2015
DIGITAL Emakeitbetter.net D I T I O N201 5 C A M P G U I D E
1
FOR KIDS, CAMP IS ALL ABOUT
FUN & FRIENDS!
OUR GOAL AS PARENTS is to build a secure inner
structure which will prepare our children with skills for life. At our camps your child will be surrounded by purposeful leaders who will care for and guide your child in: • Specializing in a variety of activities • Building self reliance in a safe environment • Practicing leadership skills with confidence 3 Generations of Trusted Educators 2 Amazing Camps 1 Great Summer!
2
201 5 C A M P G U I D E
makeitbetter.net
P M A C R E M M SU
Founded in 1909 and nestled on the pristine shores of Lake Hubert in the Minnesota Northwoods, Camp Lincoln and Camp Lake Hubert focus on skill and character development for boys and girls aged 5 to 17. We strive to create a safe summer camp environment for children that encourages the discovery of self and a sense of wonder in the natural world!
7460 Market Place Drive | Eden Prarie, MN 55344 www.lincoln-lakehubert.com | 800-242-1909 makeitbetter.net 201 5 C A M P G U I D E
3
contents 2015 camp guide
Life in the Spotlife: Arts Camps u
Saddle Up For Fun u BY SHANNAN YO U NGER
BY JENNY MUSLIN
All in the Family: Family Camps u BY SHANNAN YO U NGER
Fun and Learning From Minecraft to Mars: Tech Camps u BY SHANNAN YO U NGER
COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF CAMP MEDOMAK FAMILY CAMP
4
201 5 C A M P G U I D E
makeitbetter.net
WHERE “NO MAN IS AN ISLAND” AND EVERYONE IS A STAR!
Singing, Dancing, Acting, Sports & Activities •
Co-Ed, ages 7 - 18 • On Lake Michigan • 1, 3 & 6 week sessions
Gives Campers: Self-confidence, Theatre knowledge & experience, Lifelong friendships through our caring and non-competitive environment
CONTACT US AT: 847. 864 .1500 makeitbetter.net 201 5 C A M P HARANDCAMP@GMAIL.COM | HARANDCAMP.COM
GUIDE
5
Life in the Spotlight:
arts camps
Does your child love being in the spotlight or dream of being part of a theatrical production? These camps are perfect for those who have a passion for the arts. Not only will children enjoy an unforgettable camp experience, but they will also benefit by learning from theater professionals and performing on a real stage.
6
201 5 C A M P G U I D E
makeitbetter.net
PHOTO COURTESY OF SECOND CITY
BY JENNY MUSLIN
Harand Camp of the Theatre Arts Harand Camp celebrates its 61st season in 2015. The camp’s motto, “No Man is an Island,” personifies its belief that there’s a role for every child, regardless of skill level. Each camper finds a time to shine during the camp experience. Campers spend half the day in theater classes (singing, dancing and acting) and the other half of the day in electives of their choosing such as sports, art and film. Evening and weekend activities may include a talent show, day at the beach or costume ball. Around 150 campers stay in dormitories on the Kenosha campus of Carthage College, overlooking Lake Michigan. Three- and six-week sessions are offered, and first-time
campers can try out a special one-week session to get a taste of camp life. Each session culminates in a large-scale performance for friends, family and alumni in a state-of-theart theater, with past productions including “West Side Story,” “Legally Blonde” and “The Wizard of Oz.” Ages: 7 to 18 Location: Kenosha, Wisc. For more information, visit harandcamp.com or call 847-864-1500
Second City Summer Comedy Camp Work the stage where some of comedy’s biggest stars got their start. Campers hone their skills in sketch comedy and improvisation, while learning the fundamentals of comedy
Ages: 8 to18 Location: 1608 N. Wells St., Chicago For more information, visit secondcity.com/training or call 312-664-3959
8
201 5 C A M P G U I D E
makeitbetter.net
Lookingglass Theatre Summer Arts Quest Camp
Brant Lake Dance Camp Nestled in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, Brant Lake Dance Camp was founded in 1980 by Sharon Gersten Luckman, former executive director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Brant Lake is truly for the girl who loves
PHOTO COURTESY OF LOOKINGGLASS THEATRE
and developing their own selfconfidence in the process. At Second City Summer Comedy Camp, students are grouped by age and can choose from a variety of courses—everything from classic “Improv” to the more specialized “Creating Digital Shorts.” Choose from one- or two-week long sessions, with the two-week sessions culminating in a performance for friends and family. Students also enjoy a special performance by The Second City National Touring Company and an end-of-camp pizza party.
