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Registeryourgirlto becomeaGirlScout todayandletthe adventuresbegin! bit.ly/Becomeagirlscout

Geographical Distance

Another aspect to consider is the distance of the camp from your home. If the camp is far away, you may end up spending a lot of time and money driving to and from camp. This issue is made even more challenging if you’ve kids who go to different camps, at different times, and for different lengths of time. A good friend of ours spends a lot of the summer crisscrossing the U.S. on the way to and from the different camps that his kids go to.

Day Camp or Sleepaway Camp

One of the biggest choices every parent faces is whether to send their kids to a day camp or a sleepaway camp. In my experience it’s best to start with a day camp until your kids express interest in going to a sleepaway camp. Believe me: they’re fully aware even at a young age that sleepaway camps exist and that some of their friends already have attended them. If your kids haven’t said they’d like to go to a sleepaway camp, it’s probably because they’re not ready yet. It can also be a good idea to send your kids to both day and sleepaway camps. While sleepaway camps give them a chance to experience real independence and to make new friends, day camps let them come home in the late afternoon and spend some time with their regular friends.

Indoor or Outdoor Activities

Consider the types of activities in which you kids would be engaged when choosing a camp. Some kids enjoy sitting quietly inside focusing on arts and crafts; other kids prefer being outdoors doing sports. You could choose to simply follow your kids’ preferences and let them decide, or you could use the summer camp as a chance to challenge your kids to step outside their comfort zone and try something different. My spouse certainly prefers the second option. Since our son first began going to summer camp, my spouse has insisted that he try activities that we can’t offer him in our regular city-slicker lives, like canoeing, water skiing, and zip-lining.

Single Activity or Multiple Activities

Find out if the camps you are interested in are specialized and focus on one activity, or if they offer multiple activities. Many camps are geared toward one specific activity, like chess, coding, writing, or more sports-oriented activities like basketball or soccer. Other camps offer kids a range of activities from sports, to crafts, to performing arts. Camps that focus on a single activity typically aim to strengthen kids’ abilities in that particular area. Camps that offer many different activities try to introduce kids to different things. So ask yourself – and your kids - whether the goal is simply to have fun and try new things, or whether the goal is to enhance some particular skill of theirs.

Single or Multiple Camps

Finally, ask yourself whether you want to send your kids to one camp for all or part of the summer, or whether you want your kids to go to multiple camps. There are good reasons for either choice. On the one hand, sending your kids to a single camp can save you time and money shuttling between camps. It would also let your kids cultivate friendships for a longer period of time. On the other hand, sending your kids to several camps would let them to explore different interests and make more new friends.

Work at Camp

Camp jobs offer invaluable skill-building, leadership, training, and enrichment opportunities that can’t be found anywhere else! Learn more at acacamps.org/jobs/find-job

Good Times Summer Day Camp

Good Times Summer Day Camp offers campers an exciting and active program for children ages 4-14. Each week is filled with incredible field trips, many hours of swimming, various sports, exciting guests, challenging crafts, special events, and a theme based cookout. We accommodate parent’s busy schedules by offering extended hours from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at no extra charge. Schedules are flexible – come only the days you want. Convenient locations in Libertyville, Wheeling, Deerfield, & Glenview. Busing available in some areas. For more information, please call 847-680-4884 or visit www.goodtimesdaycamp.com. [See our ad on the Inside Front Cover.]

Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana

Get your girl ready for a fantastic year! Together with Girl Scout friends, your child will gain the confidence to try new things, speak up in class, and explore various opportunities. From being outdoors at our awesome summer camps to participating in our many spectacular programs, there is no shortage of activities for your girl. We welcome all girls in grades K to 12 to register!www.girlscoutsgcnwi.org/en/ about-girl-scouts/join.html

Shining Stars

Started in 2015, “Shining Stars” is a camp where children can enjoy baseball and softball as they learn basic skills in a fun, creative, and Christian environment. Though the camp is open to children of all skill levels, it is specifically targeted toward children who have had limited or no organized baseball experience. The centerpiece and differentiator of this camp over and above any other baseball / softball camp is sharing and helping kids grow in Christ Jesus.

