Academic camps | 2012

iD Camps
The smart folks behind iD camps offer a Gaming Academy, Programming Academy and Tech camp, where kids learn the ins and outs of 3-D modeling, video game creation and tons more. Day camps and overnight sessions (for kids ages 10 and up) are available. Check out the website internaldrive.com for a plethora of camp options that will light up your little brainiac’s neurons. Lake Forest College, 555 N Sheridan Rd, Lake Forest (888-709- 8324, internaldrive.com). Dates and prices vary. Ages 7–18.

Language Stars
Children explore French, Mandarin, Italian, Spanish and German using Language Stars’ “Funimmersion” full-immersion method. Kids build language skills through indoor and outdoor activities—such as cooking, water games and relay races—all completed in foreign languages. Check website for locations (773-933-7827, languagestars.com/summer). Jun 11­–Aug 18. Prices vary. Ages 1–10.

Lycée Français
Whether your little guy or gal is fluent or still mastering “un, deux, trois,” this immersion-style camp will get ’em up to speed. Language camp programs include lessons in French, German, Mandarin and Arabic. 613 W Bittersweet Pl (773-665-0066, lyceechicago.org). Dates and prices TBD. Prekindergarten to 12th grade.

Multilingual Kids Camp MK
Want your child to say “thank you” in another language? How about in six languages? Kids also learn about the culture and customs of the native speakers. Pick from Spanish, French, Mandarin, Hindi and Korean. 2636 N Kimball Ave (773-292-7676, multilingualchicago.com). Jun 20–Aug 8. One-week session $249, two-week session $480. Ages 3–7.

Notebaert Nature Museum
With themes such as City Critters and Wild Waterways, children delve into the topics of nature, art, music, movement and science during these two-week, six-hour camp sessions. Campers also enjoy weekly field trips. 2430 N Cannon Dr (773-755-5100, naturemuseum.org). Jun 25–Aug 17. Two-week session $400–$625. Ages 4–10.

Shedd Explorers Summer Road Trip Camp
Using the aquarium as their home base, tweens and teens visit a different nature center or ecological site every day to learn about different animals, habitats and ecosystems. Camp ends in a sleepover at the aquarium. 1200 S Lake Shore Dr (312-939-2438, sheddaquarium.org). Jun 25–29 and Aug 6–10. $265–295. Ages 11–14.