to dance, and with just 50 campers, it creates an intimate environment where lasting friendships are created. A camp session is four-and-ahalf weeks long, and each day, professional dance instruction is paired with traditional camp activities like watersports, arts and crafts, campfires and co-ed socials with the neighboring boy’s camp. Accommodations include carpeted cabins within a spacious main lodge, while dance classes take place in professional rehearsal studios. Campers perform weekly on stage, in addition to a showcase performance that takes place in the last days of camp. Students also experience various day trips such as an excursion to see a New York City Ballet performance or an overnight
stay in Montreal. Ages: 11 to 16 Location: Brant Lake, N.Y. For more information, visit brantlakedancecamp.com
Lookingglass Theatre Summer Arts Quest Camp Over the course of two weeks, students study physical theatre (storytelling through movement) and acting, and create an original play to be performed on Lookingglass Theatre’s main stage. Some of this summer’s productions will include “Peter Pan” and “Around the World in 80 Days.” During a typical camp day, campers take classes in physical theatre and acting. Physical theatre can include circus, tumbling, juggling,
makeitbetter.net
201 5 C A M P G U I D E
9
Where Science, Nature & Fun Meet! Science, nature, art, and ecology come together for kids ages 2 to 15
June 15 – August 14
u Click here to view classes and resiter online.
PHOTO COURTESY OF HARAND CAMP
stage combat and shadow puppetry, while acting class includes ensemble-building, skill development and writing/adaptation. Students write original scripts based on the session’s production and put their newly learned physical theatre skills to use during their final performance. “Each session accommodates up to 40 students, and with a high rate of returning families, this program almost always sells out!” says Lizzie Perkins,
Lookingglass Theater Company’s Director of Education. Ages: 8 to 14 Location: Fourth Presbyterian Gratz Center, 126 E. Chestnut St., Chicago For more information, visit lookingglasstheatre.org/education or call 773-477-9257, x.104
Stagedoor Manor Some of Hollywood’s brightest stars are alumni of Stagedoor Manor (Natalie Portman, makeitbetter.net
201 5 C A M P G U I D E
11
Robert Downey Jr., and Lea Michele to name a few). Located in New York’s Catskill Mountains, 240 campers from all over the world participate in daily performing arts classes in addition to recreational activities. Some of the unique theater classes include Audition Technique, Directing and Playwriting. Students will also enjoy Master Classes taught by noted Broadway, TV, and film per-
formers, and workshops with agents, managers and casting directors. Evenings may include outdoor movies, dance parties and even an open-mic coffee house. A summer at Stagedoor Manor is composed of three sessions, each three weeks long. Campers stay in a former resort hotel, with three to five kids in each dorm-style room. Sessions culminate with various full-scale performances
in one of eight indoor and outdoor theaters.
