Summer Camp: Helping your kids have the best summer EVER in Champaign-Urbana

Welcome to the 2023 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. Registration for summer camps is already up and running at many organizations, although some may not have information ready yet.

Editor’s Note: We will keep adding and making updates to this list, so come back often. Camps listed below have confirmed they will be running camp in 2023 but may be finalizing details.

Thank you to Indian Acres Swim Club and Champaign County Forest Preserve District for presenting this article.

Indian Acres Swim Club

Indian Acres Swim Day Camp is known for its excellence in swim instruction. They meet your child in their current skills and work with them at their level to increase confidence and ability in the water. Indian Acres Swim Day Camp is a traditional outdoor camp that focuses on physical activity and fun!

Read more about camp at Indian Acres in the “outdoor” section below and visit its website.

Champaign County Forest Preserve District

Looking for a summer camp that allows your son or daughter to enjoy hands-on learning on everything from nature to archaeology? The Champaign County Forest Preserve District has what you are looking for.

Read more about camp at the Champaign County Forest Preserve District in the “outdoor” section below and visit its website.

ACTIVE | CREATIVE | EDUCATIONAL | OUTDOOR

We have created this menu and legend to help you sort through the different camps in the Champaign-Urbana area. Camps with featured listings are paid sponsors with chambanamoms.com. The lists included at the bottom of each section are to help you sort through other available options in the community. Chambanamoms.com does not endorse any camp over another and we encourage you to do your own research to find the best fit for your family this summer.

ACTIVE – While nearly all camps are inherently active, these camps include sports, swim, martial arts, play-based day camps to reach a broad audience of participants and much more.
CREATIVE – These camps focus on the arts, including but not limited to drama, music, maker camps and more.
EDUCATIONAL – These include STEM camps, academic enrichment and other camps with an educational focus.
OUTDOOR – Many camps (including most of our “active” camps) are held outdoors, but the camps in this category focus on experiencing nature as part of the camp experience. This is also where you’ll find most of our overnight camps (which are almost entirely outdoors, excluding some sports camps) a short drive from Champaign-Urbana.

LEGEND

😎 – BIG KID, includes camps for kids over 12 years of age
🖍 – PRESCHOOL, camps for kids not yet entering kindergarten
💦. – SWIM, camps that include swimming daily or weekly as part of the schedule (not necessarily a swimming camp)
💲. – CCRS accepted at this camp
🕗. – EXTENDED DAY, before/after care available for a fee

ACTIVE

ACTIVE CAMPS may include sports camps, swim camps, martial arts and play-based day camps

Many summer camps include physical activity; these stand out as having the most physical activity as part of their day-to-day schedule.

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Champaign’s Best Summer Camp & After School

At Champaign’s Best Kids, they care about their students’ success in school, sports and life. Their coaches are level 2 background checked and they have a zero tolerance for bullying. You and your child are going to love this fun, active and safe camp. Save your spot today!

Dates

Camp will be open daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. for all weeks of summer break for Unit 4. Drop off between 7:30 and 9 a.m. and pick up between 5 and 6 p.m.

Ages Served: 5-12 (13 and up special offer)

Location: Leaders for Life Martial Arts, 2413 Village Green Place, Champaign

For More Information: Website, Facebook and Instagram

Champaign Park District 💦 💲 🕗 😎

Activity-filled days for kids, worry-free days for parents. Participants will enjoy a variety of activities such as sport activities, games, weekly pool days, and field trips. New this year, Champaign Park District will be offering teen camps, too!

Parents: Participant packets must be completed and submitted by the first day at drop off before a child can attend. Packets are both online and at the facilities for pickup. Scholarships are available. Find all the details in the summer program guide.

Summer Youth Program information and pricing for 2023 is now available! Registration opens March 13 for residents first and March 23 for non-residents.

Dates: May 30 – Aug. 4

Ages Served: 6-12

Location: Champaign Park District

For More Information: Website, Facebook or Instagram

I-Power 😎 🖍 🕗 💦

I-Power Summer Camp is guaranteed to keep your child active, engaged, and physically fit! Your child will expand their knowledge in gymnastics and have fun with friends and our energetic camp staff. Each day will include gymnastics, games, free time in the gym, time in the ninja gym, crafts, and movie time after lunch. Camp is taught by experienced, professional I-Power Gymnastics staff.

