Summer Camp: Helping Your Kids Have the Best Summer EVER in Champaign-Urbana!
Welcome to the 2021 Champaign-Urbana Area Summer Camps guide. If you are looking for quality experiences for your child this summer, you’ve come to the right place. We know that camps may look a little different than they have in the past, but businesses are preparing for camps and working hard to ensure your child’s safety and FUN! Registration for summer camps is already 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.
Thanks to Next Generation School for presenting our Champaign-Urbana summer camp compilation.
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.
Next Generation’s Summer STEAMcation & Summer STEAMcation XT
Summer STEAMcation and Summer STEAMcation XT are full-day, week-long summer camps filled with exciting STEAM enrichment and summer fun! Certified teachers lead STEAM lessons for the curious and adventurous with themes like Playground Science and Discovering Outer Space. Outdoor explorations, games, and water play allow campers to experience traditional summer activities. NGS hosted both camps last summer with COVID-19 mitigations in place.
COVID Procedures: Large campus and classrooms for social distancing, individualized supplies, daily health screenings, temperature checks, increased sanitization, C-UPHD compliant, direct communication regarding COVID-19
Dates: June 1 – Aug. 6, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (pre- and post-care included)
Parent Comment: We love sending our children to STEAM Studio for the summer! The lessons are so creative, the children are able to play and explore, and the safety and well-being of each camper is prioritized.
Ages Served: Students entering first through sixth grades in fall 2021
Location: 2511 Galen Dr., Champaign
For More Information: Website or call (217) 356-6995
Parkland College – Community Education
Parkland College offers a variety of exciting camps to fill your family’s summer days. The best summer ever awaits kids ages 7-13 at College for Kids: this popular two-week, half-day camp covers a wide range of subjects, including robotics, technology, visual and performing arts, culinary, math, and science. With a hybrid of small class options offered this summer, kids can still enjoy a safe camp experience either in person or remotely.
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. A limited number of scholarships available. Summer registration began Feb. 15. Early bird discount available until March 13 for College for Kids camps. To register, go to parkland.edu/ceRegister and search for the category “Youth and College for Kids.”
COVID Procedures: Parkland is committed to keeping their campers and staff safe. CDC and IDPH COVID-19 precautions will be followed to ensure the health and safety of all participants and staff. Campers and staff will be required to wear masks in person camps and social distancing will be used. Class supplies will be individually bundled. Class sizes will be smaller.
Dates: College for Kids, ages 7–13: June 21–July 1, Monday–Thursday, 12:45–2:45 p.m. and 3-5 p.m., July 12–22, Monday–Thursday, 12:45–2:45 p.m. and 3-5 p.m.
Girls QUEST Camp, ages 12–15: July 26–29, Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Culinary Thyme—Farm to Table Cuisine, ages 14–17: July 26–29, Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–noon
Girls Rock, ages 8-17, July 19-23, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Reverb Recording Music Workshop: June 8-9, Tuesday-Wednesday, 5-7:30 p.m.
First Gig, ages 10–17: June 7-11, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Vet Med Camp, ages 14-17, July 26-28, 9 a.m.-noon
Drone Camp, ages 14–17: July 26–29, Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m. -noon
Land Surveying and Mapping with Technology, ages 14–18: June 7–10, Monday–Thursday 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Automotive Camp, ages 13–15: June 7–10 and July 12–15, Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Automotive Camp, ages 16–18: June 14–17, Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Machining and Welding: Industrial Technology Camp, ages 13–18: June 7–17, June 21-July 1, and July 12–July 22, Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Parent Comment: “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.”
Ages Served: 7-18
Location: Parkland College, 2400 W. Bradley Ave., Champaign
For More Information: Website or call (217) 351-2235
Kids Camp at Amara will be a blend of art and yoga in a fun and relaxed environment. Activities will be open–ended and provide an opportunity for the kids to feel empowered and be themselves. Kids will learn basic yoga elements through focused breathing, play, storytelling, balance, meditation, and creative visualization.
COVID Procedures: Amara will be following the guidelines put out by the state of Illinois. They are limiting enrollment to 10 kids unless the guidelines changes, and will be implementing all safety measures to make sure the kids and staff are safe including social distancing, masks during transitions and as needed, and micro group art sessions with students not sharing supplies. Kids will need to bring their own snack, lunch and water bottles. Siblings will be grouped together for activities. Kids and staff will have temps taken at the beginning of each day. Masks will be required for transitions and any activities when social distancing is not easily maintained. Amara Yoga & Arts wants kids to have a stress free, magical, safe environment where they can grow and flourish.
