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, although some may not have information ready yet. 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.
Thanks to Lodgic Kids Camp for sponsoring our Champaign-Urbana summer camp compilation. Lodgic Kids Camp, located in Champaign, 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.
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.
Warning: GOOD TIMES AHEAD. READY, SET, CAMP!
Parkland College offers a number of exciting camps to fill your summer days. The best summer ever awaits you. College for Kids (CFK) will be celebrating its 40th anniversary of providing enrichment camps for our community! This popular two-week, half-day camp covers a variety of subjects, including robotics, technology, visual and performing arts, culinary, math, and science. Parkland College also offers the “Summer Discovery” program, which includes exciting summer camps for youth ages 10–18. Students will explore new interests and potential careers in these interactive, hands-on camps. Small classes are designed to challenge students while they have fun. All camps are taught by professional educators. Summer registration begins Feb. 17. To register, go to parkland.edu/ceRegister and search for the category “Youth and College for Kids.”
Dates: College for Kids, ages 8–13:
June 15–25, Monday–Thursday, 12:45–2:45 p.m. and 3–5 p.m.
July 6–16, Monday–Thursday, 12:45–2:45 p.m. and 3–5 p.m.
Girls QUEST Camp, ages 12–15: July 20–23, Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Culinary Thyme—Farm to Table, ages 14–17: June 8–11, Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–noon
Metals Workshop: Casting Wax to Silver, ages 14–17: June 15–25, Monday–Thursday, 1 p.m.–5 p.m.
Construction Camps, ages 14–17: July 6–9, Monday–Thursday, 1 p.m.–5 p.m.
First Gig, ages 10–17: June 8–11, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
CSI Experience, ages 14–17: June 8–18, Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Drone Camp, ages 14–17: June 22–25, Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–noon
Land Surveying and Mapping with Technology, ages 14–18: June 8–11, Monday–Thursday 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Automotive Camp, ages 13–15: June 8–11 and July 20–23, Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Automotive Camp, ages 16–18: June 15–18, Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Collision Repair Camp, ages, 14–18: June 22–25, Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–noon
Machining and Welding: Industrial Technology Camp, ages 13–18: June 8–18, July 6–16, and July 20–July 30, Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Parent Comment about College for Kids: This was our first experience and we will definitely attend more courses in the future. The classes and experience were wonderful for both of my kids and the cost extremely reasonable considering the length of the camp and the experience provided. We will most definitely be coming back.
Parent Comment about Machining and Welding: Industrial Technology Camp: 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!”
Ages Served: Ages for camps vary but are generally geared for students ages 8–18.
Location: Parkland College Campus, 2400 W. Bradley Ave., Champaign
For More Information: website, email, or call 217-351-2235
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: 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
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
Imaginations will soar this summer in the all-new Camp Invention® program, Elevate! Campers in grades K-6 will spark their creativity and build collaboration skills while controlling their very own flight simulation robot, protecting Earth’s ecosystems, designing the ultimate sports complex and learning the value of their ideas. Local educators will lead fun, hands-on STEM activities inspiring children to ask questions, overcome obstacles and be confident in their innovative ideas. Visit invent.org/camp or call 800-968-4332 to register. Use promo code LOCAL25 to save $25 (expires March 31) or LOCAL15 to save $15 (May 12).
Dates: Booker T. Washington STEM Academy - June 22-26, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Booker T. Washington STEM Academy - June 29 - July 3, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Leal Elementary School - July 6-9, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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: 5-12
Location: Booker T. Washington STEM Academy, 606 E. Grove St., Champaign
Leal Elementary School, 312 W. Oregon St., Urbana
For More Information: website or call (800) 968-4332
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
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
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
KOOP Adventure Play at Uni Primary School
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: June 1-5, June 8-12, June 15-19, June 22-26, June 29- July 2 *shortened for holiday, July 6-10, 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
Leaders for Life Martial Arts Summer Camp
Camp at Leaders for Life Martial Arts 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
C4A: Community Center for the Arts
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
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: June - August 2020
Ages Served: 3-12 years
Location: Varies depending on camp selected
For More Information: website or call (217)-367-1544
Champaign County Forest Preserve District
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)
Information Coming Soon
Location: 219 S. Mattis Ave., Champaign
For More Information: website or call (217) 398-4242
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
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