PHOTO COURTESY OF LOOKINGGLASS THEATRE
Ages: 10 to 18 Location: Loch Sheldrake, N.Y. For more information, visit stagedoormanor.com or call 845-434-4290
Interlochen Arts Camp Nearly 2,600 campers from all over the globe flock to northwest Michigan each summer to immerse themselves in performing and visual arts classes
taught by industry professionals and university professors. During a one-, three-, or sixweek session, students choose a specific major, such as dance or music, or sign up for General Arts, which encompasses all of the fine arts. In addition to their major, campers take electives to explore other areas of interest and participate in recreational activities like boating, archery or arts and crafts, as well as trips to the dunes or beach. Programs end with a performance or multiple performances, while orchestra students may perform weekly. Ages: grades 3 to 12 Location: Interlochen, Mich. For more information, visit interlochen.org or call 800-681-5912
RATED BEST PERFORMING ARTS DAY CAMPS Locations in Libertyville and Highland Park Improv Comedy • Musical Theater: “Frozen” & “Newsies” Film Making • Fashion and Print Modeling • 1 to 3 Week Options •
June 8 - August 14 | Program Options for 2nd - High School Nurturing Professional Staff • Air Conditioned Facilities In Town Field Trips • Before/After Care 14
201 5 C A M P
Contact us at: 847.968.4529 G UIDE makeitbetter.net| Improvplayhouse.com
TAMARAK DAY CAMP
THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE TAMARAK!
2015 CAMP SEASON June 22 – August 14 • 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, makeitbetter.net 201 5 C A M P G U I D E IL
15
BY SHAN NAN YO U N G ER
Equestrian camp gives kids the chance to bond with horses and spend time unplugged and enjoying the great outdoors with their peers. What a great way to spend the summer!
16
201 5 C A M P G U I D E
makeitbetter.net
In addition to riding the horses, campers learn about basic grooming and tacking as well as general horsemanship and care of the animals. “Kids can learn responsibility with horses,” says Gig Bellows, co-owner
PHOTO COURTESY OF WHITE PINES RANCH
SADDLE UP FOR FUN
“Kids love horses in general. They are therapeutic,” says Jill Lanphere, an employee of Freedom Woods (freedomwoods.net) in Morton Grove and mother of a child who has ridden there for 11 years. “They don’t talk and they don’t judge.”
of White Pines Ranch (whitepinesranch.com) in Oregon, Ill. “Kids can nurture and be nurtured by these large, lovable animals.” For children who want to saddle up this summer, there are several great equestrian camp options.
Local Equestrian Day Camps
These camps offer one-week sessions, but campers are welcome to sign up for more than one session. Though times vary, the camps all last between four and five hours, ending in the early afternoon. Freedom Woods, voted the Make it Better Best of 2014 Best Horse Riding Stables, offers half-day summer camps for children age 8 and older. “At the end of the week, there
are people who come into the office and ask to sign up again for the next session,” says Lanphere, who attributes the popularity to both the counselors who have ridden at Freedom Woods for many years and to the horses, with whom kids often feel an immediate bond. She says the camps have been very popular and the sessions have been full for the past two years. If your child is an early riser, Freedom Woods offers an early-bird program that starts at 7 a.m. and allows kids to help with morning feeding and watering of the horses, daily turnout, and preparation of equipment for the day. Palladia Farm (palladiafarm. com) in Libertyville offers week-long camps for children ages 6 to 11. In addition to a daily riding lesson, camp-
makeitbetter.net
201 5 C A M P G U I D E
17
ers also learn about all things equestrian, including breeds of horses and riding styles, as well as enjoying some traditional camp activities like scavenger hunts and arts and crafts. In Morton Grove, the Glen Grove Summer Riding Camp (glengroveequine.com) campers must be between 7 and 13 years old and they enjoy one hour of riding lessons daily, along with instruction in grooming, tacking and horsemanship. Last summer, all the sessions filled up, so don’t delay when registration opens in February. A small discount is available if campers sign up for multiple weeks, and those weeks do not have to be consecutive. Wheaton’s Danada Equestrian Center (dupageforest. com) is now operated by the
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. Dan and Ada Rice established the stables in the 1940s and were the owners of 1965 Kentucky Derby winner Lucky Debonair, who made his home at Danada in the Kentucky-style barn. It hosts two summer camps: “Horse Sense,” for kids age 11 and younger, is perfect for new equestrians; and “Riding Sense Camp,” for campers age 12 and older, which is more riding-intensive.
