Summer Camp: Helping Your Kids Have the Best Summer EVER here in Champaign-Urbana!
Thanks to Lodgic Kids Camp for sponsoring our Champaign-Urbana summer camp compilation. Lodgic Kids Camp is a flexible, play-based learning environment of discovery and exploration.
Intentionally designed for today’s on-the-go families who juggle priorities, Lodgic Kids Camp helps families balance what’s important to them by providing come-and-go, drop-in childcare that is safe, fun, and dependable.
It is a high-quality early childhood education experience with a distinct focus on caring for others, social responsibility, and community contribution. For more information call (217) 607-8184, check out the Lodgic Kids Camp website or Facebook.
Welcome to the 2019 Champaign-Urbana Area Summer Camps. 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. We will keep adding to this guide, so come back often!
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.
Summer camp at Amara will be a blend of art and yoga in a fun and relaxed environment. All art activities will be open-ended and provide an opportunity for the kids to be themselves without the fear of failure. Kids will learn basic yoga elements through focused breathing, play, storytelling, balance and creative visualization. Sign up for one week or more.
Dates: July 8 – Public Art and Famous Paintings
July 15 – All Kinds of Self Portraits 2D, 3D, 4D
July 22 – Magical Mandalas, Mobiles, and Wands!
July 29 – Build a Fairy House and Fairies to Live in it
Aug. 5 – Sewing, Weaving, and Yarn Art
Parent comment: “My children have attended Amara Yoga & Arts for kids for the second year and they absolutely love the relaxed and fun atmosphere of the studio. During their art classes on Saturday mornings, the children have a chance to freely explore and express their creativity with a variety of media in 2D and 3D. Our son (age 7), who attended more classes than our daughter (age 9) due to schedule availability, brings home a number of very interesting art objects that he creates with the help of the amazing instructors. These are not only functional but very attractive indeed. Yoga and arts help keep him focused on doing something that he truly enjoys. I recommend enrolling your child in the Yoga and Arts for kids at Amara.”
Ages served: 5-12
Location: Vine Street side of Lincoln Square, 300 S. Broadway, Urbana
For more information: website or phone
Class Act Performing Arts Camps allow students ages 5-17 to develop performance skills, confidence and creativity in a fun, supportive environment. Taught by professional theatre and music educators, each camp ends with a showcase or production on the SoDo Theatre stage.
Dates: June 3-August 9
Most camps are one-week, half-day programs (morning or afternoon). Production-oriented camps run for longer sessions. Details on website! Camp options vary by age group and include: Stories on Stage, TeenScenes, Create-a-Film, Create-a-Play, Improv, Audition Skills, Put on a Musical (w/ instructor approval), and more!!! Registration opens March 15. Pay-What-You-Can Plan available for those in need.
Parent Comment: “Class Act IS a class act, from summer camp, to classes, to performances…my family loves this place!!” – Erin Tarr
Ages Served: 5-17
Location: SoDo Theater, 114 S. Neil St., Champaign
For More Information: website or phone
Parkland College – Community Education
Parkland College offers a number of exciting camps to fill your summer days! The best summer ever awaits kids, ages, 8-13, at College for Kids (CFK). This popular two-week, half day sessions, cover a variety of subjects, including robotics, technology, visual and performing arts, math, and science. Parkland College also offers numerous exciting summer camps for youth, ages 10-18, including Girls QUEST Stem Camp, CSI, First Gig Rock and Roll, Drone Camp, Machining and Welding, Land Surveying, Automotive, Collision Repair, and Motorsport. Students will learn something new and explore interests in hands on, interactive camps. Small classes are designed to challenge while having lots of fun and all camps taught by professional educators! Summer registration begins on Feb. 18, 2019. To register, go to www.parkland.edu/ceRegister and search by category Youth and College for Kids.
