNE 23 - 27)

Musical Theater Camps

(JUNE 16 - 20)

(JUNE 16 - AUGUST 1)

Guitar Boot Camp (TBD)

2014 Chicago Duo-Piano Festival (JULY 11 - 20)

For more information: 847.905.1500 • musicinst.org/summer

morning summer school for the recreation portion in the afternoon. Kids are assured consistency by having the same location and staff as they do in the morning, and can develop appropriate social interaction with their peers and the staff. While transportation is provided at no additional cost, typically there is a nominal fee to cover recreational staffing, field trips and activities.

In addition to the combined school/recreation programs, special recreation associations typically offer a wealth of other summer activities including options for after-camp care, overnight camps, mini-trips and ongoing programming.

In addition to specialized camp programs, there are many camps that support inclusion, providing your child with a typi-

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Riding is a therapeutic activity for campers

cal camp experience with mainstream peers. Local park districts will partner with special recreation associations to provide the necessary staff and support to ensure your child’s success in a mainstream camp program.

A Big Blast in Glenview offers a summer camp and year-round programming using a buddy system. Keshet partners with the Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Chicago and the Apache camp network to provide a truly inclusive camp experience. Their goal is to foster inclusion to the best of each child’s ability, providing life-changing benefits to everyone involved.

Equestrian Connection in Lake Forest offers a flexible camp program, run week-to-week, that combines hippotherapy (therapeutic riding), art therapy and outdoor activities.

PUT ASIDE YOUR EXPECTATIONS OF WHAT SUMMER CAMP SHOULD BE. We all want our children to experience the joys of summer camp. More importantly, we want a child to go where he or she will have the most success.

Sometimes that means putting aside your own reservations or expectations.

“I felt so guilty sending my son away to overnight camp,” lamented one mom of a teen boy with autism. “But when I saw the opportunities available to him there, versus my ability to keep him happy and entertained all summer, there was no question that we made the right decision.”

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TAMARAK DAY CAMP

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE TAMARAK!

REGISTER NOW FOR 2014!

2014 CAMP SEASON June 16 – August 8 • 4, 6 or 8 week options  Instructional Swim Twice Daily  Sports, Performing Arts, Archery, Nature,

Tennis, Specials Week and Athletic Clinics!

 Door to door transportation  Before and after camp care available

SCHEDULE A TOUR OR REGISTER TODAY!

847.634.3168 • TamarakDayCamp.com 23970 N. Elm Road Lincolnshire, IL

BEST CAMP

Discover yourself in the Colorado Rockies at Cheley Camps

LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Can’t wait to go back. My son said he could live there as long as I came to visit on the weekends!

– Camp Parent

Click to take a virtual tour of Cheley u

Boy and Girls Ages 9-17 1-800-CAMP-FUN makeitbetter.net www.cheley.com 2014 CAMP GUIDE 29

Now accepting registrations for weekly lessons and swim camps...

Schedule your FREE In-water Level Assessment today!!

ere Click h ter to regis ions s for ses y! toda

Learn To Swim!! ®

Swimmers Guaranteed.

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Highland Park • Lakeview • Libertyville 2 0 1 4 C A M P www.fossswimschool.com GUIDE makeitbetter.net

KIDS TECH CAMPS TAKE GAMING TO ANOTHER LEVEL

BY JESSICA DOWNS

GAME MODDING, IPHONE AND IPAD design, 3D modeling, game level design, Multimedia Fusion, Java programming, and web and

graphic design.

Confused? I was. Imagine a camp where kids as young as seven years old are mastering these skills, and that’s exactly

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what Northwestern University’s iD Tech Camp is.

At 60 prestigious universities throughout the country, kids ages 7-17 are taking their gaming and computer interests to the next level. Besides Northwestern, kids at Lake Forest College, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Michigan, Purdue, Stanford, and Princeton are taking their hobbies and learning how to make them into possible careers.

In rooms at Northwestern stocked with computers, instructors assist kids as they design their own video game levels, generate video game characters, create 2D and 3D worlds from their own imaginations, and much more.

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One camper who looked about 10 years old created his very own iPhone application, which gave step-by-step instructions on how to beat a particular video game. Another was using Java programming to create his own Black Jack program, a game he looked about ten years too young to play.

As for the instructors who are helping them, they aren’t just your average techies. Most of the instructors are college students with majors or minors in the specific area they’re instructing, and with an average ratio of one instructor to every six kids, students are sure to get the attention they require.

Through the week, campers work on one project in a specific category so at the end of

the week they can show their parents what they have accomplished.

Marion Lewis, 15 of Wilmette, is designing a 3D robot on the computer, which eventually will be animated to dance.

Coming in with no prior knowledge, Marion is learning to use a 3D animation design program which offers a stateof-the-art toolset used in film, games, TV, advertising, publishing, and graphic design.

“I wanted to be familiar with the Maya program,” Marion says. “I’m really interested in animation.” Many of the students at the camp, Marion included, have aspirations to have a career in field in which they are working. Working for Pix-

ar would be a dream come true for Marion.

Besides the iD Tech Camps, there is also the iD Gaming Academy, iD Programming Academy, and the iD Visual Arts Academy for kids to choose.

If you missed out this year, these camps are the perfect choice for kids interested in technology.

