Illinois Summer Camp Guide for Parents

Summer camp registration often opens in January and fills fast. Here's your planning guide.

Types of Camps

Park District Day Camps

Cost: $150-400/week Ages: 5-14 typically

Every suburb has park district camps. They're affordable, local, and reliable.

Expect:

• Swimming, sports, crafts

• Field trips

• Before/after care options

• Lunch usually not included

Pro tip: Registration opens late winter. Set calendar reminders.

Private Day Camps

Cost: $300-800/week Ages: Varies

Higher cost but often more specialized programming.

Options include:

• Academic enrichment

• Sports-specific camps

• Arts and theater

• STEM and coding

Overnight Camps

Cost: $800-2,000+/week Ages: 7-17

Traditional sleep-away experience, often in Wisconsin or Michigan.

Illinois-area options:

• Camp Duncan (Fox Lake)

• Camp Algonquin (Algonquin)

• YMCA camps throughout region

Specialty Camps

STEM/Technology

• ID Tech (Northwestern, UIC)

• Museum of Science & Industry camps

• Local robotics programs

Arts

• Ravinia camps (Highland Park)

• Theater camps throughout suburbs

• Art institute programs

Sports

• University sports camps (Northwestern, U of I)

• Club team-affiliated camps

• Sport-specific academies

Camp Selection Checklist

□ Accredited by American Camp Association? □ Staff training and background check policies? □ Counselor-to-camper ratio? □ Typical daily schedule? □ How are behavior issues handled? □ Medical staff on site? □ Inclusion policies for special needs? □ Refund policy?

Registration Timeline

January-February

• Premium overnight camps fill

• Specialty camps open registration

• Set alerts for favorites

March-April

• Park district registration peaks

• Popular sessions fill

• Apply for scholarships/financial aid

May-June

• Some spots still available

• Wait lists open up

• Last-minute options emerge

Cost-Saving Strategies

1. Early bird discounts (common, often 10-15%)

2. Sibling discounts (ask, even if not advertised)

3. Park district resident rates (significantly cheaper)

4. Scholarships (park districts and YMCAs offer need-based)

5. Multi-week discounts (commit early, save)

6. Trade with friends (take turns hosting neighbor kids)

Preparing Your Child

First-Time Campers

• Visit camp beforehand if possible

• Practice being away from parents

• Pack together so they know what they have

• Discuss what to do if problems arise

Packing Essentials

• Water bottle (labeled!)

• Sunscreen

• Change of clothes

• Swimsuit and towel

• Comfortable shoes

• Medications with forms

Red Flags

• Won't share safety policies

• No background check system

• Extremely high camper-to-staff ratios

• Resistant to parent questions

• No accreditation or references