Summer Camp: Where to send your kids in Champaign-Urbana
If you are looking for quality experiences for your child this summer, you’ve come to the right place. Registration for Champaign-Urbana area summer camps is now up and running at many organizations. We will keep adding to this guide, so come back often! It’s never too early to start thinking about the summer ahead, the fun to be had, and the memories to be created.
Update 5/18/20: With COVID precautions in place, many area camps have modified or canceled their original formatting. Some of them are doing virtual camps, or camps in a box! Others are adopting social distance practices and limiting enrollments. No fears – we are updating DAILY!
See guide below for updates for your summertime favorites. Please check back often as we post updates as we receive them. **Some camps are offering virtual formats that are listed in the summer camp guide below.**
When school’s out, Lodgic Kids Camp is ALWAYS in session! Traditional camps are fun for kids, but camps also provide child-care coverage when many parents still have to work and generally adult. Kids Camp provides ultimate flexibility with both drop-in, pay-by-the-hour child care, or a 50-hour weekly rate that guarantees your child’s spot is reserved – and you choose the times that work best for you! Rates range from $4 to $12 per hour, per child based on the package your family purchases. Open from 6:30 AM to 9 PM Monday through Thursday, and until 10 PM on Friday and Saturday (open at 9 AM on Saturday).
For more information call (217) 607-8184, check out the Lodgic Kids Camp website or Facebook.
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.
Camps are located in Champaign, Urbana, Savoy, Mahomet, Monticello, and other area communities. Some camps are offering a virtual format for summer 2020.
Warning: GOOD TIMES AHEAD. READY, SET, CAMP!
Virtual Camp Options:
Hua Nian Art Studio is offering summer online art lessons for children.
Dates: Weekly lesson, Monday - Thursday, 3:00 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.; 4:00 p.m. - 4:50 p.m.
Parent Comment: While we enjoy our new home, we still miss Aubrey's experiences in your wonderful art classes. Her skills and confidence soared under your instruction. – Ryan
Ages Served: 5 - 15 years
For More Information: website or call (217) 377-7477

Champaign Park District Summer Youth Programs in a Bag
Douglass Community Center and Springer Cultural Center have teamed up with Community Matters to create Summer Youth Programs in a Bag. Suitable for all ages, each activity bag will have an indoor activity, outdoor activity, STEAM activity, virtual field trip, craft, and family activity for each day of Summer Youth Programs.
Register for a basic supply bag if you need crayons, markers, colored pencils, scissors, glue, and construction paper to complete activities at home. Please note that the supply bag is an optional purchase at $10 per bag.
Bag must be picked up at Springer Cultural Center (301 N. Randolph St.) or Douglass Annex (804 N. Fifth St.) between 7:30-8:30 a.m. on the first day of session.
Dates of Programming: June 1 - August 7 with weekly themes
Ages Served: 5-11
For More Information: call 217-398-2573 or email
Class Act performing arts school offers a variety of online theatre and film-related camps taught by experienced professionals. Options range from 1 to 6 weeks, with each Zoom session lasting 1 to 2.5 hours. Tuition ranges from $120–$290, with sibling and multi-camp discount ($20 off).
Dates: "Make Movies at Home!": June 1–19, 1–3 pm M/W/F (age 10–16)
"Zoom Theatre Adventure": June 8–12 and July 6–10, 9:30 am–12 pm (age 7–10)
"Zoom Improv": June 15–July 24, two mornings/week (age 8–11 and 12–16)
"Virtual Musical Production": June 22–July 10 and July 13–31 (age 8–12 and 12–16, by invitation/audition)
Additional camps or workshops may be added by request. Private virtual coaching (acting, voice, auditioning) also available.
Parent Comment: "Class Act IS a class act, from summer camp, to classes, to performances, my family loves this place!!" –Erin Tarr
Ages Served: 7–17 years
For More Information: Website or call (217) 689-1493
Camp Invention Connect™ delivers imagination and high-energy fun right to your doorstep. This flexible program redefines the learning experience with minimal screen time and engaging activities that build an innovation mindset. A schedule to join optional kickoff and collaboration sessions with fellow campers will be provided by your Camp Invention Connect Coach the week before your start date.
Dates: 6/22/2020 - 6/26/2020
Parent Comment: “From the first day of camp, our daughter was so excited about Camp Invention. We picked her up and she couldn't wait to tell us about her first day. Her exact words were ‘this was the best day of my life.’ She loved getting to create and come up with ideas with her peers.”