July 8-18, Monday – Thursday, 12:45-2:45pm and/or 3-5pm
Girls QUEST Camp, Ages 12-15: July 22-25, Monday-Thursday, 9am-3pm
First Gig, Ages 10-17: June 10-14, Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm
Parkland CSI Experience, Ages 14-17, June 17-27, Monday – Thursday, 9am-3:30pm
Drone Camp, Ages 15-18, June 24-27, Monday – Thursday, 9am-12pm
Land Surveying and Mapping with Technology, Ages 14-18: June 10-13, Monday – Thursday 9am-3pm
Automotive Camp, Ages 13-15: June 10-13, Monday – Thursday, 9am-3pm
Automotive Camp, Ages 16-18: June 17-20, Monday – Thursday, 9am-3pm
Motorsport Camp, Ages 16-18: June 24-27, Monday – Thursday, 9am-3pm
Collision Repair Camp, Ages, 14-18, June 24-27, Monday – Thursday, 9am-12pm
Machining and Welding – Industrial Technology Camp, Ages 13-18: June 10-20, July 8-18 and July 22-Aug. 1, Monday – Thursday, 9am-3pm
• My son had a blast and looked forward to the class every day.
• He loved it…and we loved the new friendships he made!
Youth Summer Camps comments:
• Our child traveled from Indianapolis to participate in the program. He learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed the camp. His first comment on the last day was, “Mom, I have to put this on my calendar for next summer!”
• My son took 3 camps and came out with tons of knowledge.
, where children transform their wild imaginations into epic creations. Campers in grades K-6 will code robots and use collaboration and creative problem solving during hands-on, STEM activities. Visit www.invent.org/camp or call 800-968-4332 to register. Use promo code INNOVATE25L to save $25 (expires 3/22) or PLAY15LISTING to save $15 (expires 5/10).
“We choose KOOP because it gives children space to make their own decisions in a safe and supportive environment.”
June 17-21, June 24-28, July 15-19
8:30-11:30amAcorns Camp (5-7 years)
June 3-Aug 9 (no camp July 1-5)
9am-3pm (Extended Day options available)Adventurers (8-12 years)
June 3-Aug 9 (no camp July 1-5)
9am-3pm (Extended Day options available)
Unique Summer Camps Open To ANY STUDENT in grades 3-12 From ANY SCHOOL! For an experience that will INSPIRE your child well beyond summer, summer camp opportunities are available at Academy High! True to the mission of our school, our summer camps will offer participants connection, creativity, adventure, and fun.
Dates: Session 1: June 17-21; Session II: June 24-28; and Session III: July 22-26
Parent Comment: “My child loved camp last year! We cannot wait for this summer at Academy High.”
Ages Served: Grades 3 – 12
Location: 2302 Fox Drive, Champaign
For More Information: website or phone
Next Generation School Summer STEAMcation
Through these weeklong enrichment camps, students will have the opportunity to explore themes in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Math. Students will immerse themselves in units of study that foster creativity and discovery-based learning. Their Petta, Zetta, and Yotta camps serve students entering 1st through 3rd grade. In the mornings, campers will spend the week immersed in hands-on and inquiry based programs in our STEAM activities and Makers Lab. Then, in the afternoon they enjoy swimming trips, outdoor activities, or going on field experiences related to the theme being explored. These camps meet for nine weeks during the summer.
Dates: 6/3-6/7, 6/10-6/14, 6/17-6/21, 6/24-6/28, 7/8-7/12, 7/15-7/19, 7/22-7/26, 7/29-8/2, 8/5-8/9
Parent Comment: I have watched my son grow exponentially since his experience at STEAM began. I admire the creativity that his teachers provide as they inspire our son through various science, cultural, mathematical, and artistic projects. His creativity shines and is evident through his actions at home. His interactions and collaboration with other students allow him to grow socially and emotionally. I attribute a lot of his academic abilities and success to our involvement and his interactions and learning environment at STEAM.