No matter their level of expertise, from completely clueless or a young computer genius, this camp provides the opportunity for a child’s hobby to become a successful profession, or at least a really cool way to impress friends.

For more information on tech camps, visit iDTech.com or call 1-888-709-TECH (8324).

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great camps ACTORS TRAINING CENTER AT WILMETTE THEATRE Wilmette, IL | 847-251-8710 actorstrainingcenter.com BANNER DAY CAMP Lake Forest | 847-295-4900 bannerdaycamp.com CAMP ANOKIJIG Plymouth, WI | 800-741-6931 anokijig.com CAMP CBG AT THE CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN Glencoe, IL | 847-835-8361 chicagobotanic.org/camp

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CAMP ECHO Fremont, MI | 231-924-7076 mcgawymca.org CAMP KAWAGA Minocqua, WI | 847-3835643 | kawaga.com CAMP MENOMINEE Eagle River, WI | 847-9140992 | campmenominee.com CAMP WOODLAND FOR GIRLS Eagle River, WI | 847-446-7311 campwoodland.com CHELEY COLORADO CAMPS Estes Park, CO | 970-5864244 | cheley.com

GOOD TIMES DAY CAMP Glenview, IL | 847.729.4884 Libertyville, IL | 847.680.4884 Naperville, IL | 847.680.4884 goodtimesdaycamp.com HARAND CAMP OF THE THEATRE ARTS Kenosha, WI | 847-8641500 | harandcamp.com HI-FIVE SPORTS CAMP Northfield | 847-229-9555, ext. 111 | hifivesportsclubs.com JCC APACHI CHICAGO DAY CAMP Chicago | 773-938-8348 gojcc.org KENDALL COLLEGE Chicago | 312-752-2206 kendall.edu/camps

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MUSIC INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO Evanston | Chicago Downers Grove | Highland Park Lake Forest | Lincolnshire Winnetka | 847-905-500 musicinst.org NORTHWESTERN BOYS SOCCER ACADEMY Evanston, IL | 847-491-4392 nusoccercamps.com NORTHWESTERN GIRLS SOCCER ACADEMY Evanston, IL | 847-467-5297 nugirlssoccercamps.com NORTHWESTERN VOLLEYBALL CAMPS Evanston, IL | 847-467-3893 northwesternvolleyballcamps.com

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PARK DISTRICT OF HIGHLAND PARK CAMPS Highland Park | 847-831-3810 pdhp.org PIVEN THEATRE WORKSHOP Evanston, IL | 847-866-6597 piventheatre.org TAMARAK DAY CAMP Lincolnshire, IL | 847-634-3168 tamarakdaycamp.com TOWERING PINES CAMP FOR BOYS Eagle River, WI | 847-446-7311 toweringpinescamp.com VALLEY LO CLUB Glenview | 847-729-5550 valleylo.com

Northwestern Volleyball Camps

Camps for boys & girls grades 2-12

BOYS & GIRLS

GIRLS ONLY

MIDDLE SCHOOL

HIGH SCHOOL SKILLS

SERVING CLINICS

POSITIONS CLINICS

JUNE 23-25, JULY 7-9, JULY 14-16 JUNE 26, JULY 11

JULY 17-20 (OVERNIGHT) JULY 11, JULY 21

YOUTH CLINICS

APRIL 30, MAY 7, MAY 14, JUNE 26, JULY 11

Click here to register or for more information

THE BOY YOU WANT YOUR SON TO BE,

COMES HOME FROM CAMP MENOMINEE

OR F K C I L C I N FO MORE

Where Friends and Memories Last a Lifetime

Actors trAining center

2, 4, and 8 Week Sessions Available FUN-Traditional Camp * with Lots of Sports! Live on a Beautiful Sand Bottom Lake 87 * * Year Tradition of a Family Atmosphere Modern Facility with * Electrified Cabins with Bathrooms! Best Food Ever!

At the wilmette theAtre

*

Summer 2014

Eagle River, WI 847-914-0992 campmenominee.com fun@campmenominee.com

ProgramS! Actors trAining center June 16 – August 18 At the wilmette theAtre

A thoughtful, process-driven summer acting program for the professionally minded student. For 1st–12th graders.

Actors trAining center register, cAlltheAtre (847) 251-8710 Attothe wilmette

Summer 2014 ProgramS! see progrAms online At www.wilmettetheatre.com/atc

Summer 2014 Proud SPonSor: North Shore Community Bank

ProgramS!

June 16 – August 18 A thoughtful, process-driven summer acting program for the professionally minded student. For 1st–12th graders.

June 16 – August 18

to register, cAll (847) 251-8710

see progrAms online At www.wilmettetheatre.com/atc Proud SPonSor: North Shore Community Bank

Actors trAining center

A thoughtful, process-driven summer acting program At the wilmette theAtre for the professionally minded student. For 1st–12th graders.

Summer 2014 to register, cAll (847) 251-8710

ProgramS!

see progrAms online At www.wilmettetheatre.com/atc

Proud North Shore June 16SPonSor: – August 18 Community Bank A thoughtful, process-driven summer acting program for the professionally minded student. For 1st–12th graders.

to register, cAll (847) 251-8710

see progrAms online At www.wilmettetheatre.com/atc

Proud SPonSor: North Shore Community Bank

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