Overnight Equestrian Camps
If your child is ready to hit both the road and the trail and head to a full week of sleepover horse camp, White Pines Ranch is located on 200 acres of woods, pastures, and horse trails. It offers weeklong overnight equestrian camps in July and August, although campers (ages 8 to 15)
makeitbetter.net
201 5 C A M P G U I D E
19
Learn musical theater in non-threatening nurturing atmosphere Kids 8 to 13 learn acting, dancing and singing in sessions based on popular musicals. Classes begin on Monday; on Saturday the kids put on a mini-musical. No experience needed. Every child gets a part. Also “South Pacific”for teens (audition required) ages 13 to 18.
Light Opera Works 516 4th Street | Wilmette | 847.920.5360 LightOperaWorks.com/summer.html
JCYS North Shore Day Camp & NSDC Sports Energetic counselors lead first- to sixth-grade campers in Camper’s Choice theme days, sports and games, arts and crafts, dance and drama, field trips and daily swim lessons, and over- and under-nighters: summers are never dull at JCYS North Shore Day Camp & NSDC Sports!
Jewish Council for Youth Services Highland Park | 847.433.6001, ext. 101 jcys.org/NSDC CampCare: Grief Support Summer Programs Children and teens often benefit from sharing the challenges of grief with peers. CampCare helps campers cope with the loss of a loved one while enjoying art, theatre, music and sports activities and fun with friends. Grades 4-12. Overnight and adventure camps. No cost.
Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter CampCare ~ Grief Support Programs. No cost to attend. 847-556-1999 | www.carecenter.org 20
201 5 C A M P G U I D E
makeitbetter.net
Riding is a therapeutic activity for campers
are welcome to stay for consecutive weeks if they wish. Overnight camps offer more time with the horses. “Each evening we have different activities going on, like an evening trail ride, and the campers also help to ‘turn the horses out to pasture’ in the evening after the ride is over. They help with sweeping the barn and getting it ready for the next day,” Bellows says. Bellows notes that “living away from home for a week is a big deal for most kids” and that the benefits often aren’t directly related to the horses, including thinking for themselves and making new friends on their own. Kids also make memories that last a lifetime at overnight camp and sometimes start a family tradition. “We now have many second generations of campers whose
parents were here and want their kids to have the same great experience they did at our ranch,” Bellows says. Adventurous kids (ages 9-17) will love their four weeks at Cheley Colorado Camps (cheley.com), located 75 miles northwest of Denver. In addition to horseback riding, campers can go rock climbing and river rafting or explore more than 600 miles of trails. Other overnight camp options include Camp Cedar Lodge (cedarlodge.com/summer), located in Lawrence, Mich., for kids ages 8 to 16. Camp Timber-Lee Horsemanship Camp (timber-lee.com) hosts children in fourth through sixth grades in East Troy, Wisc.
makeitbetter.net
201 5 C A M P G U I D E
21
uCLICK HERE TO REGISTER
makeitbetter.net
201 5 C A M P G U I D E
23
All in the family:
family camps BY SHAN NAN YO U N G ER
With warm summer days spent boating on a lake and gazing at the stars, who wouldn’t want to go to summer camp? Now adults want to get in on the experience. Family camps around the country are making it possible for multiple generations to enjoy the summer camp experience together.
