Your One-Stop Spot to Find Kids’ Activities, Resources and Support in the Champaign-Urbana Area
When you are homeschooling your kids, you may be looking for ideas for how to plug in to activities in the Champaign-Urbana community as part of how you structure your school schedule
Whether you are an experienced homeschool curriculum provider, or you find yourself supervising remote learning or hybrid instruction, you may find your family looking for supplemental instruction and classes for your children. Below you will find five sections: Gymnastics Classes, Martial Arts Classes, Sports Classes, Fine Arts Classes (including music, art, dance, and theater), and Brain Power (which we use to describe STEAM, language, and tutoring). Don’t see your organization listed? Complete this form and we will be in touch soon. Please note that all listings are paid sponsors of chambanamoms.
Thanks to I-Power School of Gymnastics for presenting our list of homeschool activities and support in Champaign-Urbana. I-Power School of Gymnastics develops well-rounded children and young adults. They strive to instill self-confidence, strength and responsibility while developing their students’ INDIVIDUAL potential. I-Power offers classes in preschool, recreational, and competitive gymnastics. In addition to gymnastics classes, they offer preschool and adult open gym, cheer and recreational tumbling, camps, clinics, birthday parties, special events, and field trips.
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Gymnastics Classes | Martial Arts Classes | Sports Classes | Fine Arts Classes | Brain Power
Champaign Gymnastics Academy provides all of their athletes, competitive and recreational, with the highest quality gymnastics instruction in the Champaign-Urbana area. All of their programs are based around developing the core skills and values associated with gymnastics at all levels as well as the values of education, self-esteem, self-discipline, and work ethic. CGA was recently awarded the SafeWorks Illinois COVID-19 Best Practices Award in recognition of their extremely proactive and transparent approach to providing the safest environment possible for their families and staff.”
Dates of Programming: Balancing Act: Wednesday-Friday 8:45 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 26-Dec. 18 Classes. Fall 1 Session (Aug. 18-Oct. 17); Fall 2 Session (Oct. 19-Dec. 20)
Ages or Grades Served: 1st-6th Grade
Location: 219 S. Mattis Ave., Champaign
More information: Website, Facebook, Instagram or call (217) 398-4242
I-Power develops well-rounded children and young adults through gymnastics. I-Power strives to instill self-confidence, strength, responsibility and develop its students’ INDIVIDUAL potential. Programs include Preschool Gymnastics (beginning as early as 6 months) Preschool Educational Prep (Gym N Learn), Boys and Girls School-Age Gymnastics, Competitive Gymnastics, Ninja Classes, Special Events, Birthday Parties, Field Trips, Open Gyms, School Out Days and Summer Camps.
Dates of Programming: enrolling now
Ages or Grades Served: Classes begin at 6 months through high school age.
Location: I-Power School of Gymnastics, 215 S. Staley Road, Champaign
More information: Website or Facebook, or Twitter, or email, or phone
Leaders for Life’s E-Learning Camp will provide educational support for your child and instill LIFE SKILLS and LEADERSHIP SKILLS in a fun, practical way!
Dates of Programming: Programs are available Monday-Friday from 7:45 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Ages Served: All
Location: Online or 2413 Village Green Place, Champaign
More Information: Website, Email, or call (217) 259-4160
Grade School and Middle School Students – Enroll now for 2 weeks of FREE introductory online, outdoor, or indoor Tae Kwon Do classes at HMD Academy. Convenient class times are available throughout the week.
Dates of Programming: Grade school and Middle school students may sign up Monday through Thursday from 4:15-6:30 p.m. at HMD Academy.
Ages Served: Grade school and middle school
Location: Online or 1701 Woodfield Drive, Savoy
More Information: Website, Facebook, or call (217) 649-3880
Join PA’s “contactless” workout after virtual or in-person learning! Project Athletes Speed School offers speed, agility, and conditioning training — a place to belong and a team to be a part of.
Dates of Programming: Mondays and Wednesdays: 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m.; 3rd – 5th Grade Students.
Aug. 31-Oct. 30. Prorated rates accommodated. Tuesdays and Thursdays: 3:30-5 p.m.; 6th – 12th Grade Students Sept. 21-Oct. 30. Prorated rates accommodated
Ages Served: 3rd – 12th Grade
Location: Zahnd Park, Champaign (southwest corner of Windsor and Staley roads)
For More Information: Website, Facebook, Instagram, or call (217) 722-8257
Currently, the Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center with be providing private swim lessons and private coaching only. Please check out website at www.urbanaparks.org/facilities/urbana- indoor-aquatic-center/ for the most up to date information. Private and Semi-private lessons provide very individualized instruction for anyone at any age. These lessons help the student become more confident in their swimming skills. We also recommend these lessons for anyone who wishes to perfect their strokes or for those who need a little extra attention before rejoining group lessons.