Ages Served: For Children Entering K-6
For More Information: website or call (800) 968-4332
C4A: Community Center for the Arts
Update 5/10/20: All summer camps canceled except for the Dungeons & Dragons camp, which will be done online. C4A will add another section of this camp with sufficient demand.
C4A camps are designed to be fun and educational, and bring out your creativity! Each camp includes one or more of these topics: music, performance art, construction, social and cultural history, role playing, public presentation skills. Camps are taught by a team of adult professionals; limited enrollment ensures that all campers receive individual attention. Dates: Let's Sing! June 8-12, ages 7-17 Build Your Own Board Game! June 15-19, ages 8-17 Playing With Piano! June 22-26, ages 7-17 Junior Musicians, July 6-10, ages 4-7 Dungeons & Dragons, July 20-24, ages 8-17 Spin, Juggle, & Flow, Aug. 3-7, ages 8-17 All camps run 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Early drop-off is available. Parent Comment: It also made me realize how valuable these sorts of activities are in terms of focusing and channeling some of the crazy energy my kids have. They had a blast and I was blown away at what they were able to do in such a short amount of time. Exciting, Inspiring and Fun! Ages Served: 4-17 Location: 202 W. Main St., Urbana For More Information: website or call (217) 384-5150
Summer Camp Options:
Summer Youth Programs at Leonard, Summer Youth Programs at Springer, and Summer Youth Programs at Douglass will be offered to youth for summer 2020. Each week daily themed activities will be led and will include games, crafts, and more. Each child should bring a snack and lunch in a disposable container. Please no peanuts/nut products. COVID-19 guidelines will be enforced and followed.
Dates: weekly starting June 22 - August 7 (no camp July 3)
Ages Served: 6-12 years
For More Information: website or call 217-398-2573
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.
**Update: camp size is limited to 10 campers who must bring their own snacks and lunches. There are only a few spots left open in each week of camp- sign up today!
Dates: Week 1: Public Art and Famous Paintings
July 6-10 time: 9 a.m.-noon or 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Week 2: All Kinds of Self Portraits 2d, 3d, 4d!
July 13-17 time: 9 a.m.-noon or 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Week 3: Magical Mandalas, Mobiles, and Wands!
July 20-24 time: 9 a.m.-noon or 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Week 4: Build a Fairy House and make Fairies
July 27-31 time: 9 a.m.-noon or 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Week 5: Treasure Boxes and Treasure to go in them. Maps and Hunts included!
August 3-7 time: 9 a.m.-noon or 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Week 6: Sewing, Weaving and Yarn Art
August 10-14 time: 9 a.m.-noon or 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
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. While there he was introduced to sewing, which he kept doing all by himself at home, knitting; in addition to painting, drawing, and more."
Ages Served: 5-12 (boys and girls)
Location: Vine Street side of Lincoln Square, 300 S. Broadway Ave., Urbana
For More Information: website or call (217) 417-2591
Jr. chefs will learn hands-on baking experience while exploring the science behind baking. Each day focuses on a different technique.
Dates: Monday July 13, 2020 through Friday July 17, 2020. 1:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Parent Comment: My son had so much fun in the Jr Chef camp. He was so excited to go everyday to learn something new.
Ages Served: 8-12 years
Location: Blue Dragonfly Catering, 1205 N. Harris, Champaign
For More Information: Website or call (217) 714-9329
I-Power summer camps offer fun and fitness for your kiddos! Keep your kids active this summer. School age camp includes gymnastics, group games and challenges, field trip to Sholem pool (full day camps), water play day (half day camps) and Ninja activities both inside and out. Preschool camp includes gymnastics, games and outdoor fun, crafts, and open play.
Dates: School age (5-13) full day camps run 8 a.m.-5 p.m. with early drop off (7:30-8 a.m.) and late pick up (5-5:30 p.m.) available at additional charge. Half day camps run 1-5 p.m. also with early drop off (12:30-1 p.m.) and late pick up (5-5:30 p.m.) available. All school age camps meet at our Main Gym facility, 215 South Staley.
Preschool camps for ages 3-5 (toilet independent) run 8:30-11:30 a.m. at our Preschool Gym facility, 301 South Staley. Preschool camp will be offered all of the following weeks:
June 8-12: At The Zoo
June 15-19: Ready, Jet, Go!
June 22-26: Frozen
June 29-July 3: Beach & Mermaids
July 6-10: Daniel Tiger
July 13-17: Lil' Ninja
July 20-24: Paw Patrol
July 27-31: Olympics
Parent Comment: I-Power camps are the best! We return year after year because our kids love them!