24
201 5 C A M P G U I D E
makeitbetter.net
PHOTO COURTESY OF CAMP BROSIUS
and hiking through the woods, and nights spent around the campfire
Family summer camp is a unique bonding experience. “My favorite part is that there’s nothing to do except spend time together. There are no phones, tv or internet. It’s just boating, swimming, and fishing,” explains Bill Gaul of Evanston,, who has spent a week with his family at Camp Nawaka for the past three summers. “My work life is pretty wired, so it’s important to vacation unplugged.” The old school approach is a big part of the fun of family camps. “We do talent show skits, sing campfire songs, and watch our kids do the same thing,” says Ann Skirvin of Bloomington, Ind., who has attended Camp Brosius with her family for 12 years. “It creates a bond that you don’t find on other family vacations. These are memories our children will take with them for a lifetime
and can pass on to their kids.” WISCONSIN Camp Brosius (petm.iupui.edu/ brosius/#) is a family camp located in Elkhart Lake, Wisc., owned and operated by Indiana University, but open to all guests regardless of alma mater. “It’s a neat thing to see this beautiful place inspire people and to watch them have such an enjoyable time with family members, both those with whom they live and others who live far away,” says Camp Director Wiley Craft. “It’s a great place for a family reunion.” There are often families with four generations visiting together, from infants to octogenarians. “Camp is a place where we give our children more freedom than we would on a different vacation.
makeitbetter.net
201 5 C A M P G U I D E
25
We trust everyone there and the environment, so we allow them to go with their friends and do activities without the same level of worry we would have in our day to day life,” explains Skirvin, who worked at Camp Brosius while in college, as did her husband. They now attend with their children, ages 16 and 12. “As parents, we are more relaxed when we are there, and in turn, my kids are very relaxed and have so much fun.” At Camp Nawakwa (ymcachicago.org/nawakwa) in Lac du Flambeau, Wisc., family camp activities range from ice cream socials to triathlons to the popular boat-in breakfast. Even reluctant campers have been converted into devoted fans after spending some time at Camp Nawakwa. “I am not opposed to nature on principle but I am not what any-
26
201 5 C A M P G U I D E
makeitbetter.net
one would call an ‘outdoorsman.’ In fact, I fancy myself an ‘indoorsman,’” says Tania Richard, Gaul’s wife. She said that while she was dazed and confused at the archery field at first, her love for Nawakwa grew from watching her children. “I come here for my family. They love it here. That’s why I do it and always will.” MAINE Medomak Family Camp in Maine (medomakcamp.com) is the first full-season secular family camp to be accredited by the American Camping Association. It offers traditional camp activities for all ages, and also includes some adult-only options such as cheese-making classes, yoga, massage therapy and visits to the local gin distillery and art gallery. As fun as the adult-only options sound, “Part of the appeal of family camp to a lot of adults
PHOTO COURTESY OF MEDOMAK FAMILY CAMP
is getting to do the activities that the kids do, like archery and arts and crafts. We make them more challenging for adults,” explains David Brunner, Director of Medomak Family Camp.
cruise. The schedule gives parents a bit of everything. “They don’t want to be away from their kids but appreciate having a little bit of time to themselves, too,” Brunner says.
The day is divided into thirds, with mornings spent with those in the same age groups, afternoons enjoyed as a family at the lake and all campers coming together as a community at night for activities like a barn dance, scavenger hunt, or sunset canoe
He also notes that the family units that attend are not always a traditional nuclear family, with grandparents attending with grandchildren, aunt and uncles often being included and some families bringing friends.
makeitbetter.net
201 5 C A M P G U I D E
27
28
201 5 C A M P G U I D E
makeitbetter.net
makeitbetter.net
201 5 C A M P G U I D E
29
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHELEY COLORADO CAMPS
COLORADO Cheley Colorado Camps (cheley.com/specialty camps) offer a popular August family camp in picturesque Estes Park, Colorado for families with children age 6 and older. Hiking, horse back riding, technical climbing and target sports are a few of the activities offered. Jeff Cheley, Director of Cheley Colorado Camps, says, “We started it in the late 1980s because parents were saying ‘I want to go to camp!’ It’s a great vacation for families because you’re not worried about where you’re going to dinner or wondering if you have tickets for tomorrow. Every night, you just sign up for activities for the next day.” He adds, “It’s a different experience. There isn’t happy hour in the evening, it’s sitting around the campfire at night or playing
30
201 5 C A M P G U I D E
games or listening to the guitar. Families keep returning and get to know other families that are coming and there’s camaraderie there as well.” MICHIGAN McGaw YMCA Camp Echo (mcgawymca.org/campecho), located in Fremont, Mich., hosts family camp weekends over Memorial Day and Labor Day, in addition to family camp sessions in August. Many children begin their Camp Echo experience as toddlers during Family Camp along with their parents and grandparents, and then return in later years as summer campers enrolled in camp just for kids. All camp directors recommended registering as soon as possible because camps do fill up quickly.
