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Sports camps | 2012
Jocks-in-training will flip (run, jump!) for these sports camps.
Kids scoot and smile at Life Time Fitness summer camp.
Alex Brown Football Camp
Top-notch high-school and college coaches, along with former Bears players, lead campers through daily practices (kids can expect to snag some autographs!). An awards ceremony caps the week. Benedictine University, 5700 College Rd, Lisle (301-575-9400, footballcamps.com). Jul 6–9. $760 for overnight campers, $680 commuters. Ages 7–18.
AYSO Camps
This nonprofit, volunteer organization’s focus is on character development—but you can bet that soccer skills are part of the deal. Visit the national site at AYSO.org to find your region and details on the half- and full-day summer programs and prices (773-929-5425, ayso418.org). Ages 4–18.
Chicago Athletic Club Kids
Exercise gets creative when campers indulge in swimming, ballet, yoga, guitar circle, indoor and outdoor rock-climbing and more. 1019 W Diversey Pkwy (773-529-2022, chicagoathleticclubs.com). Jun 11–Aug 24. $40–$80 per day. Ages 2–10.
Chicago Bears Youth Football Camps
Your Jay Cutler–in-training learns new skills and gains confidence under the instruction of professional, college and high-school football coaches at this non-contact, station-based training camp. Stretching, footwork and speed-training drills teach kids the fundamentals for all positions. Locations throughout the city (312-226-7776, bearscamp.com). Dates vary. One-week session $399–$429. Ages 6–14.
Chicago Bulls Basketball Camp
Little ballers can shoot free throws all day, sprint up and down the driveway and jump rope until their quads burn. But to take it to the next level, they need to learn new skills and practice the fundamentals with talented coaches. They’ll get that expert tutelage here. Locations throughout the city (bullssoxacademy.com). Dates and pricing vary by location. Ages 6–12.
Chicago Cubs Summer Camps
Calling all Little Leaguers! Boys and girls practice baseball skills during on-field drills and through games like home run derbies and races around the bases. They also get the VIP treatment with awesome extras like a tour of Wrigley Field and autograph sessions with players. Camps are offered at six locations and each camper gets a full uniform, including a jersey, socks, pants and cap. Various locations (773-289-1505, http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/chc/fan_forum/summercamps.jsp?partnerId=ed-5582427-247038820). Jun 25–Aug 17. $549. Ages 5–13.
Chicago White Sox Camp Baseball
Campers work on hitting, throwing, fielding, bunting and any other baseball-ish verb you can think of as they train with professional coaches. Kids of all abilities indulge in their love for the game while working on technique and game skills. Locations throughout the city, (bullsoxacademy.com). Dates and prices vary. Ages 5–11.
Chicago Youth Rowing Camps
Ready, set, row! The Chicago Rowing Foundation teaches teens how to get their row on. Kids learn the essentials of sweep rowing (one oar per person) from former collegiate athletes by training on rowing machines and in boats on the Chicago River. The focus is on basic rowing skills and lingo, with an emphasis on learning how to row as a crew of eight. 1586 N Kingsbury St (312-929-2776, lincolnparkrowing.com). Jun 19–Jul 11. Prices vary. Ages 12–17.
DePaul Girls Soccer Camps
Grab your cleats, shinguards and some water and hit the field, ladies. Day camp sessions introduce campers to technical skills and work toward improving them. The college prep overnight camp is geared toward serious footballers ages 14 to 18 who aspire to play beyond high school—young women are coached by actual DePaul coaches and players and get a little taste of life at the competitive college-level. Wish Field, 900 W Belden Ave (773-325-4735, depaulgirlssoccercamps.com). Day camp Jun 25–29; overnight camp Jul 19–22. $200–$575. Ages 5–18.
Doug Bruno Basketball Camp for Girls
A slam-dunk if your daughter loves basketball, Bruno’s camps focus on hard work, fun, friendship and discipline. Campers improve fundamental skills, such as dribbling and passing, and work on shooting technique. Locations throughout the city (773-281-6057, brunoball.org). Jun 18–Aug 9. Three-day session $350, four-day session $390.
GameBreaker Lacrosse Camp
Instructors help campers improve their offense, defense, shooting and stick skills through practices and scrimmages. Locations in Lake Forest and Northbrook (800-944-7112, laxcamps.com). Boys Jul 9–12, girls Jul 22–25. Day camp $445; overnight camp $545. Grades 3–12.
Game On! Sports Camps 4 Girls
You name it, they play it. With camps ranging from volleyball to horseback riding to lacrosse, Game On! has a sport for every girl. Whether she’s never touched a ball before or is the all-star of her travel team, your daughter will improve athletic skills, build friendships and gain confidence. Locations vary (847-229-9959, gameonsportscamp.com). Jun 11–Aug 3. Prices vary. Two-week overnight Jun 18–30 $2,500. Preschool to 10th grade.
