General interest camps | 2012

Campers bask in the sun.

Photo: Courtesy of Near North Montessori School

Akiba-Schechter Jewish Day School
This camp offers a play-based curriculum featuring arts and science projects, as well as yoga classes, swimming and cooking. Attendance is very flexible, and kids can come for a short morning or an extended day starting as early as 7:45am. All faiths are welcome to participate in the seven-week program. 5235 S Cornell Ave (773-493-8880, akibaschechter.org). Jun 5–Aug 2. Prices vary. Ages 2–6.

The Ancona School
A forward-thinking, Montessori-based program rooted in the philosophy that children are active learners, the summer program is culturally themed here, and this year’s campers’ curriculum will revolve around India. Older campers have the choice between an arts focus or a science and athletics concentration. 4770 S Dorchester Ave (773-924-2356, anconaschool.org).  Jun 25–Aug 3. $1,600 for six weeks. Ages 3 to 6th grade.

Avery Coonley School
Your little one will exercise her brain cells and her muscles during this camp’s dynamic programs. From swimming to chess to academic programs, kids are guaranteed to find something that interests them and a place to beat the Chicago heat. 1400 Maple Ave, Downers Grove (630-969-0800, averycoonley.org). Jun 18–Jul 27. Prices TBD. Kindergarten to 8th grade.

Baker Demonstration School
Preschool and kindergarten camp days brim with indoor and outdoor play, arts and crafts, music, drama, interactive games and swim instruction. Activities focus on imaginative play, artistic creativity, scientific questioning and early literacy. Campers entering first through sixth grades participate in Educational Explorations during their sessions—dabbling in topics such as jazz, fairy tales and Spanish. 201 Sheridan Rd, Wilmette (847-425-5800, bakerdemschool.org). Jun 12–Aug 3. $295–$2,500. Ages 3 to 9th grade.

Banner Day Camp
Set in idyllic Lake Forest, Banner offers two private lakes, a large aquatic center with four heated pools and two water slides, plus indoor and outdoor facilities for sports, music, dancing, wall climbing and more. 1225 Riverwoods Rd, Lake Forest (847-295-4900, bannerdaycamp.com). Jun 18–Aug 10. $1,200–$5,680. Ages 3–14.

Black Bear Academy
Your little cub will spend the summer playing in the wild as much as Mother Nature allows. Every week, BBA presents a new theme for campers. Actvities like scavenger hunts, art projects and field trips round out the experience. Black Bear Academy, 1801 W Byron St (733-244-0500, blackbearpreschool.com). Dates and prices TBD. Ages 2–6.

Boys and Girls Club of Chicago
Campers spend the summer exploring our fair city with field trips to baseball games, water parks and museums. And then, we’re guessing, they sleep like logs every night. Clubs include Cotter, Jordan, McCormick, Valentine, King, Little Village, General Wood and Logan Square (312-235-8000, bgcc.org). Dates, prices and ages vary by location. Ages 6–18.

Bright Horizons
In these summer day camps, children experience a smattering of mind-expanding activities—including basketball, computer programming and creating a magazine. Oodles of venues host these camps in the Chicago area. Locations throughout Chicago, go to brighthorizons.com for more info on session dates, prices and ages.    

Brickton’s Summertime Wonder Camp
Campers explore their environment with field trips for ages 4 and older. The “Discover Chicago” session for 6th through 8th graders allows kids to engage with the Windy City through culture, history and community service. Brickton Montessori School, 8622 Catalpa Ave (773-714-0646, www.brickton.org/summer). Jun 8–Aug 19. Prices vary by age. Ages 2–13.

Brookfield Zoo Summer Day Camp
Pint-size animal lovers learn about animal habitats and life as a zookeeper, and take a sneak peek into the world of zoology with behind-the-scenes zoo activities. Each camp lasts one week and has a different curriculum. 8400 31st St, Brookfield (708-688-836, brookfieldzoo.org). Jun 4–Aug 10. One-week session $270–$370; half-day $140–$190. Ages 4 to 8th grade.