makeitbetter.net
CHRIS COLLINS BOYS BASKETBALL CAMP Receive high-level instruction from members of the Northwestern basketball family in a competitive learning environment. SESSION 1 August 3-7, 2015 Age: 8-14
SESSION 2 August 10-14, 2015 Age: 8-14
To register, visit chriscollinsbasketballcamp.com Please call 847-491-7906 with any questions *Camp is open to all boys, limited only by space and age*
NORTHWESTERN GIRLS BASKETBALL CAMPS The Northwestern University Women’s Basketball Camps offer athletes an exciting and unique opportunity to learn from top conference coaches and staff. BASKETBALL/SOCCER Grades k-8 June 22-25
DAY CAMP Grades 2-8 June 29-July 2
To register, visit northwesterncatscamps.com Please call 847-491-5709 with any questions *All camps are open to any girl, limited only by age and number of campers*
32
201 5 C A M P G U I D E
makeitbetter.net
Discover yourself in the Colorado Rockies at Cheley Camps
We were blown away by the depth of the friendships they made, their maturity and selfconfidence. We were impressed by how the campers feel totally accepted and appreciated and in turn learn to do the same for others. – Camp Parent
Boy and Girls Ages 9-17 1-800-CAMP-FUN makeitbetter.net www.cheley.com 201 5 C A M P G U I D E 33
Summer Is Coming! Experience Piven’s legendary theatre technique with camps and classes in improv, scene study, story theatre, musical theatre and more. Classes and camps are available June 15–August 10. High School Conservatory begins July 6. Scholarships and payment plans are available. New students mention this ad
34
201 5 C A M P G U I D E
makeitbetter.net
Piven Theatre Workshop 927 Noyes St, Evanston School: 847.866.6597 piventheatre.org
makeitbetter.net
201 5 C A M P G U I D E
35
Fun and Learning from Minecraft to Mars:
Tech Camps
Kids want a summer full of fun and excitement, while parents hope their children will expand their horizons and keep learning even if they aren’t in the classroom. There are numerous summer camp
36
201 5 C A M P G U I D E
makeitbetter.net
options focused on technology that ensure kids have a fun, exciting, and educational experience. Whether you have a child who is obsessed with Minecraft or
PHOTO COURTESY OF SPACE CAMP
BY SHAN NAN YO U N G ER
“Look at a wide array of programs, and find one that your child loves to do. Follow your child’s lead,” says Dee Guiney, founder of GreenApple Camps. There are as many tech camps as there are interests, including those that incorporate sports, drawing, music, math, and—of course—science. Here are a few fun options to consider.
tech summer camp they ever heard of was Space Camp (spacecamp.com), perhaps as a result of the 1986 movie set there. Lea Thompson and Kelly Preston may not be campers any longer, but Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, is still going strong. It has attracted more than 600,000 trainees since it started in 1982. Now, in addition to three different levels of Space Camp, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center offers Aviation Challenge Camp and Robotics Camp. All three are weeklong experiences and offer different levels suited to kids ranging in age from nine to 18.