Ages Served: 3-13 years
Location: 215 S. Staley Road, Champaign
For More Information: website or call (217) 359-3547
Orpheum Children's Science Museum
Update 5/10/20: The Orpheum Children’s Science Museum has reduced capacity to 10 students per camp to facilitate social distancing practices. The Orpheum Children’s Science Museum will be hosting eight weeks of STEM summer camps where each week has both a science and technology focused camp. All weeks of camp will carry their own curriculum with a STEM theme, involve hands-on, curriculum-based activities, play in the museum, and opportunities to explore and learn at their own pace. Dates: All Day camps run 9 a.m.-3 p.m. with extended care options available to parents. June 8-12: Time Travel Adventure and Robotics June 15-19: Engineers Save the World and Programming June 22-26: Planetary Explorers and Robotics June 29-July 3: Labo Creators July 6-10: Master Builders and Robotics July 13-17: Electo-Magnetic Mayhem and Programming July 20-24: Games Galore! and Robotics July 27-31: Play with your Food and Rockets Rock! Parent Comment: Our child loves your camps because the activities are hands on and he loves engaging with science. He also feels like he gets to spend more time fun. We love that you staff engage with the kids and make them feel like people are paying attention to them. Ages Served: Kindergarten through fifth grade Location: 346 North Neil St., Champaign For More Information: website or call (217) 352-5895
Leaders for Life Martial Arts Summer Camp
Update 6/25/20: Only 5 more spots available!
Update 5/15/20: Leaders for Life Martial Arts Summer Camps will be having basic sports outdoor camps when the state enters phase 3. Entries for phase 3 are sold out. When the state enters phase 4, ten additional registrants will be accepted for the basic sports camp. All camps will be held outside and will be socially distanced.
Leaders for Life Martial Arts "Champaign's Best Summer Camp" features opportunities for Martial Arts, Dance, Tumbling, Outdoor Sports, Educational Lessons, and much more. The goal of this camp is to give your child the opportunity to set and achieve goals, make new friends, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Dates: June 1-5, June 8-12, June 15-19, June 22-26, June 29-July 3, July 6-10, July 13-17, July 20-24, July 27-31, Aug. 3-7
Parent Comment: "All of the staff are not only great with students of all ages, but are also very good role models. The skills and life lessons they teach are priceless in my opinion."- S.F..
Ages Served: 5-12 years
Location: 2413 Village Green Place, Champaign
For More Information: website or call (217) 351-8531
Each camp is designed to be experienced in-person, online, or as a combination. Parents can choose the format they are most comfortable with. For in-person sessions, CDC and IDPH guidelines will be followed to help ensure the health and safety of all participants and instructors. Because of the hybrid format, participants can count on camp taking place as scheduled regardless of any COVID19 impact.
Topics of camps include digital storytelling and video production, introduction to Python, invention camp, digital art, building to learn, and drones/things that fly.
Dates: July 6-10, July 13-17, July 20-24, July 27-31, August 3-7
For More Information: website or call (217) 239-6000
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. In the mornings, campers experience hands-on and inquiry-based STEAM activities as well as enjoy time in Makers Lab. Then, in the afternoon they enjoy swimming trips and outdoor activities. These camps meet for nine weeks during the summer.
Dates: 6/1-8/7 (Camp closed the week of 7/6-7/10)
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 2020-2021
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 camps meet for four weeks in June.
Dates: 6/1-6/26
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 about 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 2020-2021
Location: 2521 Galen Drive, Champaign
For More Information: website or call (217) 356-6995
Update 6/10/20: Urbana Fine Arts Center is canceling summer camp activities during the month of June and July. Summer intensives and regular dance classes are still being held virtually and they are looking towards holding dance classes in-person later this summer.
Classes are offered in various types of dance and art. They are taught by experienced teachers and professional artists. Beautiful landscaped grounds are available for outdoor activities. Full day and half days options are presented for families. Early drop off and late pick up options are featured. Dates: June 8 to July 31, 2020 (Mondays through Fridays) Parent Comment: "Our younger daughter attended a few weeks of the camp, and she absolutely loved it. It was a great combination of fun and learning. The camps' hours are quite flexible, too, which is perfect for the summer. " Ages Served: 6 to 12 Location: 2860 S. Philo Road, Suite H, Urbana For More Information: website or call (217) 979-7721
Sign your kids up for some of the summer camps at the Savoy Recreation Center. Camps are for ages 5-12. Structured format, crafts, snacks, active games and much more!