Ages Served: Students entering grades 1, 2, or 3 in 2019-2020
Location: 2521 Galen Drive, Champaign
For More Information: website or call (217) 356-6995
Next Generation Summer STEAMcation XT
Through these weeklong enrichment camps, students have the opportunity to explore themes in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Math. Participants will immerse themselves in units of study that foster creativity and discovery-based learning. Students entering 4th through 6th grade will participate in an advanced STEAM program that will include comprehensive experiments, opportunities to meet and work with experts in the field of study, and the creation of unique products to take home at the end of the week. These Tera camps meet for three weeks in June.
Dates: 6/3-6/7 Treasure Hunters, 6/10-6/14 Beyond Old McDonald, 6/17-6/21 Turbo Tech 2
Parent Comment: I am the parent of an 11 year old boy that has a wonderful imagination. We have been so grateful for the STEAM Studio program that embraces this imagination and puts it into action! As we pick up our son after STEAM we always ask how his day was and what was his favorite part of the day and more often than not it was the time he spent in STEAM studio. The teachers keep the kids engaged and having fun while learning skills that will help advance them in many aspects of life. I endorse this program wholeheartedly and we are thankful a terrific and safe learning environment like this exists.
Ages Served: Students entering grades 4, 5, or 6 in 2019-2020
Location: 2521 Galen Drive, Champaign
For More Information: website or call (217) 356-6995
University of IL ACES Alumni Association
Alumni are invited to bring youth ages 8-13 years old to campus for a 2 day educational experience while spending time together on the University of Illinois and College of ACES campus. Participants will enjoy the college experience living in a residence hall, eating in the dining facilities and participating in educational classes on the College of ACES campus. This program will give you an opportunity to relive and share your college days as well as create new memories with your little Illini. Take advantage of this opportunity to return to campus with your children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews to share in this experience. Registration will open on March 15, 2019 for ACES Alumni and open to all April 15, 2019. Registration deadline May 31, 2019. Registrations taken on a first come, first served basis, until filled. Cost $195.00 per person.
Dates: July 11-12, 2019; Check in July 10, 2019
Parent Comment: “This was a wonderful well planned experience. This was our second year to attend and both years were packed full of fun learning sessions. Thank you for all of the time spent by the leadership in this effort. The staff was very welcoming and friendly. The blow up slide was a fun active energy burner. This evening activity was great. We also enjoyed the observatory. Great experiences that provided lasting memories. THANK YOU.”
“It was educational, enjoyable, and exciting. To watch my Grandkids become so involved and excited with the classes they attended was fulfilling.”
“We were introduced to different areas of the ACES curriculum. Being on campus in this setting allowed for a strong introduction to college life for our grandson. It was a wonderful opportunity to bond with our grandson and show him where I attended college and an opportunity to see the changes within the college where I attended years ago.”
Ages Served: 8-13
Location: 1101 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana
For More Information: website or call (217) 333-7744
I-Power’s Gymnastics camps are guaranteed to keep your child active, engaged, and physically fit over the summer! Campers enjoy gymnastics instruction, group games, crafts & activities, and outdoor play.
Dates: Preschool Camps (ages 3-5), runs 8:30 – 11:30 June 3-7 – Paw Patrol, June 10-14 – Beach & Mermaids, June 17-21 – Jojo’s Circus, June 24-28 – PJ Masks, July 8-12 – Superheroes, July 15-19 – Neverland Pirates, July 22-26 – Dinosaur Train, July 29-Aug 2 – Frozen, Aug 5-9 – Lego
Main gym camps (ages 5-14), full day runs 8-5, half day runs 1-5 (*early drop off & late pick up available) June 3-7 half day – Ninja, June 10-14 full day – Marvel Movie, June 17-21 half day – Gymnastics, June 24-28 full day – Ninja, July 8-12 full day – Wacky Water, July 15-19 half day – Ninja, July 22-26 full day – Amazing Races, July 29-Aug 2 half day -Gymnastics, Aug 5-9 full day – Ninja
Parent Comment: I-Power summer camp was an awesome experience for my daughter!! All the staff made her feel so welcome and she has already talked about going again this summer!
