camps
Camps for kids who need structure
Camp can be a place of fun and learning, but some kids may need some extra structure in their summer camp experience. Here are regional camps that offer just that: Camp STAR: Camp STAR, based in Highland Park, is for youth ages 6 to 12 …
A model camper: On the circus and self-esteem
For a fun alternative to a traditional summer camp experience, consider sending your child to CircEsteem Camp, located at 4730 N. Sheridan Rd. in Chicago. The mission of CircEsteem is to improve the campers’ self-esteem and interpersonal communication skills using fun and interactive circus activities …
Camps embrace technology
Spring is right around the corner. Before we know it, summer camp will be in full swing. Camps are busy creating groups, scheduling activities and preparing for your camper’s arrival. Before long, you will be putting your camper on the bus and sending them to …
Is your child ready for overnight camp?
Parents are going to know best when trying to determine if their child is ready to go to overnight camp. Gordie Kaplan, executive director of the ACA Illinois office, said that for most children ages 8 to 10 is when they are ready to stay …
American Camp Association announces alliance with the National Research Center for College & University Admissions
The American Camp Association (ACA) is pleased to announce a new educational alliance with the National Research Center for College & University Admissions (NRCCUA), a nonprofit educational research organization that, for 40 years, has conducted the largest nationwide survey of high school students and serves …
Keeping kids healthy at camp
Good nutrition and adequate sleep are probably not the first thing on your child’s mind while he’s at camp. Luckily, camps have their ways of making sure he and his fellow campers stay healthy. One of the biggest concerns at summer camps is hydration. “Staying …
Smartypants camp
Summer camp is a great place for kids to do, see, and play during the summer months off from school. Better yet, the Chicagoland area has some great options for kids who love to learn and prefer activities that challenge the mind as much as …
A model camper: On urban camps
For most, summer camp conjures up images of hiking, fishing and canoeing in the great outdoors. Exploring in Mother Nature’s backyard. However, children who live in large urban areas can also attend camp without having to travel far from home. This week, I would like …
Be healthy and happy at camp
Summer camp provides a tremendous opportunity for children to begin laying the foundation for a healthy and happy lifestyle. Camp does more than just form a bridge between the school years. A summer spent playing, laughing, growing and learning can be the catalyst for a …
Financial aid tames summer camp costs
Summer will be here before you know it, and the kids will be looking forward to sun-filled and school-less days. While everyone knows that sending the kids to camp can be expensive, many camp programs offer financial assistance. At McGaw YMCA in Evanston, Juliet Garrard, …
Technology gaining ground at Improv Playhouse's camps
Technology has greatly improved how businesses run their operations. Summer camp is no different. Improv Playhouse, a performing arts training center based in Libertyville, runs several day camps during the summer that encompass several performing arts aspects including music theatre, play production, improvisation, filmmaking and …
Learning for life at camp
As parents, the greatest investment we can make is in our children. We work hard to ensure that they have all that they need as we prepare them for a healthy and successful future. The window to make this investment is fleeting and we must …
Get your kicks at camp: Fill your child's summer with sports
Sports summer camps are in no short supply. For little soccer players up to a world-class approach to footy with a little German flair, Hansa Soccer Camp in Buffalo Grove lets boys and girls grow their all-around talent as well as specialize in goalkeeping and …
The early bird gets the camp
Even though it's cold outside, now is the hot time to sign up your kids for summer camp. Peg Smith, CEO of the American Camp Association based in Martinsville, Ind., has loads of reasons why the early bird gets the camp. The American Camp Association, which accredits more than 2,400 camps nationwide, recommends researching and visiting camps the summer before and signing up in early winter. She added that 31 percent of camps in the United States start signing kids up between September and November, with January being the most popular month for registration.
A model camper: On nurturing a nature-lover
I remember a few days before my departure to summer camp: the excitement and anticipation of my new adventure that awaited me. I was more of a quiet, curious and inquisitive youngster, and the chance to be out in nature and to experience all the …
Choose the right camp for your child
Every child can benefit from camp. That’s right; it sounds bold, but camp directors everywhere witness the power of camp and the transformative effect it can have on a child’s happiness, self-esteem and character. The key to ensuring that your child gains the extraordinary benefits …
First Descents camp instills hope, vigor into young adults with cancer
Finding a niche in life can be tough for many young adults. Add in a bout with cancer, and it can get more complicated. Jillian Jablonski, 28, was diagnosed with breast cancer on Christmas Day in 2009. As part of her healing process, she attended …
Whitewater kayaking: not your average cancer therapy
After stepping off the plane and making my way through Portland's small airport towards the baggage claim, I had a feeling of nervousness. I had been looking forward to this trip for months, although I had no idea what or who was waiting for me …
Four things your kid will get from summer camp
Four things your kid will get from summer camp
Camps give kids a chance to try experiences they’d never get at home or in their neighborhood. Some summer camps let youngsters try their hands at being a sportscaster or an actor on stage. Camp also can also instill a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem.
Learning healthy values through the camp experience
Camp is mainily about having fun and staying active, but there’s added benefits at the right camp. Part of Game On! Sports Camps 4 Girls, in Lake Forest and downtown Chicago, children also about living a healthy lifestyle.
Top 10 things you never knew about camp
Top 10 things you never knew about camp Camp has become a staple of the summer season. Each year, millions of children, youth and adults head to the hills, lakes, valleys and parks to participate in the time-honored tradition of camp. While most people easily …
Quality camps breed resilient children
A child at a camp with a great program and quality camp counselors has an opportunity to build several positive traits, including confidence, a strong identity and resiliency.
Becoming an active partner in the camp life begins now
Becoming an active partner in the camp life begins now
With winter break behind us, the time is right to begin looking ahead to the sun and fun filled days of summer. Choosing to enroll your child in summer camp for the first time can be a time consuming process for a parent. Once you …
PHOTOS: David’s Bistro Cooking Camp
Kids tried their hands at being chefs at a cooking camp at David’s Bistro in Antioch.
How to know your child is ready for overnight camp
If the option to attend overnight summer camp is on your child’s table, you need to ensure that he or she is read to be away from you and home for an extended period of time. Listen Children ready for overnight camp have often already …