Dates: Weekly themed, morning and/or afternoon camps run May 26-August 12 (following the Champaign Unit 4 school calendar). You can choose to come half day or combine morning and afternoon camps to stay all day.
Morning: 8:00 am-Noon
Afternoon: 1:00-5:00 pm
Parent Comment: Great camps! When I arrive to pick up my son, he doesn't want to leave!
Ages Served: 5-12
Location: 402 W Graham Drive, Savoy
For More Information: website or call (217) 359-3550
This 8-Week Summer Speed School will focus on speed, agility, flexibility, and conditioning. Participants will learn the correct mechanics of acceleration, top speed running, and change of direction; along with the improvements to the body’s total conditioning, this training will increase the athlete’s performance on the field of play.
Dates: June 8, - July 31, 2020 | Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays.
Parent Comment: " These camps have benefited my kids physically as well as mental outlets and a boost for their self-esteem, as they improved on their athletic abilities. These are priceless benefits to me as a mother, to see my children improve on their skills as well as improving their overall health. As my son got in better shape he improved his overall performance in football and this has helped him to feel better about himself. It has also led him to focus at school because he feels better about himself and wants to keep moving forward with football. The same is true for my daughter she is happier as she gets in better shape and becomes better in volleyball. As a mother of two teenagers I am so grateful for Project Athletes. " - Theresa McDaniel, Parent
Ages Served: 11- 18
Location: Zahnd Park, 2502 S. Staley Rd., Champaign
For More Information: website or call (217) 722-8257
Modified Camps:
Champaign County Forest Preserve District
Update 6/26/20: CCFPD has designed their first ever camp in a bag. The first bag’s theme is Wildlife Biologist. This bag has activities and crafts as well as most of the materials for ages 3-11 years. Order the bag here.
- Please disregard the date associated with the Camp in a Bag (a date needed to be added to the system)
- Once ordered, you will be contacted within 24 hours by email to set up a time to pick up the bag. The locations where pick up will take place are: Homer Lake Interpretive Center at Homer Lake, Museum of the Grand Prairie at Lake of the Woods, and Campground Host at Middle Fork River Forest Preserve.
More information will be coming soon on upcoming bags including Amazing Pollinators, Old Fashioned Toys and Miniature Gardens.
Update 5/10/20: CCFPD has canceled its summer nature, garden, archaeology, and museum camps for 2020.
The Champaign County Forest Preserve District offers a variety of camps for children ages 3 and up. Various camp options are available such as eco-adventures, tiny tots eco-adventures, Grand Prairie Kids, archaeology camps, opportunities to introduce children to working in a museum, garden adventures, mischievous kid’s experiments, believe it or not experiences, golf lessons/camp, and more. Dates: June 2 - July 31. Dates are specific to the individual camps selected. Ages Served: 3 – 17. Ages are specific to the individual camps selected. Location: Homer Lake, Lake of the Woods, Museum of the Grand Prairie, Middle Fork River Forest District, Discovery Garden, Lake of the Woods Golf Course For More Information: website or call 217-586-2612 or 217-586-2183 (golf camps)
With COVID precautions in place, summer camp has been cancelled from it's original formatting, however, CGA will still offer Summer Recreational Classes.
Parent Comment: My kids had so much fun at CGA summer camp. They always came home smiling and sweaty.
Ages Served: 3-adult
Location: 219 S. Mattis Ave., Champaign
For More Information: website or call (217) 398-4242
Update: The Stephens Family YMCA has decided to cancel all summer camps this season. They will offer Essential Childcare to essential working families in the community for 60 children each week starting June 8 through July 31.
The YMCA has decided that in order to make this registration process fair to all, admission will be selected by lottery format. All families who are currently registered for summer camps at the YMCA will be picked randomly to attend this Essential Childcare program this summer. There will be two selection dates, one for June and one for July. Once the list is randomized, staff will call each individual family to ask which weeks they would like care for each month. Parents will be able to request up to 2 weeks of childcare each month. July’s camp selecting process will begin in mid-June.
Nationwide no one cares for more children than the YMCA. This year summer fun is better than ever with over 70 camps to appeal to children of every age and interest. Y camps add variety and help children stretch their imagination, gain self–confidence and learn new skills.
Dates: Camp season runs from May 26 through Aug. 14. Full day camps are from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Half-day specialty camps also run in the mornings and afternoons.