Dates:

School Age Camp for ages 5-13, runs 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., (before and after care available)

Week 1 Ninja Challenge – May 29-June 2
Week 2 Summer Fun – June 5-9
Week 3 Ninja Challenge – June 12-16
Week 4 Color Wars – June 19-23
Week 5 Ninja Challenge – Jun 26-30
Week 6 Water Week – July 10-14
Week 7 Ninja Challenge – July 17-21
Week 8 Olympics – July 24-28
Week 9 Ninja Challenge – July 31 – Aug. 4
Week 10 Gymnastics Showcase Aug. 7-11

Preschool Camp for ages 3-5, runs 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Week 1 Land of Dinosaurs – May 29-June 2
Week 2 At The Zoo – June 5-9
Week 3 In My Garden – June 12-16
Week 4 Frozen – June 19-23
Week 5 Encanto – Jun 26-30
Week 6 Beach & Mermaids – July 10-14
Week 7 Under Construction – July 17-21
Week 8 Paw Patrol – July 24-28
Week 9 Magical Kingdom – July 31 – Aug. 4
Week 10 Lil’ Ninja Aug. 7-11

Ages Served: 3-13

Location: I-Power School of Gymnastics, 215 S. Staley Rd., Champaign

For More Information: Website, Facebook and Instagram

Stephens Family YMCA 🖍 💦 🕗 😎 💲

Stephens Family YMCA is ready for another fantastic summer of camps! Their camps add variety for a summer that will allow youth to stretch their imagination, gain self–confidence and learn new skills. Find the summer camp guide here.

Dates: May 30 – August 4; half day or full day options.

Y Camp- 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday – Friday (Early drop off begins at 8:15 a.m., late pick up ends at 4:15 p.m.)
Specialty Camps- 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday – Friday
Morning Camps- 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Afternoon Camps- 1 – 4 p.m.

They offer pre-activities starting at 7:30 a.m. and post activities from 4:15 – 5:30 p.m. for an additional cost. They are now offering supervision and activities between half day camps. This supervision is only available for those signed up for both morning and afternoon camps the same week. Midday activities are from 11:30 a.m.– 1:00 p.m.

The Y will not turn away any child who wishes to participate in the camp because of their inability to pay.

Ages Served: 3-14

Location: Stephens Family YMCA, 2501 Fields South Dr., Champaign

For more information: Website or call (217) 239-2811

Urbana Park District 🖍 💦 🕗

The Urbana Park District has announced its summer programming in the January-April program guide. Specific details on camps coming to this post soon! Check out the program guide here. Registration for camps is already open, with Super Early Bird Prices in effect through April 5.

Fighting Illini Sport Camps & Clinics

Fighting Illini Sport Camps have committed itself to the development of well-rounded sport camps for boys and girls. Young athletes have the opportunity to learn more about their sport, improve their skills, create new friendships and have fun at the same time. Campers receive excellent coaching, experience campus life, and meet athletes from a variety of backgrounds.

Dates: June 1 – August 15, times and camp length vary with camp

Ages Served: 8 – 18 years old

Location(s): Illinois Athletics venues

For More Information: Website

Project Athletes 😎

Project Athletes Speed School offers speed, agility, and conditioning training- a place to belong and a team to be a part of. PA training is not sport-specific and focuses on overall general athleticism and teamwork.

Dates: June 5 – July 27

Ages Served: 3rd – 12th grade

Location: Zahnd Park, Champaign (southwest corner of Windsor and Staley Roads)

For More Information: Website or find them on Facebook and Instagram

More Active Camps in Champaign-Urbana:

Savoy Parks and Recreation

CREATIVE

CREATIVE CAMPS may include camps that focus on drama, music, the arts and more

While many camps incorporate creative activities into their day, these camps feature it as a key component of their programming.

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Amara Yoga & Arts – Kids Art & Yoga Camp

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.

Amara wants the kids to have a stress free, magical, safe environment where they can grow and flourish. Each week will have a theme that will inspire exploration through art making activities using all kinds of materials and will be loosely directed by the teachers so kids can have ownership of their own creative process.

The mornings are more structured with opening arts and crafts for kids to choose to work with, followed by a yoga class. The yoga class will include breath work, meditation, poses, chanting, storytelling and lots of games ending with creative visualization and savasana – all presented in a playful and collaborative manner. Following the yoga class will be free time outside and time to work on bigger art projects related to the weeks theme. Afternoons are less structured with time for kids to self direct their own art making, an option for a more advanced yoga class, or quiet time and play outside.