Ages Served: 3-14
Location: 215 S. Staley Rd., Champaign
For More Information: website or call (217) 359-3547
Classes are available in various types of dance and art, taught by experienced teachers and professional artists. There are beautiful landscaped grounds for outdoor activities.
Dates: June 10 to August 2. No activities on July 4.
Mondays through Fridays Full Days: 9:00AM to 4:00PM, Half Days: 9:00AM to 12:00PM or 1:00 to 4:00PM
Early Drop Off: 8:00 AM and Late Pick Up: 5:30 PM
Parent Comment: “My daughter loved UFA’s summer camps! Luciana and her staff provide a nurturing environment for the campers. I also appreciated the flexibility to add late pick-ups when needed.”
Christine des Garennes, Urbana, IL
“Great combination of fun and learning. I would highly recommend this camp. The camps’ hours are quite flexible, too, which is perfect for the summer. ” Valeria Sobol, Urbana, IL
Ages Served: 6 to 12
Location: 2860 S. Philo Road, Suites H and I, Urbana
For More Information: website or call (217) 693-7285
Champaign County Forest Preserve: Eco-Adventures Day Camp
10:30-11:30 a.m. or 1:00-2:30 p.m. Homer Lake T/W and Lake of the Woods Th/F
Dates: June 11 – July 26 (no camp the week of July 1-5)
June 11-14 Empowering Future Naturalists
Empower means to make (someone) stronger and more confident. This week campers will focus on building a connection to nature and growing an appreciation for what nature has to offer. We know that some things can make us nervous and afraid but we will face the unknown head on and leave with enough knowledge to teach the group.
June 18-21 Hooray for Herptiles
Did you know that you probably have herptiles living in your backyard? Some kinds rarely make a sound, but others make a lot of racket – you’ve probably heard them more often than you’ve seen them. Don’t know what they are? Here’s a hint: they’re all cold blooded.
June 25-28 Marvelous Mammals
I am warm, fuzzy, and always on the lookout for food. What am I? We will learn the remarkable traits and adaptations that make mammals the masters of their environment.
July 9-12 Did You Hear That?
Squirrels chatter, birds chirp and tweet, and coyotes howl. What is thunder? Why does the rain sound different in a forest than on a roof? What do these sounds mean? Campers will get an earful about nature’s sounds and will talk your ear off with all the facts they hear!
July 16-19 Whiz Kid
Calling all whiz kids who like to build things that float, fly and even explode! Think like a scientist and design like a real engineer as we set out to conduct fun experiments. The great outdoors will be our laboratory as we discover how nature puts science to cool use.
July 23-26 The Great Forest Escape
Tick Tock! The clock is running and the entire camp will be faced with a riddle. Come prepared to participate in a series of interactive, eco-based challenges to receive the clues to solve the puzzle. Every challenge that is successfully completed, from tracking animals to examining evidence under a microscope, will bring us one step closer to completing this camp-wide forest escape experience.
Ages Served: *Must be 3 years old by first day of camp;
*Afternoon programs limited to children age 3 – 8
For more information: website or call 217-896-2455
Champaign County Forest Preserve: Grand Prairie Kids
Dates: Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
June 12: Creating a Cabin: Abe Lincoln didn’t use power tools and neither did we. Learn how we build and simulate early log cabins.
June 19: Phoning It In: Today we’ll talk about communicating. We’ll dial telephones and see what it takes to make a telegraph work in our museum.
June 26: How to Build a Wigwam: Special construction methods are used in building our wigwam. Learn how museum staff did it, and who lived in those homes!
July 10: Moving Day: We have to move a lot of artifacts in a museum, just like the earliest settlers moved their homes. Today we’ll talk about how to pack museum objects and a prairie household.
Ages Served: Age 5 – 12 , $5 per child per session
Location: Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods, Mahomet
For more information: website or call 217-586-2612
Champaign County Forest Preserve: Archaeology Full Day Camp
Dig, Dig. Dig. That’s what an archaeologist does, right? We’ll spend two days learning what an archaeologist does, including digs. We’ll learn about making stone tools, and talk to experts who will help us learn to identify animal bones in real archaeological excavations! Bring your sack lunch.