Hamilton Park, Palatine, IL (1037 N. Smith St.) www.immanuelpalatine.org/shiningstars

Young Moguls Business Bootcamp

Give your child the tools they need for a successful future with our summer camp for business entrepreneurship and financial literacy! Designed for ages 7-14, our program teaches kids how to create and market their own product, understand basic financial concepts, and develop a cando attitude. Our experienced mentors and instructors will guide your child every step of the way, culminating in a fun lemonade stand where your child can put their skills to the test. Available in Downers Grove, Des Plaines, and Orland Park. Register at www. kid.camp.

Rockstar 101 Music Camp

Discover your child’s inner rockstar with our Rockstar 101 Summer Day Camp! Perfect for beginner to intermediate musicians ages 7-14, this camp offers hands-on experience with a variety of instruments, from guitar to drums, bass, and piano. With fun musical games and activities, your child will learn music fundamentals and even play songs as a band. At the end of each week, they’ll perform in a rockin’ concert, showing off their new skills and talents to friends and family. Available at three locations in Downers Grove, Des Plaines, and Orland Park. Register at www.kid.camp.

Tech Titans Code Camp

Embark on a journey from app consumer to app creator this summer! Our camp is designed for kids aged 8-14 who love video games like Minecraft and Roblox, but want to learn the code behind the fun. With our program, your child will gain valuable skills in artificial intelligence, web, app, & video game coding. No experience required! They’ll discover the satisfaction of bringing their own ideas to life while becoming better prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing digital world. Join us for an unforgettable summer of tech exploration, learning, and fun! Available at three locations in Downers Grove, Des Plaines, and Orland Park. Register at www.kid.camp.

Camp Naper at Naper Settlement

Utilizing Naper Settlement’s beautiful 13acre museum campus as their learning laboratory, campers in grades 1-8 will go on adventures in history, art, science, and more at the uniquely themed Camp Naper summer day camps. Campers will enjoy hands-on educational activities, such as creating 3D- printed art projects, investigating scientific mysteries, and learning how pioneers survived in the past. Whether exploring foods and cultures from around the world, taking a blast to the past, or learning about life and landforms on the ocean floor, each of Naper Settlement’s summer day camps provides an immersive learning experience that will capture campers’ imagination while strengthening their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Camp Naper begins on June 5 and runs through August 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with drop-off available for parents beginning at 8 a.m. for no additional fee. To view the list of camps and register, visit www.NaperSettlement.org/CampNaper

Downers Grove Park District Summer Camps

Downers Grove Park District summer camps offer nearly 100 adventures where kids will make memories that will last a lifetime! Check out action-packed sport camps, teen trips, traditional day camps and our early childhood camps. Unique specialty camps let kids delve into science, robotics, cooking, visual and cultural arts. Campers can take a swing at our golf camps, discover the great outdoors with nature camps or explore their historical side at one of our museum camps. Before and after care is available for full-day camps. www.dgparks.org/summercamps

Carthage College Soccer Camp

Develop your soccer skills in a positive environment on the beautiful campus of Carthage College. Boys and Girls, from young players learning the game to elite recruits looking to play at college. 10-14 yrs Junior Resident Camp June 16-19; 14-17 yrs Senior Resident Camp June 22-25; 15-18 yrs Elite Camp June 22-25. 5-8 yrs Junior Kickers July 24-27; 7-114 yrs Day Camp July 24-27. Learn from college players and be seen by college coaches. Questions, call: 262-5515930. Register online at www.carthagesoccercamp.com

Sports Performance Volleyball

The Great Lakes Center offers youth volleyball programs ages 3 years old to 12th grade. Looking for world class training? Join us this summer for our Sports Performance Summer Camps offering skill camps from beginners to elite level players for both boys and girls. Week long camps offered in a variety of skills from 1st Contact, Setting, Attack/ Block/Pass/Serve, Middle Blocker, All Skills, Fundamentals and more! Sign-up today! www.greatlakescenter.com

Camp Invention®

Spark your child’s curiosity and creativity with our all-new Camp Invention® program, Wonder! Campers in grades K-6 will collaborate with friends to take on fun, hands-on STEM challenges. From building a mini skate park to launching a pop-up shop to transforming a robot into a stuffie, each experience adds up to an imagination-stretching, confidenceboosting summer. Visit invent.org/local or call 800-968-4332 to secure your spot! Use promo code SUM25 by 3/30 to save $25.