Dates: All weeks times 9 a.m.-noon or 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Week 1: Public Art and Famous Paintings July 5-9
Week 2: All Kinds of Self Portraits 2d, 3d, 4d! July 12-16
Week 3: Magical Mandalas, Mobiles, and Wands! Plus a Dragon or 2. July 19-23
Week 4: Build a Fairy House and Fairies to Live in it. July 26-30
Week 5: Treasure Boxes and Treasure to go in them. Maps and Hunts included! Aug. 2-6
Week 6: Sewing, Weaving and Yarn Art Aug. 9-13
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. 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: 4-12
Location: Vine Street Side of Lincoln Square, 300 S. Broadway, Suite 156B, Urbana
For More Information: Website or call (217) 417-2591
Leaders for Life Martial Arts “Champaign’s Best Summer Camp” will keep your child engaged and active all summer long. They will be doing marital arts, dance, tumbling, and educational lessons.
COVID Procedures: Temperature checks at the door, hand sanitizer given regularly, masks required.
Dates: June 7-11, June 14-18, June 21-25, June 28-July 2, July 5-9, July 12-16, July 19-23, July 26-30, Aug. 2-6, Aug. 9-13
Parent Comment: “Every day our son comes home and tells us how much fun he had and what he learned at camp. He can’t wait to get up and go the next day! We are at peace knowing this is a clean and safe environment where he is getting great social interaction while learning valuable life lessons!”
Ages Served: 5-12
Location: 2413 Village Green Place, Champaign
For More Information: Website or call (708) 634-8488
I-Power camps will keep your kids active, social, and having fun this summer! Kids will get plenty of gymnastics plus active group game time, arts & crafts, and ninja fun in the new expanded ninja program. Preschool ages 3-5, School age camp ages 5-13.
COVID Procedures: social distancing & masks, temperature checks, staff health checks, sanitizing & frequent hand washing, reduced building capacity, limited lobby viewing
Dates: School age (age 5-13) 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. M-F
Week 1 – June 1-4 Ninja Challenge
Week 2 – June 7-11 Gymnastics Summer Fun
Week 3 – June 14 – 18 Ninja Challenge
Week 4 – June 21 – 25 Gymnastics Color Wars
Week 5 – June 28 –July 2 Ninja Challenge
Week 6 – July 5-9 Gymnastics Water Week
Week 7 – July 12 – 16 Ninja Challenge
Week 8 – July 19 – 23 Gymnastics Olympics
Week 9 – July 26 – 30 Ninja Challenge
Week 10 – August 2- 6 Gymnastics Showcase
Week 11 – August 9-13 Ninja Challenge
Preschool ages 3-5, 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., M-F
Week 1 – June 1-4 Toy Story
Week 2 – June 7-11 At the Zoo
Week 3 – June 14- 18 In my Garden
Week 4 – June 21 – 25 Frozen
Week 5 – June 28 –July 2 Beach & Mermaids
Week 6 – July 5-9 Daniel Tiger
Week 7 – July 12-16 Lil’ Ninja
Week 8 – July 19-23 Olympics
Week 9 – July 26 – 30 Paw Patrol
Week 10 – August 2-6 Hungry Caterpillar
Week 11 – August 9-13 Under Construction
Parent Comment: “My kids ask to go back to I-Power camp again and again, they have a blast there!”
Ages Served: 3-13 years
Location: 215 S. Staley Rd., Champaign
For more information: website or call (217) 359-3547
Project Athletes Speed School offers speed, agility, and conditioning training- a place to belong and a team to be a part of.
COVID Procedures: Programming is outdoors and contactless.
Dates: June 7, 2021 – July 30, 2021
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: 3rd grade – 12th grade
Location: Zahnd Park, Champaign, IL (southwest corner of Windsor and Staley Rds.), 2502 S. Staley Rd., Champaign
For more information: website or call (217) 722-8257
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. YMCA camps add variety and you’ll have a summer that will help your children stretch their imagination, gain self–confidence and learn new skills.