Dates: July 1 and July 2, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Ages Served: Ages 7-11 • $30 per child
Location: Activity Center, Middle Fork River Forest Preserve
For more information: website or call 217-586-2612
Champaign County Forest Preserve: Who Wants to Work in a Museum? We do!
Ever thought that you wanted to work in a museum? Do you collect things? Bring three items from your own personal collection and work with real museum professionals to identify, catalogue, and display your collection in your own mini-exhibit. The exhibit will stay at the museum for the rest of the summer! Class size limited to six.
Dates: Thursday, July 17 , 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Ages Served: Ages 8-11 • $15 per child
Location: Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods, Mahomet
For more information: website or call 217-586-2612
Champaign County Forest Preserve: Tiny Tots Garden Camp
Tiny Tot Garden Adventures day camp is a garden based camp for ages 3-5 that meets once a week for six weeks. Each day we have a different topic. See below for the list and description of topics. Parental accompaniment is required.
Dates: June 13-July 25 (no camp week of July 4), Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
JUNE 13: PLANT THE GARDEN
Campers will dig, plant, water, and sow in the garden. Working together, they’ll learn how plants grow, how to transplant, and what it takes to maintain a garden.
JUNE 20: MINIATURE GARDEN DAY
Come ready to create a miniature garden scene using toys, figurines and small plants. Take them home and watch them grow all summer!
JUNE 27: SQUIRMY WORMIES AND CREEPY CRITTERS
Is your child fascinated by bugs? Children will get up close and personal with insects in the garden.
JULY 11: AWESOME BLOSSOM DAY
Kids will learn about flowers, how and what makes them pretty and colorful. Kids will ‘pollinate’ flowers and make a beautiful bouquet to bring home.
JULY 18: WET WEEK
Come ready to stay cool in the hot sun. This week we will learn about the water cycle, explore a pond, and play water games.
JULY 25: FILL MY TUMMY WITH SOMETHING YUMMY
Campers will explore the garden with their taste buds and try out some tasty snacks.
Ages Served: 3-5
Location: Discovery Garden, Lake of the Woods, Mahomet
For more information: website or call 217-586-2612
Champaign County Forest Preserve: Garden Adventures Day Camp
Garden Adventures day camp is a garden based camp that meets once a week for six weeks. Each day we have a different topic. See below for the list and description of topics.
Dates: June 11 – July 23 (no camp July 4), Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
JUNE 11: PLANT THE GARDEN
Campers will dig, plant, water, weed and sow in the garden. Working together, they’ll learn how plants grow, how to transplant, and what it takes to maintain a garden.
JUNE 18: MINIATURE GARDEN DAY
Come ready to create a miniature garden scene using toys, figurines and small plants. Take them home and watch them grow all summer!
JUNE 25: SQUIRMY WORMIES AND CREEPY CRITTERS
Is your child fascinated by bugs? Children will get up close and personal with insects in the garden.
JULY 9: AWESOME BLOSSOM DAY
Kids will learn about flowers, how and what makes them pretty and colorful. Kids will ‘pollinate’ flowers and make a beautiful bouquet to bring home.
JULY 16: WET WEEK
Come ready to stay cool in the hot sun. This week we will learn about the water cycle, explore a pond, and play water games.
JULY 23: FILL MY TUMMY WITH SOMETHING YUMMY
Campers will explore the garden with their taste buds and try out some tasty snacks.
Ages Served: 5-10, $35 per child
Location: Discovery Garden, Lake of the Woods, Mahomet
For more information: website or call 217-586-2612
Champaign County Forest Preserve: A Mischievous Kid’s Guide to Life
Want to learn how to build a fort and cook on a fire? How do things float on the air and water? How do things float on the air and water? Come join us to do things you may not get to do at home. Come to this four day camp and we’ll make a little mischief!