Little Mountain Community Theatre Seussical™ Kids

Children entering grades 2-8 in the fall are invited to join us Mondays through Fridays, June 19-30, for a two-week theatrical immersion while rehearsing for a production of Seussical™ Kids. Participants will learn lessons in teamwork, responsibility, and self-confidence. Singing, dancing, and acting will be an integral part of the program with a final performance in the Lemont High School Performing Arts Center. Space is limited. Visit www.littlemountaintheatre.org for details

NIU STEAM Camps!

Your summer adventure awaits at NIU. Day and residential camps for aspiring scientists, engineers and creators on the campuses of Northern Illinois University. Explore engineering, health sciences, video game design, robotics, creative writing, filmmaking, food science and other STEAM topics. Build friendships, work in teams and develop your creativity as you complete open-ended creative challenges. Day and residential camps for grades 2-12. go.niu.edu/steamcamps23, niusteam@niu.edu, 815-753-8554

CampVentures by Kiddie Academy of Lemont

All Day Adventures. All Summer Long. CampVentures® will turn your child’s ordinary summer vacation into a summer of STEM activities and exploration. Kiddie Academy’s CampVentures® program inspires imagination through exciting activities and special visitors, while balancing the individual needs and interests of each child in our care. Awaken a world of fun, learning and friendships for your child! www.kiddieacademy.com/lemont Rock ‘n’ Kids

Springtime Fun! Rock ‘n’ Kids provides music, movement and imagination classes for 1-5 years at park districts in Chicagoland! Tot Rock and Kid Rock are interactive and educational, with each class including songs and rhymes, basic dance steps and movements, fine and gross motor skills, rhythm instruments and movement props, imaginative play, socialization and fun! We are also available for mobile music and dance parties! We have been singing, dancing, and playing for over 28 years! Get more information at www.rockitkids.com.

The Kiddie Academy CampVentures® program turns your child’s ordinary summer vacation into an unforgettable summer of fun and exploration. Our program inspires imagination through exciting activities, outdoor adventures, field trips and special visitors, while balancing the individual needs and interests of each child in our care.

CampVentures awakens a world of fun, learning and friendships for your child.

The Actors Gymnasium’s Circus and Performing Arts Summer Camp 2023

Summer camp will be every Monday through Friday from 9am-4pm for 4 weeks and campers will learn skills from tumbling to unicycling, juggling, aerial silks and more guided by our incredible group of instructors and camp counselors! The experience, kids tell us, is nothing short of transformational. We offer financial assistance and payment plan options as well. July 10 - August 4, 2023. The Actors Gymnasium, Evanston, Illinois, 60201, (847) 328-2795, www.actorsgymnasium.org/camps

Camp SEASPAR: Camps Specially Designed for People with Disabilities

SEASPAR’s summer day camps are the perfect place for kids, teens, and young adults with disabilities ages 3–22 to spend their summer enjoying creative, social, and physical activities as well as fun community outings! SEASPAR is a special recreation association offering therapeutic recreation programs and services to people with disabilities of all ages. For more information on day camps and other programs for children and young adults, call SEASPAR at 630.960.7600 or visit SEASPAR.org.

White Sox Summer Camp

Learn from the pro’s this summer at a White Sox Summer Camp presented by Wintrust! Professional coaches from the White Sox organization will work on throwing, hitting, fielding, and base-running, but more importantly, kids will be taught how to love the game of baseball. On top of the four days of camp, each camper will receive tickets to a White Sox game (date TBD), a White Sox t-shirt, hat, and other various White Sox goodies. For more info visit: www.whitesox.com/play

University of Illinois Sports Camps

University of Illinois, Division of Intercollegiate Athletics has committed itself to the development of well-rounded summer sport camps for boys and girls. Young athletes have the opportunity to learn more about their sport, improve their skills, create new friendships and have fun at the same time. Campers receive excellent coaching, experience campus life, and meet athletes from a variety of backgrounds. To learn more about specific camp offering go to www.fightingillini.com/camps

Camp Anokijig

Outrageous fun is around every corner at Camp Anokijig! Since 1926, we have nurtured independence, character, and confidence in our campers as they build positive values, friendships, and life skills through their camp experience. We offer a huge variety of traditional and not-so-traditional activities for campers to self-direct their own camp experience, build self-esteem, and create an enriching week of summer camp. Convenient, 1-week sessions offer valuable flexibility to accommodate busy family schedules. Become part of the Anokijig family and catch the spirit! For more information: www.anokijig.com or 920-893-0782 (ACA Accredited).

