Countdown to Summer Camp!

The first day of summer might technically be June 21, but for children in Des Plaines, summer begins on the last day of school. The countdown has begun. Only a few short weeks remain in the school year, which makes this the perfect time to register your children for summer camp. The reasons to send your children to camp are well documented. Camp provides children with a community of caring mentors who introduce them to new and exciting things; helps them develop social skills and build character; teaches them to face challenges; and encourages them to embrace a healthy lifestyle. In addition, kids at camp make lifelong friendships, reconnect with nature, and unplug from technology. (Not to mention, you will never hear, “Mom, I’m bored!”)

Registration is in progress for Des Plaines Park District summer camps. Both half-day and full-day camps, with before and after care options, are available. Participants can choose from traditional day camps, with themed activity weeks; sports camps; an adventure camp with daily field trips; and dance and arts camps that perform at Prairie Lakes Theatre. Here is a list of Des Plaines Park District Camps with openings:

• Camp Chickagami at Lake Park, for children ages 6–14. Children enjoy a true day camp experience in an action-packed week of swimming at Chippewa Pool, paddle boating and fishing at Lake Opeka, sports, games, arts and crafts, and fun with friends.

• Camp Discovery at Cumberland Terrace, for children ages 5–7. Campers enjoy sports and games, arts and crafts, weekly themed activities, and visits to the playground. Each week, campers also travel to Chippewa Pool to swim and to Mountain View Adventure Center for miniature golf.

• Camp Pioneer is perfect for pint-sized campers ages 3–5. Based in our Leisure Center preschool room, campers in this half-day camp learn about nature, make crafts, enjoy story-time and songs, play on the enclosed playground, and learn to be independent. Register for the  morning and afternoon sessions and kids can stay the whole day.

• Adventure Camp at Lake Park, for children ages 8–14. In this two-week camp, children travel to local sports and entertainment sites on daily field trips. Destinations include: water parks, the movies, the zoo, laser tag facilities, rock climbing sites, baseball games, entertainment centers, bowling alleys, and canoeing. Campers also travel to Rock Cut State Park each session for an overnight campout.

• Sports Xplosion at Prairie Lakes Community Center, for children ages 6-14. Let the games begin! In the gym and on the field, campers learn the fundamentals of: basketball, soccer, flag football, racquetball, matt ball, floor hockey, dodgeball, a variety of track and field games, and have fun playing low key games. Once each week, campers also go bowling or miniature golfing. Good sportsmanship and teamwork are promoted, and leadership skills are developed

• Dance & Arts Camps at Prairie Lakes, for children ages 3–15. Broadway bound? Dancers ages 3–5 attend Teeny Tiny Dancer Camp, from 12-30–3:00pm, where they learn beginning ballet and jazz steps and make arts and crafts projects. Dancers ages 6–10 attend Camp Dance-A-Lot from 9:00am–3:00pm. Mornings are spent making arts & crafts projects, and simple props and scenery. In the afternoons, campers learn simple dancers to that week’s movie theme. Dancers ages 11-15 attend Camp Remix, where they dance in the mornings and work on craft, prop, and scenery projects in the afternoon. All dancers come together on the last Friday on each session to put on a show for family and friends. No previous dance experience is required.

• Sailing Camp at Lake Opeka for children ages 8–14. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced campers practice on the water and learn the skills and techniques necessary to become an accomplished sailor. Wind direction, knot tying, and safety and also covered.

• Junior Golf Camps at Golf Center Des Plaines for children 8–16. Children get world-class instruction from a PGA pro in this four-day camp. Some golf experience is required. Boys and girls develop their swing and form, and work on their chipping, putting, approach and fairway shots. On the last day, golfers play a 9-hole tournament.

The Des Plaines Park District also offers specialty sports camps including: Chicago Storm Soccer Camps, Chicago White Sox Training Center Baseball Camp, Chicago Bulls Rookie and Veteran Basketball Camp, Challenger British Soccer Camp, EVP Tour Beach Volleyball Camp, SportsKids Youth Olympic Camp, SportsKids Archery Camp, and Kids First Flag Football Camp. Detailed descriptions of all Des Plaines Park District Camps are in the Summer 2014 Summer Camp Guide, and the Spectrum Program & Events Guide. Both are available at all Park District facilities and online 24/7 at www.DPParks.org. Make sure your children enjoy every minute of summer fun. For more information, call 847-391-5700.