Dates: June 3 – 6, 9:30 am to 11:00 am
June 3: Fire: Who doesn’t like to eat? Want to learn to make a few simple campfire recipes? Join us as we tryout a few fun recipes and eat to our heart’s content!
June 4: Air: What makes things fly? We will learn how to make things that fly and try them out!
June 5: Earth: What would it be like to live in the woods? Learn about things that live and grow in the woods while making our own fort in the forest!
June 6: Water: Do you like to play in the water? Today is all about water! We will play games with water, make boats that float and much, much more! Come ready to get wet!
Ages Served: Age 7 – 11, $40 per child
Location: Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods, Mahomet
For more information: website or call 217-586-2612
Champaign County Forest Preserve: Junior Golf Lessons
Get your youngsters involved in the wonderful world of golf. Our golf professionals and staff will provide them with all the skills they need to enjoy the game of golf at any age.
Option 1: $40 per junior, 4-one hour clinics
Option 2: $50 per junior, 4-one hour clinics and comeback coupons
Option 3: $60 per junior, 4-one hour clinics, comeback coupons, and individual lessons
We understand that summer is a busy time. If you child can not attend a session, there is no need to let us know, we do not expect perfect attendance.
Dates: Tuesdays, June 4, 11, 18, 25
Ages Served: Ages 8-9: 1-2 p.m.; Ages 10-12: 2-3 p.m.; Ages 13-17: 3-4 p.m.
Location: Lake of the Woods Golf Course , Mahomet
For more information: website or call 217-586-2183
Champaign County Forest Preserve: Junior Golf Camp
The Junior Golf Camp is for ages 10-17 and is a more hands-on and in-depth teaching of the game of golf, its rules, and proper etiquette. Limited to the first 25 paid participants.
Dates: July 8 – 12 • 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Ages Served: 10-17
Location: Lake of the Woods Golf Course , Mahomet
For more information: website or call 217-586-2183
Champaign County Forest Preserve: Believe It or Not: Nature’s Extraordinary Adaptations
Birds with spiky tongues? Animals that breathe through their tails? Seeds that crawl? It may sound strange, but it is all true! Join us as we investigate the amazing ways animals and plants have adapted to their environment to not only survive, but thrive!
Dates: July 1 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve Elks Lake Pavilion) or July 2 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Homer Lake Forest Preserve Interpretive Center)
Ages Served: 8-11
Location: Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve Elks Lake Pavilion or Homer Lake Forest Preserve Interpretive Center
For more information: website or call 217-896-2455
University of Illinois Writing Project’s Young Writers Camp
The University of Illinois Writing Project sponsors writing camps in the summer led by area teachers. Each camp provides an enrichment opportunity for young writers entering grades 1-12. Students explore a variety of genres and share their work with other writers.
Dates: Week 1: July 22-26 (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.), Week 2: July 29-August 3 (9 a.m. – 3 p.m)
Ages Served: Grades 1-12
Location: College of Education, 1310 S. 6th Street, Urbana
For more information: website or email
Countryside School Summer Camps
Countryside summer camps are open to ANY student from ANY school. Choose from week-long enrichment camps in science, art, sports, fantasy, nature, strategy games, and much more. Many of our most popular camps are returning this year including Archery, Footprints: A Champaign-Urbana Walkabout, Volleyball, Dungeons and Dragons, Bead Craft & Jewelry Making with Polymer Clay. They offer many more new camps too!
Dates: June 3-7, June 10-14, and June 17-21. Camps meet Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to noon. An early drop off program will be offered beginning at 7:45 a.m. each day.
Parent Comment: “I have one child who likes art, nature, and being creative and one child who prefers math, science, and computers. I love that both can attend the Countryside camps because they can select from a variety of camps offered based on their interests.” – mother of a 3nd and 6th grader
Ages Served: Entering Kindergarten – 9th grade
Location: 4301 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign
For more information: phone or website