Dates

Camp hours 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Week 1 June 5-9 – Marvelous Monsters and Super Heroes
Week 2 June 12-16 – Inner and Outer Space
Week 3 June 19-23 – Bubbles, Orbs and Buddha Paintings
Week 4 June 26-30 – Public Art and Famous Paintings
Week 5 July 3-7 – All Kinds of Self Portraits 2d, 3d, 4d! (no camp on the 4th)
Week 6 July 10-14 – Magical Mandalas, Mobiles, and Wands! Plus a Dragon or 2
Week 7 July 17-21 – Build a Fairy House and Fairies to Live in it
Week 8 July 24-28 – Treasure Boxes and Treasure to go in them. Maps and Hunts included!
Week 9 July 31-Aug. 4 – Sewing, Weaving and Yarn Art

Ages served: 5-12

Location: Vine Street Side of Lincoln Square, 300 S. Broadway, Urbana

For More Information: Website, Facebook, Instagram or call (217) 417-2591

Class Act 😎

CLASS ACT is Champaign-Urbana’s only performing arts school offering a variety of theatrical camps and classes for budding actors, singers, dancers, clowns and performers. Camps include: Improv & Theatre Games, Pantomime, Musical Theatre, Circus Arts, Audition Skills and more!!

All camps are taught by experienced professionals and educators committed to providing a nurturing creative environment for students of all ages.

June 5 through July 28, with camps designed for different age groups.
Times: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. or 1-4 p.m. (varies by week) with full-day options July 17-28.

Registration opens February 26!

Ages Served: 5-17

Location: Most camps are held at Academy High, with “Put on a Musical” camp (by audition) at Countryside School

For More Information: Website, Facebook

Academy High 😎

Academy High is pleased to offer a number of exciting summer specialty camps for rising 6-8th grade students. These innovative, half-day offerings are taught by Academy High faculty and module instructors, and can be taken separately or combined for a full-day experience.

Dates

June 5 – June 9; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1 – 4 p.m.
June 12 – June 16; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1 – 4pm
Early drop off and pick up are available

Ages Served:Entering grades 6-8

Location: Academy High, 2001 Fox Dr., Champaign

For More Information: Website, Facebook or Instagram; call (217) 239-6000

Urbana Fine Arts Center

The Urbana Fine Arts Center summer camp is focused on dance and performing arts activities. This program offers classes is ballet, stretch, musical theatre and world dance classes, so the children can learn a folk dance from a different region of the globe each week. No previous dance experience required.

Dates
June 5 to July 28 (no camp July 4), Monday through Friday
Full Days: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Half Days: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. OR 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Early Drop-off: 8 a.m.
Late Pick-up: 5:30 p.m.

Ages Served: 6 to 12 years

Location: 2860 S. Philo Rd., Suite H, Urbana

For More Information: Website, Facebook or Instagram

More Creative Camps in Champaign-Urbana

Words on Fire Writing Camp for Teens

EDUCATIONAL

EDUCATIONAL CAMPS may include STEM/STEAM camps, programs with an academic emphasis and camps that focus on certain professions, trades or skills

Education can happen in a number of ways (including spending time outside and in creative, unstructured moments); the camps in this category have more of an emphasis on curriculum/instruction as part of their camp programming.

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Camp Invention

Spark your child’s curiosity and creativity with an all-new Camp Invention® program, Wonder! Campers in grades K-6 will collaborate with friends to take on fun, hands-on STEM challenges. From building a mini skate park to launching a pop-up shop to transforming a robot into a stuffie, each experience adds up to an imagination-stretching, confidence-boosting summer. Visit invent.org/local to secure your spot! Use promo code SUM25 by 3/30 to save $25.

Dates

Various camps throughout the summer!

Ages Served: For children entering grades K – 6

Location: Various locations

For More Information: Website, Facebook, or Instagram

Classics Summer Camps

“Meet the Greeks” and “Meet the Romans” camps for children ages 8-11 introduce kids to ancient languages, cultures and civilizations with readings, games, costumes, crafts and more. Camps are held on the U of I campus. Instructors have or are completing an MAT, MA or PhD in ancient Greek and Roman languages and culture.

Dates

June 5-30, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. OR 1 – 5 p.m., Monday to Friday (various sessions available)

Ages Served: 8-11 years old

Location: University of Illinois (specific building to be determined)

For More Information: website

X-Plore Summer Camp

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!

Scholarships are available. To learn more about scholarship opportunities, please email xtime.champaign.urbana@gmail.com.