Camps provide an exciting, safe community for young people to explore the outdoors, build self–esteem, develop interpersonal skills and make lasting friendships and memories! Registration opens Monday, March 22nd!
COVID Procedures: Children will be dropped off/picked up from camps by their parent/guardian at the designated camp area. A staff member will greet each family in order to sign the child(ren) in after assessing their general health through pertinent questions and taking the temperature of any child(ren) in camp.
Children and staff wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or a CDC approved alcohol based hand sanitizer solution upon entering or leaving the facility and before/after eating.
Monitor children daily for signs/symptoms of COVID-19.
Exclude any staff or child with symptoms of COVID-19 from camp until negative test and/or symptoms go away.
MASKS WILL BE WORN BY AT ALL STAFF AND CHILDREN WHEN INSIDE AND WHEN OUTSIDE AND CANNOT MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.
If a child shows symptoms of COVID-19 while at camp, staff will provide 1:1 care while isolated.
Parent/guardian will be contacted immediately and child will have to be picked up within the hour.
Cohort children and camp staff and clean/disinfect areas.
Operate communication plan with parents and staff in the event of a possible COVID-19 case occurs.
Coordinate with local health department on any additional measures if needed.
FOR A FULL LIST OF COVID PROTOCOLS, PLEASE FIND THEM IN OUR PARENT HANDBOOK.
Dates: Weekly camps begin Monday, June 1st and go each week through August 13th. We offer morning half day camps (8:30-11:30 a.m.), afternoon half day camps (1:00-4:00 p.m.), and full day camps (8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.). The Y also provides pre and post camp supervision in addition to lunchtime supervision for those attending two half day camps.
Parent Comment: “I have enrolled my grandson in Y Summer Camp for the past three summers, and it has been a great experience. He and I have appreciated the varied activities that keep him active and challenged. At the end of the week he is a ‘good tired’. I have appreciated the Y’s adherence to procedure (i.e. sign-in, sign-out, covid protocols), and the counselors’ care for and attention to the kids.”
Ages Served: 3-13
Location: 2501 Fields South Drive, Champaign
For more information: website or call (217) 239-2811
The Champaign Park District offers a variety of camps for children.
Day Camps (ages 5-13): These camps will keep your grade-school children active and learning throughout the summer. Inclusion services offered. Different themes include: Leonhard Day Camp, Douglass Day Camp, Creative Kids Day Camp. Inclusion services are available.
Dates: Most camps begin the week of June 1 and run through August 6. Typical camp hours are 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Ages Served: 5-13
Locations: Douglass Community Center, Leonhard Recreation Center, Springer Cultural Center
For more information: website or call (217) 398-2550
Urbana Park District Nature Camps
Nature Camp gives children opportunities to discover, connect with, and ask questions about nature. Campers are divided into separate groups and spend their days exploring the outdoors during weekly themed sessions. Leaders guide hands-on investigations, field trips and more. Traditional summer camp activities like songs, games, crafts, and swimming are also offered. Each camper receives a Nature Day Camp T-shirt. Please dress your child for mess and bring a refillable water bottle daily.
Dates: June 7-18 Woodlands & Wetlands; June 21-July 2 Plants, Trees, & Soil; July 6-16 Wildlife Watchers; July 19-30 Giving Back to Nature; Aug 2-13 Wild. Adventures
Ages Served: 6-12
Location: Anita Purves Nature Center & Crystal Lake Park
For more information:website or call (217)-367-1544
Urbana Park District Art Camps
Available for both preschoolers and a separate camp for elementary students and up, young artists will explore hands-on art activities, play- based learning and recreation in a small group setting. Each camper will learn new art terms and techniques and gain valuable friendships. Be sure to dress for mess. Each child receives an Arts Camp T-shirt.
Dates: June 7-18 2D Art; June 21-July 2 Photography, Film, and Media; July 6-16 Music and Performance Art; July 19-30 Art Meets Science; Aug 2-13 Public Art
Ages Served: Preschool Arts Camp Ages 3-5, This camp is for children who no longer require a napping period during the day; Summer Arts Camp 6-12 years
Location: Phillips Recreation Center
For more information: website or call (217)-367-1544
Urbana Park District Sports Camps
Kids will enjoy a variety of fun activities involving sports and games, while making new friends in an active environment. Campers are instructed on a variety of sports activities, participate in competitions, and go on trips. Bring a lunch that does not need refrigeration, a morning snack, and a swimsuit and towel on swim days. Campers should wear tennis shoes daily.
