Spring raises many questions, including what kids will do this summer when school is in recess.
There are many ways to keep children engaged so they are ready to learn come fall. Here are some options Pioneer Press found for parents and guardians to explore in the North Shore suburbs.
Evanston
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Evanston Parks and Recreation recently announced several programs for children this summer. These programs cater to a variety of different ages.
Children ages three to five can explore the Chandler-Newberger Early Childhood Camps that will focus on a specific topic during each one-week camp through music, movement, free play and large motor skill development activities, according to a Parks and Recreation email blast.
There will also be a sports camp at James Park with three different sessions, start dates include Jun. 12, July 3 and July 24. There are different age ranges starting at six years old with a cap of 12 years old. An advertisement states it will include a variety of sports alongside field trips and beach days.
Want to have a laugh? Check out Comedy for Kids Camp with Knuckleball Comedy. The program will take place at Ackerman Park with comedy coaching through improvisation basics, fund mind games and interactive play. This also comes with different age groups, ranging from ages six to 13, and different start dates of June 12, July 10, Aug. 7 and Aug. 14.
Evanston has several other options for parents and children to look into, including the Summer Daze Junior Tennis Camps, the Chicago Union Youth Ultimate Frisbee Camp and options for those with special needs. More information can be found on the Parks and Recreation website.
Glencoe
Parents might also take a gander at the Glencoe Park District’s summer program offerings. The Park District has several options serving a variety of ages, including a baby bears program for children less than two years old.
The baby bears program will focus on integrating parents and their children with their neighbors, according to the Glencoe Park District website. The program will meet in a Takiff Center classroom and then transition into playground time. Children between the ages of two and five have specific age group programs they can participate in before graduating to the Sun Fun program.
Sun Fun campers, grades one through three, will engage in a variety of activities. This includes crafts, sports, beach activities and more.
There is also a sailing and aquatics class for ages seven to 13 that will focus on kayaking, sailing and stand-up paddle boarding skills. Additionally, the parks district has several extension courses focusing on topics like jewelry making, and beach volleyball alongside sewing and fashion design. No sewing experience is needed for the sewing and fashion design program.
More information regarding these programs and more is included on the Glencoe Park District’s website.
Wilmette
The Wilmette Park District released its summer 2023 flip book sharing a variety of programs from creative crafts to lakefront activity options.
Toddlers can learn sportsmanship and teamwork through the Park District’s Teeny Tiny Tots and Tiny Tots programs. The two offerings come as either a four-week or eight-week program. Toddlers can also take a musical approach to their summer with the Hummingbirds and Summer Doves programs, which may also include science elements as well.
Looking for something more creative? Students can look to turn the creative camp section, which includes theatre, dance and visual art options. Its Broadway Bound program will even dive into lighting, audio and stage crew skills.
Students can also see if they have what it takes to become a lifeguard. The Park District’s Junior Lifeguard Camp will teach students about first aid, rescue techniques, CPR, and rip current education in this lifeguard fundamentals program, according to the Park District’s website. Other lakeside camp options include kayak and sailing offerings.
Winnetka
Winnetka Park District’s summer camp options are open for registration. Its offerings come in three categories — general interest, athletic and lakefront.
The general interest camps are focused on making sure everyone is having a good time, according to its website. Students, starting at age three, will engage in a variety of activities, which may include craft projects, sports, nature activities, field trips and special guest appearances from magicians and storytellers, the website states. Students ages 13 to 15 can also take a counselor-in-training class focusing on child care skills beyond babysitting.
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Sports options include baseball, football, softball, beach volleyball and other beach sports. Looking for ways to get out of the heat? The Winnetka Park District has students covered with an ice skating option. Lakefront camps include sailing, beach volleyball and beach sports.
More information regarding Winnetka Park District’s summer offerings can be found on its website.
Corey Schmidt is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.