Urbana Park District also offers a year-round competitive swim team. The Tiger Shark Swim Team will provide an opportunity for experience and success at every level for the sport of competitive swimming. Development of character, skill proficiency, physical training, and joy for practice and competition are the goals for every swimmer and the team. The short course season runs from August 3, 2020 to April 16, 2021, at the Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center. Registration is ongoing throughout the year.
Open gym basketball is available at Brookens Gym from October 2020 – May 2021. Youth basketball is scheduled to take place January – March 2021. Hoopster’s Co-Recreational Basketball is available for children in first and second grade. With a smaller ball and shorter basket, young children will have the opportunity to learn fundamental basketball skills. Youth basketball is available for children in third through eighth grades. A mandatory skill assessment must be completed for all fifth through eight grade students.
Dates of Programming: August 3 – December 17
Ages Served: All Ages
Location: Various Urbana Park District facilities
More Information: Website, Facebook, or call 217-367-1544
Music Together (age range: babies-4-year-olds): your child’s favorite Music class now offered outdoors and online. Get ready to explore: Musical Play/Dancing and Jamming/ High Quality Songbooks & CD to use at home. Sing, Dance, Jam and Drum. Try your First Class for FREE! Join us for our Fall Collection!
Dates of Programming: Aug. 24-Oct. 24
Ages or Grades Served: Babies — 4-year-olds
Location: Champaign School of Music and ZOOM
More information: Website, Facebook or call (217) 359-0541
If you are looking for virtual classes to enhance your child’s development, the Urbana Park District is offering virtual tap classes. On location courses for beginning or continuing ballet are available, as well as for teeny ballereenies. Kids’ online art classes are available, as well as an online book club where youth ages 8-12 receive new books and a weekly link to discuss the week’s reading.
Dates of Programming: Varying availability from September – December
Ages or Grades Served: Varies depending on preferred course selection
Location: Online or at other Urbana Park District facilities
More Information: Website, Facebook, or call 217-367-1544
Empowered Learning (formerly Illini Tutoring)
Empowered Learning (formerly known as Illini Tutoring) has been serving students in Champaign-Urbana since 2010. Students trust their certified teachers and tutors to help them excel in their math and science classes. They also help students raise their scores on the ACT, SAT, and SSAT. They even provide Zoom cooking tutorials and classes for families wanting to expand their knowledge in the kitchen. Moms who want their kids to succeed in school – and in life – trust their tutoring services year after year, and they can’t wait to welcome you into their family of creative thinkers and problem solvers. Empowered Learning is a mom-owned company with a big heart for the community. They donate thousands of dollars each year to support the local public schools and other community projects.
Dates of Programming: Ongoing
Ages Served: All
Location: 2500 Galen Dr., Champaign
More Information: Website, Email, or call 217-714-8395
Little Medical School Central Illinois
Little Medical School inspires young minds by sharing our passion for learning, health and careers in medicine. Through hands-on activities, role-play, and interactive demonstrations, children explore the exciting world of healthcare. All programs are written by experienced educators, board-certified physicians and trained healthcare professionals. Topics include pediatrician, veterinarian, sports medicine, exotic animal vet, nursing, pharmacy & more.
Dates of Programming: Little Veterinarian School (Tuesdays & Thursday, starting Sept. 9-29); Little Pediatrician School (Tuesdays & Thursdays, starting Oct. 6-29)
Ages or Grades Served: 6-11 years
Location: Online
More information: Website, Facebook, Instagram, or call (217) 202-3639
If you are looking for virtual classes to supplement your homeschool curriculum, several nature programs are offered through the Urbana Park District. Experience the therapeutic effects of Shinrin-Yoku, the practice of immersing or “bathing” your senses in the atmosphere of the forest. Join staff from the Anita Purves Nature Center during these virtual hikes though district natural areas. Zoom with animals from Anita Purves Nature Center for free, with registration.
Dates of Programming: Varying availability from September – December
Ages or Grades Served: Varies depending on preferred course selection
Location: Online or at Busey Woods
More Information: Website, Facebook, or call 217-367-1544