SPACE CAMP IS OUT OF THIS WORLD For many parents, the first
While most people think of Space Camp as a training ground for future astro-
who wants to travel to Mars (or both!), there are offerings available across the country. Camps range from half-day sessions to overnight camps that last a week or two, so there are options that fit what your camper can handle.
makeitbetter.net
201 5 C A M P G U I D E
37
nauts, “they do a really good job of focusing on jobs other than just the astronauts, so it was probably the first time that being in Mission Control crossed my mind,” says Morgan Van Arsdall of Annapolis, Maryland, who attended Space Academy I. She is now an Aerospace Engineer for Lockheed Martin who works on the Hubble Space Telescope. “It really helped cement my interest in the space program, but it was more fun than anything else.” If traveling to Huntsville isn’t feasible for you and your future scientist, check out a planetarium or science museum near you for summer camp offerings. The Cleveland Museum of 38
201 5 C A M P G U I D E
makeitbetter.net
Natural History (cmnh.org) offers Astronomy and Cosmology day camp to students entering high school that includes a focus on data collection and analysis as well as a visit to the NASA Glenn Visitor Center at the Great Lakes Science Center. In Chicago, the Adler Planetarium (adlerplanetarium.org) offers summer day camps for explorers in pre-school through tenth grade. Mission: Near Space pairs campers with Adler astronomers to prepare experiments to fly on a high altitude balloon mission. STEM CAMPS iD Tech Camps (idtech.com/ teens) offers STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) camps for kids
PHOTO COURTESY OF SPACE CAMP
ages six through 18 at 100 campus locations in 29 states and Washington, D.C. Programs are held on campuses including including Stanford, Princeton, Yale, Harvard, MIT, UCLA, Northwestern, Vassar, Columbia, and Emory. Options range from half-day day camps to overnight camps lasting up to two weeks, and topics include programming in Java™ or C++, apps, game
design, website design and robotics. Formers campers now work for tech giants like Microsoft, Google, Apple and Zynga (the company behind Words with Friends). Now in its thirteenth year of programming, Green Apple Camps (greenapplecamps. com) is a nonprofit organization that founder Dee Guiney launched after a search for summer tech opportumakeitbetter.net
201 5 C A M P G U I D E
39
40
201 5 C A M P G U I D E
makeitbetter.net
nities for her daughters. “I realized that tech camp was something that all kids can enjoy,” she says. GreenApple offers camps at locations in the Chicago and Boston areas. Programs range from RoboSports and Battle Bots to 3D Animation. Since its inception, GreenApple programming has evolved with the company “following the lead of what kids like and what parents like,” with coding now the most popular offering. “Last year, I could not get over the fact that every single coding program at every single location was full. That would never have happened 10 years ago,” Guiney says. The camps focused on Mine
craft are especially popular. What children learn about coding in summer camp teaches them valuable lessons. “Campers learn to ask themselves questions like, ‘What’s the objective? How do I get there? How do I collaborate?’” says Guiney. “We try to emphasize critical thinking, seeing the big picture and how to attain that goal.” “Coding is a system-design way of thinking with a project mentality that will serve anyone for the rest of their life,” Guiney explains. Other possibilities can be found at museums across the country. In Washington, D.C. , the Smithsonian Summakeitbetter.net
201 5 C A M P G U I D E
41
mer Camp (smithsonianassociates.org) includes weeklong day camps focusing on Video Game Design, Anime, and Digital Arts Mashup. All camps have a camper to instructor ratio of 4:1. In San Jose, California, it’s no surprise that the Tech Museum of Innovation (thetech. org) offers exciting summer camps for kids entering grades four through eight, like DIY Virtual Reality and Mobile App Creation. GIRLS-ONLY TECH CAMPS Microsoft DigiGirlz High Tech Camp (microsoft.com) for high school girls aims to dispel stereotypes as well as give girls hands-on experience developing cuttingedge technology. Founded 42
201 5 C A M P G U I D E
makeitbetter.net
in 2000, the camp takes place in 10 locations in the United States in addition to four international locations. There is no charge for this two-tothree day camp (Duration varies by location.) Local offerings often include girl-only options. The Adler Planetarium’s Girls Only Tech Camps are open to girls entering fourth through seventh grades. Girls use Lego Robotics as well as Sketch-Up 3D Modeling and video recording and editing. A co-ed version of the camp is also offered. Tech camp can be a great way to expand your children’s horizons and give them a summer experience that is out of this world—literally and figuratively.