Sports Broadcasting Camp

Play By Play Camps is the Nation’s #1 Sports Broadcasting Camp for sports fanatics ages 10-18. Learn the ins and outs of sports broadcasting from top professionals in the business at our 1-week day and overnight summer camps. We’re back in Chicago at the Holiday Inn - Skokie on July 10-14, 2023! Campers will practice all aspects of sports broadcasting including sports talk radio, sideline reporting, anchoring with a teleprompter, hosting a variety of on-camera sports & PTI-style debate shows, podcasting, and so much more. Live out your sportscasting dream as you host your own shows, tour professional stadiums, meet top sportscasters & athletes, and make friendships that’ll last a lifetime. For more information visit playbyplaycamps.com, check us out on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @playbyplaycamps or call 800.319.0884.

$159 includes

By Tanni Haas, Ph.D.

There are so many great reasons why you should consider sending your kids to sleepaway camp this summer, and it’s not only because they’ll have a whole lot of fun. Based on my experiences as the parent of a teenager who loves summer camp as well as conversations with other parents, I’ve learned that sleepaway camp can be character-building. Here are five different ways that your kids will develop and mature.

Independence

For most kids, sleepaway camp is the first time they get to experience real independence. They’re away from their parents and other adult family members for an extended period of time, and they’ve got to quickly learn how to take care of themselves, from getting themselves ready in the morning to choosing their daily activities. Of course, there are counselors who’re responsible for the overall welfare of the kids, but unlike teachers who tell kids what to do, camp counselors act much more like older brothers and sisters who’re on a joint adventure with the kids. I’ll never for- get the first time my spouse and I picked up our son from sleepaway camp. He acted like a completely different person than the one we’d left behind only a few short weeks earlier: independent, mature, and with a confident, knowing demeanor.

Organization

Sleepaway teaches kids how to become better organized. From the moment they wake up in the morning to the moment they go to sleep at night, they have to make many choices that require them to learn how to organize themselves and their time. For example, in the morning they’re supposed to wake up, get dressed, brush their teeth, make their beds, and walk to the dining hall at the same time and together with all the other kids they’re bunking with. But unlike in school where teachers tell kids exactly what to do and when, camp counselors expect that kids figure it out themselves. And that includes not forgetting to put their dirty clothes in the hamper on laundry day.

Comradery

Kids also learn some very valuable lessons about comradery. Camps often let parents request that their kids bunk with friends from home. Yet, they’ll also bunk with many other kids, often from different states and countries. This’ll teach them how to get along with and enjoy the company of kids with very different backgrounds than their own. Most camps are aware of this and organize activities aimed at creating a strong sense of comradery and community, including evening camp fires, singa-longs, and the ever-popular Camp Olympics.

Compassion

Not every kid easily adjusts to being away from their parents for a long period of time, and not every kid easily makes new friends. If there’s one area where camp counselors do actively step in to help kids adapt it’s when someone is homesick or just not happy. Camp counselors show kids how to treat others with compassion, care, and respect. Many camps also have a buddy system where kids are teamed up to support another and do fun things together.

Conflict-Resolution

Sometimes, despite camp counselors’ best efforts, conflicts do occur over who bunks together, who sits next to whom at meal times, and who plays with whom. After all, kids often live in cramped quarters at camp, with unfamiliar roommates. But that’s not such a bad thing: one of the most important skills kids learn at sleepaway camp is how to solve interpersonal conflicts on their own. Camp counselors certainly step in to solve serious conflicts. But they’ll typically let the kids solve the small ones on their own. And learning how to solve conflict is a great skill kids will bring home with them and use long after the camp is over.