Dates: June 7-18, June 21-July 2, July 6-16, July 19-30, August 2-13
Ages Served: 6-12
Location: Brookens Gym, 1776 E. Washington, Pod 400, Urbana
For more information: website or call (217)-367-1544
Urbana Park District FRESH Crew Volunteer Workdays
This summer, lend a hand at community gardens and local natural areas. Each week, the park district will host a workday for teens to assist with invasive plant removal, planting native plants, community garden maintenance, harvesting and more. Tools, gloves, a t-shirt and instruction will be provided. This is a great opportunity to spend time outdoors, get involved in the community, and gain new skills, experiences and professional references. Sign up sign up at least two days in advance each workday. Maximum of 10 volunteers per workday.
Dates: Wednesday, June 9; Tuesday, June 15; Wednesday, June 23; Tuesday, June 29; Wednesday, July 7; Tuesday, July 13; Wednesday, July 21; Tuesday, July 27; Wednesday, Aug 4; Tuesday, Aug 10
Ages Served: 13-18
Location: Varies throughout Urbana
For more information:website or call 217-384-4062
Want to learn how to build better in Minecraft? Maybe you want to work on your public speaking skills. Or how about digital art or drones? Find all of these cool offerings and more at Academy High School’s summer camps starting June 2021!
COVID Procedures: Academy High School is committed to keeping campers and staff safe. CDC and IDPH COVID-19 precautions will be followed to ensure the health and safety of all participants and staff. Campers and staff will be required to wear masks during in-person camps, and social distancing will be used.
Dates: Dates vary; camps will be available starting June 7 and running through August 6.
Parent Comment: “We cannot wait for this summer at Academy High. My child loved camp in 2019! ”
Ages Served: 6-14 years
Location: 2302 Fox Drive, Champaign
For more information: website or call (217) 693-7663
Champaign County Forest Preserve District
CCFPD is excited to offer limited in-person outdoor programs and summer camps in a bag. Morning camps will allow for children to investigate nature through woodland expeditions, scavenger hunts, and games. Participants will hike and explore their way through nature. Summer camps in a bag are available for the following topics: Garden Camp in a Bag, Nifty Needlecrafts, and Boredom Busters for Mischievous Kids.
COVID Procedures: By signing up for in-person programs, guardians/participants are expected to follow the guidelines developed by CCFPD. More details are provided in the Covid Guidelines and Waiver for In-person Programs document.
Dates: June 2 (3-5 year olds), June 9 (3-5. year olds), June 16 (8-11 year olds), June 23 (8-11 year olds), July 7 (8-11 year olds), July 14. (6-8 year olds), July 21 (6-8 year olds), and July 28 (6-8 year olds). Junior Golf Camp will be held the week of July 12-15 and is designed for youth ages 10-17.
Ages Served: 3-17
Location: Various CCFPD locations
For more information:website or call 217-586-2612
Join Class Act this summer for a variety of theatre and film camps and classes (virtual and in-person). Class Act allows young people to develop their skills, confidence and creativity in a fun, supportive environment. All programs are taught by experienced professionals. Tuitions range from $80–$300, with sibling and multi-camp discounts ($20 off). Pay-What-You-Can Plan available for all participants. Space is limited, so register soon.
Dates: June 1–July 31 (session lengths vary)
“Movie Makers”: June 1–July 8, T/TH 4-5pm online (age 11-17)
“Zoom Improv 1 & 2”: June 2–23, M/W 6:30-7:30pm (age 7-11) & 5-6pm (age 11-15)
“Musical Theatre Intensives 1 & 2”: June 7–11 (age 7-11) & June 14–25 (age 11-16 w/ instructor approval), 9am-12pm
“Zoom Skit City”: July 12–24, M/W/F 10-11:30am (age 9-13)
“Teen Spotlight: Theatre Workshop for BIPOC Teen Artists”: July 12-31, M/W/F 2-5pm at the Station Theatre
Additional camps or workshops may be added – see website for updates. Private coaching (acting, voice, auditioning) for age 9-adult 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
The Illinois Futbol Club (IFC) is a community soccer organization committed to helping young players develop their full potential in a safe, fun and challenging environment. Our annual soccer camp includes an age-appropriate introduction to soccer, skills training, and fun games and skill challenges. It is open to anyone interested in learning about soccer for the first time and/or anyone looking to further develop their love of the game.