Parent Comment: We just want to send our sincere gratitude for you and your staff at the Y Summer Camp. Our son LOVES going to camp. Over the summer, we have seen tremendous growth in his social skills, communication, and independence -- we attribute much of this growth to the Y counselors. Perhaps most of all, we appreciate each of the counselor's genuine enthusiasm and support for our son. Especially as parents of a child with support needs, it is so reassuring and heartwarming to see our son around counselors who genuinely enjoy him and have high expectations for him. Further, we see peers in the camp demonstrate similar feelings toward him. We have no doubt that the other campers are simply modeling the behavior of the counselors.
Ages Served: Kindergarten through eighth grade
Location: 2501 Field S. Dr., Champaign
For More Information: website or call (217) 239-2811
Canceled Camps:
Update: All Countryside School summer camps have been canceled. The 2021 summer camp schedule will be available in March.
Countryside summer camps are open to ANY student from ANY school. Choose from week-long enrichment camps in art, sports, fantasy, nature, Chinese culture, strategy games, and much more. Several of the most popular camps are returning this year including Wizard Academy, Footprints: A Champaign-Urbana Walkabout, Dungeons & Dragons, and Sugar Paste Flowers. New camps offered too! Dates: New ALL DAY option this year! One week only: June 8-12. Camps meet Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to noon or 1-4 p.m. For campers registered for both morning and afternoon camps, supervised lunchtime play included. Early drop off program 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 3rd and 6th grader Ages Served: Kindergarten through ninth grade Location: 4301 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign For More Information: website or call (217) 355-1253
Update 5/15/20: Urbana Park District will cancel programs and events through July 31 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Urbana Park District summer camps are for all kids. We have aquatics, sports and nature camps. Financial assistance is available.
Super Early Bird prices are good on registrations secured through March 31. Early Bird prices are good through May 14, after which the regular fee applies. The park district offers a multitude of camp options ranging from aquatics, art camps, construction camps, nature camps, preschool art camps, science camps, sports camps, and wild child survival camps.
Dates: Camps of various lengths run from June 1 - August 14.
Ages Served: 3-14 years
Location: Brookens Administrative Center, Phillips Recreation Center, Anita Purves Nature Center, Crystal Lake Park
For More Information: website or call (217)-367-1544
Update 5/10/20: All Allerton Park day camps are canceled. Full refunds will be offered.
Adventure is waiting at Allerton! Register now for summer camp where kids experience nature and art in a unique setting. Camps are centered on outdoor exploration and adventure with time for rest, relaxation, and free play daily. Campers will run and hike through Allerton…observe and learn about science and nature…and have good old-fashioned fun with friends! Dates: Acorns & Adventurers (ages 5-12) June 1 - August 7 9am-3pm (extended day available) Discovery Camp (ages 3-4) Dates vary 8:30-11:30am Parent Comment: I’ve really enjoyed getting feedback on how our daughter is doing when I pick her up. It’s nice to know there is individual attention given and the staff is thoughtful enough to share! Ages Served: 3-12 years Location: 515 Old Timber Rd., Monticello For More Information: website or call (217) 333-3287
KOOP Adventure Play at Uni Primary School
Update 6/2/20: The decision has been made to not offer any adventure play summer camps during Summer 2020. We'll still be offering playful initiatives and support for parents and caregivers, so keep following our social media for ways to #PlayNoMatterWhat
Update 5/10/20: KOOP Adventure Play at Uni Primary School has canceled Weeks 1-6 of their summer camp programming. Weeks 7-10 — starting July 13 — are open for registration, with the note that “we will be scaling back the number of campers we will allow” for those four weeks.
Kids can invent, build, create, explore and bring their dreams to life at KOOP Adventure Play Camp at Uni Primary! With lots of loose parts, time in nature and supportive, caring playworkers, children play their way (meaning that each child has a unique and customized experience based on their interests and needs). Children are trusted and respected here and self- directed play with interesting materials is what KOOP is all about.
Dates: July 13-17, July 20-24, July 27-31, August 3-7 ** OPTIONS: Morning: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Afternoon: 1 p.m.-5 p.m., Full Day: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (Extended Hours possible, email to discuss)
Parent Comment: "We chose Koop because of its child directed play philosophy. We like our kid to be in places where they hear “yes” more than “no” when they have ideas to try." --parent
Ages Served: 5-12 years
Location: 51 Gerty Dr., Champaign
For More Information: website or call (217) 333-3996