Dates

Session One: June 5-9, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Session Two: August 7-11, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Ages Served: Suggested Age: 3rd to 6th Grade, with students a year younger or older welcome too

Location: Copper Creek Church, 2202 Curtis Rd., Champaign

For More Information: Website, Facebook or Instagram

More Educational Camps in Champaign-Urbana

Uni High Summer Camp

OUTDOOR

OUTDOOR CAMPS conduct nearly all of their camp activities outdoors (weather permitting) during the summer

It may seem like nearly all of the camps in this post have outdoor activities and that may in fact be true; the camps on this list identify as “outdoor camps” in that nearly all of the camp activities (weather permitting) are held outside.

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Indian Acres Swim Club 😎 🖍 💦 🕗

Indian Acres Swim Day Camp is known for its excellence in swim instruction. The club meets your child in their current skills and work with them at their level to increase confidence and ability in the water. Indian Acres Swim Day Camp is a traditional outdoor camp that focuses on physical activity and fun!

Dates: May 30 – August 4
Camp hours are 8 – 11:30 a.m.; afternoon day camp option available from 11:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Week 1 – Roll Out the Red carpet
Week 2 – IA Ninja Warrior Week
Week 3 – Holiday Week
Week 4 – Luau
Week 5 – Patriot Parade Week
Week 6 – Video Game Week
Week 7 – Carnival Week
Week 8 – Mount Olympus
Week 9 – Camp Muggle
Week 10 – Treasure Island

Ages Served: 3-13

Location: Indian Acres Swim Club, 1 Arrow Road, Champaign

For More Information: Website or call (217) 352-9538; Facebook and Instagram

Champaign County Forest Preserve District 😎 🖍

Champaign County Forest Preserve District offers summer camps for kids from 3 to 17 with interests in golf, nature, crafts and more.

Dates: Various dates/weeks between June and July

Craft Camp in the Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden

Do you love making crafts that connect with nature and history? Do you enjoy spending time outside? Then join us for an exciting camp, where we will make crafts while we take in the beauty of our Mabery Gelvin Botanical Gardens!

Tuesdays, July 11-25, 10-11:30 a.m. (6-8 years), 1-2:30 p.m. (9-12 years)

Eco-adventures Day Camp – ages 3-11

Eco-adventures day camp is nature-based camp that meets once a week for four weeks. Each day we have a different topic. See below for the list and descriptions of topics.

June 20 – July 21 (no camp the week of July 4 – July 7)
10-11:30am

Homer Lake – choose Tuesday or Wednesday

Lake of the Woods – choose Thursday or Friday

Fire, Earth, and Air Camp – ages 9-11

Want to learn how to build a fort and cook on a fire? Are you interested in learning more about how things float on the air? Come join us as we try out things you may not get to do at home.

Wednesdays, June 14-28, 9:30-11:00am
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
Ages 9-11
Fee: $30
Questions: 217-586-2612, ksnyder@ccfpd.org

One Day Camps (dates/times/ages vary; see website for details)

Powerful Pollinators
Trees of Illinois
Garden Art and Accessories
Prairie Plants and Garden Ponds
Peel, Chop and Eat!
Know Your Plants and Find Your Way! Escape the Mabery Botanical Gardens
Nature Explorers Preschool Program
Nature Explorers Preschool Program
Wilderness Explorers

Junior Golf Camp (ages 10-17)

July 10-13, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Lake of the Woods Golf Course

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.

Junior Golf Clinics (ages 8-17)

Tuesdays, June 6, 13, 20, 27
Lake of the Woods Golf Course

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 in this group setting.

Ages Served: 3-17, varies by camp

Location: Lake of the Woods, Mahomet and Homer Lake, Homer

For More Information: Website, Facebook or Instagram

Allerton Summer Day Camp 💦🕗

Allerton Summer Day Camps get your child outside to discover art, nature and science through hands-on exploration. Campers are split into two age groups: Acorns (ages 5-7) and Adventurers (ages 8-12). All campers will learn about our natural world while participating in both planned and free-play activities. Campers will build forts, go on hikes, observe weather patterns, experiment with sound, and more! Register for camp by individual weeks.

Dates

June 5 – August 4 – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
*No camp July 3-7

Extended day options

AM- 7 – 8 a.m.
PM- 3 – 5:30 p.m.

Location: Allerton Park & Retreat Center, 515 Old Timber Rd., Monticello

For More Information: Website, Facebook or Instagram

More Outdoor Camps in Champaign-Urbana

Adventure Play Summer Camp at University Primary School

Are you interested in highlighting your summer camp? Email us to find out more information about listing your camp in our 2023 summer camp guide.

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