COVID Procedures: IFC takes the health of our campers and soccer community seriously. During the outdoor camp, masks will be required of all campers and coaches. Mask and water breaks will be take place with campers following current Covid guidelines. Please visit for more information on IFC’s stance on Covid precautions: https://www.illinoisfc.com/
Dates: July 12-16 (Ages 7-11) 9:00am – 10:30am daily. Registration Fee: $100 before June 1; $115 after
July 19-23 (Ages 12-17) 9:00am – 12:00pm daily Registration Fee: $155 before June 1; $175 after
Early Training is available during both sessions: 8:00am – 9:00am for additional $35
IFC is also offering a camp designed for specifically for girls interested in soccer on June 28-July 1. This will be a great chance for girls interested in exploring soccer to learn about it in a supportive environment; and for those girls already playing, the camp will be a fun four days with friends to further their soccer development. Visit IFC’s website below for more information.
Parent Comment: IFC Soccer camp was the perfect opportunity for my child to be introduced to soccer – the coaches gave a great overview of the sport, while teaching campers soccer moves and drills. Now that my child is older and a member of soccer team, it’s a great chance to further develop her training with friends and get her moving during the summer. We look forward to it every year.
Ages Served: July 12-16 (Ages 7-11) • July 19-23 (Ages 12-17)
For more information: website, email, or call 217-344-9174
Creative problem-solving at its best! This camp introduces participants to a new world of problem-solving with 3D printing and Modeling! Three different camps offered multiple times all through summer. Learn 3d modeling in Tinkercad(beginners) and Fusion 360(an industry-wide tool for modeling) and combine your Minecraft skills with 3d printing too.
COVID Procedures: The camps are offered online only. Pickup of prints is arranged at the end of the camp from outside the building, or shipping can be arranged.
Dates: Early June to End July – Four days a week, 2 hours a day. See website for camp dates.
Parent Comment: Summer 2020 – “I had my younger kid do the in-person camps pre-covid, and was unsure of the online camps. My elder son signed up for the minecraft+3d printing camp online and loved it. They made good arrangements for pick up of prints as well. ”
Ages Served: 9+
For more information: website or call 217-244-2420
Come join X-Time this summer to X-PLORE a new interest each day of the week, that will keep your mind and body active! Topics will include science and the environment, music and performing arts, a variety of sports, and more! There will be engaging guest speakers, energetic counselors, hands-on activities, and outdoor time! The camp will be held at Academy High, conveniently located near Champaign, Urbana, and Savoy. X-Time is super excited to see you in person this summer! Full scholarships are available.
COVID Procedures: CDC and IDPH COVID-19 precautions will be followed to ensure the health and safety of all participants and staff. Campers and staff will be required to wear masks and social distance. Individual supplies will be provided, and class sizes will be smaller.
Dates: Session 1: June 14th to 18th, from 9 am to 12 pm, $125, Session 2: July 26th to 30th, from 9 am to 12 pm, $125
Parent Comment: X-Time classes have been so engaging this year, my children love them! They cannot wait for in-person summer camps to X-PLORE more!
Ages Served: Suggested age – 3rd to 6th grade
Location: Academy High, 2302 Fox Drive, Champaign
For more information: website or call 217-239-6000
Orpheum Children’s Science Museum
While the Orpheum Children’s Science Museum is closed its legacy will live on through the Orpheum Legacy Summer camps in 2021. These camps will continue the STEM focused leaning that the Orpheum Children’s Science Museum brought to the community for 25+ years.
COVID Procedures: Camps will be following CDC recommended guidelines for school including use of masks, regular sanitization, and social distancing whenever possible.
Dates: All camps run 9 a.m.-3 p.m. with extended care available 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
June 8-11: Time Travel Adventure
June 14-18: Robotics
June 21-25: Engineers Save the World
July 5-9: Creative Science
July 12-16: Robotics
July 19-23: Master Builders
Parent Comment: “These are their favorite camps, they don’t want to go anywhere else!”
Ages Served: Kindergarten thru 5th Grade
Location: 15 Main Street, Champaign (Former News-Gazette Building)
For more information: website or call (618) 960-9827