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!
GREAT ADVENTURES! POSITIVE VALUES!
PERSONAL GROWTH! NEW FRIENDS!
Overnight Summer Camp • Transportation Available Online Registration Available • Outrageous Fun!! makeitbetter.net 201 5 C A M P G U I D E PLYMOUTH, WI • WWW.ANOKIJIG.COM • 920.893.0782
43
ACTORS TRAINING CENTER AT WILMETTE THEATRE Wilmette 847-251-8710 actorstrainingcenter.com
CAMP CBG AT THE CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN Glencoe 847-835-5440 chicagobotanic.org/camp/ summercamp
ALLIANCE ROWING CLUB OF ILLINOIS Wilmette 847-347-3278 allrow.org
CAMP LINCOLN AND CAMP LAKE HUBER Lake Hubert, Minn. 800-242-1909 lincoln-lakehubert.com
BROADWAY BREAK THRU Wilmette 917-686-6367 broadwaybreakthru.com
CAMP WOODLAND FOR GIRLS Eagle River, Wisc. 847-446-7311 campwoodland.com
CAMP ANOKIJIG Plymouth, Wisc. 920-893-0782 anokijig.com
44
201 5 C A M P G U I D E
CEDAR LODGE Lawrence, Mich. 269-674-8071 www.cedarlodge.com
makeitbetter.net
CHELEY COLORADO CAMPS Estes Park, Colo. 303-377-3616 cheley.com
JEWISH COUNCIL FOR YOUTH SERVICES SUMMER CAMPS Chicago, Buffalo Grove, Highland Park & Ingleside jcys.org/camp
PHOTO COURTESY OF SPACE BROSIUS
CHRIS COLLINS BOYS BASKETBALL CAMP Evanston 847-491-7906 chriscollinsbasketballcamp.com
LAKE OF THE WOODS CAMP FOR GIRLS & GREENWOODS CAMP FOR BOYS Decatur, Mich | 847-242-009 lwcgwc.com
HARAND CAMP OF THE THEATRE ARTS Kenosha, Wisc. 847-864-1500 harandcamp.com
LIGHT OPERA WORKS Wilmette | 847-920-5360 lightoperaworks.org/ summer.html
IMPROV PLAYHOUSE Libertyville & Highland Park 847-968-4529 improvplayhouse.com
LOOKINGGLASS CAMPS Chicago 773-477-9257 x193 lookingglasstheatre.org
INTERLOCHEN ARTS CAMP Interlochen, Mich. 800-681-5912 interlochen.org
NORTHWESTERN GIRLS BASKETBALL CAMPS Evanston 847-491-5709 northwesterncatscamps.com
makeitbetter.net
201 5 C A M P G U I D E
45
NORTHWESTERN VOLLEYBALL CAMPS Evanston | 847-467-2134 northwesternvolleyball camps.com NU BOYS SOCCER Evanston 847-467-1312 nusoccercamps.com NU GIRLS SOCCER Evanston 847-467-5297 northwesterngirlssoccer academy.com PIVEN THEATER WORKSHOP Evanston
46
201 5 C A M P G U I D E
makeitbetter.net
847-866-6597 piventheater.org SECOND CITY SUMMER COMEDY CAMP Chicago 312-664-3959 secondcity.com/training TAMARAK DAY CAMP Lincolnshire 847-634-3168 tamarakdaycamp.com TOWERING PINES CAMP FOR BOYS Eagle River, Wisc. 847-446-7311 toweringpinescamp.com