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Summer Camp Academy 2026
Expanded Learning Summer Camp 2026
Open House
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Values
To foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for all campers, we've established five core program values:
- Accountability: Taking ownership of our actions
- Kindness: Treating others with compassion and empathy
- Respect: Valuing ourselves and others
- Responsibility: Fulfilling our commitments
- Safety: Prioritizing well-being and minimizing risk
- By embracing these values, we aim to create a camp experience where every camper feels valued, supported, and empowered.
Dedicated Staff
Our dedicated staff team is comprised of experienced educators and youth development professionals, all passionate about creating unforgettable summer experiences. Our staff members undergo rigorous pre-season training and are certified in First Aid, CPR, and AED to ensure the safety and well-being of every camper.
By embracing these values, we aim to create a camp experience where every camper feels valued, supported, and empowered.
Expanded Learning Summer Camp Academy Registration Open From January 1 until May 1, 2026
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Earth Trekkers Pre-K Camp
This half-day afternoon Expanded Learning summer camp program for ages 3-5 located at the D63 Early Learning Center provides a fun, engaging, and safe environment for our youngest campers with days full of indoor and outdoor activities like:
- water play
- games
- outdoor time
- arts & crafts
- active play
- music & movement
- and more!
If you would like to extend your child's day, you may add Lunch Bunch. In Lunch Bunch, campers eat lunch together and enjoy extra play time outdoors. Either you can send a lunch with your child or we can provide one for them.
Please note that all campers must be 3 years old before the start of the program and be potty trained.
For campers who enroll in Summer School programming at the Early Learning Center, our staff will ensure a smooth transition of campers from their morning program to Lunch Bunch.
Week | Theme | Dates | Rates | Field Trips
Care from 12:45 - 4:30 PM
- Week 1 | In the Stars Week | June 29 - July 2 | $90
- Week 2 | Nature Week | July 6 - 9 | $90
- Week 3 | Little STEAMers Week | July 13 - 16 | $90
- Week 4 | Around the World Week | July 20 - 23Around the | $90
Additional Option
Lunch Bunch
12:15 - 12:45 PM | Camp Week | $20Weekly Schedule Outline
PM Snack is at 2:00 p.m.
- Monday:
Traditional Day Camp Activities - Tuesday:
Traditional Day Camp Activities - Wednesday:
Water Play Day & Traditional Day Camp Activities - Thursday:
Traditional Day Camp Activities - Friday:
No Camp on Fridays
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Join us for a summer of fun and learning!
Our day camp is designed for kids ages 5 and up, entering kindergarten through 8th grade for the following school year. Though each week looks a little different for each age group, every day, campers will dive into exciting activities like reading, arts and crafts, imaginative art projects, sports, games, thrilling science experiments, and more! They'll also build friendships, communication, and critical thinking skills through play and experiential learning. And the fun doesn't stop there! This program helps campers build character while demonstrating and recognizing values like respect, responsibility, kindness, safety, accountability, critical thinking, resilience, and community-mindedness. Each week, we'll embark on exciting adventures that will surely leave a lasting impact on our campers!
And the fun doesn't stop there!
Each week, we'll embark on exciting field trips to explore the best of Chicagoland. Check on the sample schedule to know what to expect!
Sign up today and let your child's imagination soar!
junior village : Week | Theme | Dates | Rates | Field Trips
Care from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Week 1 | Superheros & Sidekicks Week | June 8-12 | $206
- Field Trip to Kohl Children's Museum
- Week 2 | Nature Frenzy Week | June 15-18 | $167.50
- Field Trip to River Trail Nature Center
- Week 3 | Wacky Wonders Week | June 22-26 | $206
- Field Trip to Griffin Museum of Science & Industry
- Week 4 | Pirates & Mermaids Week | June 29 - July 3 | $206
- Field Trip to Mystic Waters
- Week 5 | Time Travelers Week | July 6-10 | $206
- Field Trip to the Field Museum
- Week 6 | Art-Tastic Week | July 13-17 | $206
- Field Trip to Hastings Lake Forest Preserve
- Week 7 | Animal Planet Week | July 20-24 | $206
- Field Trip to Milwaukee Zoo
- Week 8 | Lights, Camera, Action Week | July 27-31 | $206
- Field Trip Ball Factory
- Week 9 | Getting Messy Week | August 3-7 | $206
- Field Trip Enchanted Castle
- Week 10 | Happy Campers Week | August 10-14 | $206
- Field Trip to Mystic Waters
*Field trips are subject to change.
Additional Options
- Before Camp Care
Care from 7 AM
Per Week | $48
Week 2 prorated | $38
- After Camp Care
Care until 6 PM
Per Week | $46
Week 2 prorated | $35
- Extended Days
Care from 7 AM until 6 PM
August 17 | $80 | Core Program 9 AM-4 PM
August 18 | $80 | Core Program 9 AM-4 PM
Sample Weekly Schedule Outline
AM Snack is at 10:00 a.m.
[Fridays at 10:30 a.m.]
Lunch & Recess are between 11:00 a.m. - 12:10 p.m. [Fridays btw 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.]
PM Snack is at 3:05 p.m. [Fridays at 4:45 p.m.]- Monday
Opening Campfire
Read Aloud
Traditional Camp Day - Lots of games, crafts, art projects, and community-building activities. - Tuesday:
Morning: Traditional Camp Activities & Read Alouds
Afternoon: Splash Pad at Dee Park - Wednesday:
Morning: Activity Rotations & Read Aloud
Afternoon: Oriole Pool - Thursday:
Morning: Camper's Choice
Afternoon: Camper's Choice & Closing Campfire - Friday:
Morning: Depart for Field Trip
Afternoon: Return from Field Trip
- Week 1 | Superheros & Sidekicks Week | June 8-12 | $206
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Join us for a summer of fun and learning!
Our day camp is designed for kids ages 5 and up, entering kindergarten through 8th grade for the following school year. Though each week looks a little different for each age group, every day, campers will dive into exciting activities like reading, arts and crafts, imaginative art projects, sports, games, thrilling science experiments, and more! They'll also build friendships, communication, and critical thinking skills through play and experiential learning. And the fun doesn't stop there! This program helps campers build character while demonstrating and recognizing values like respect, responsibility, kindness, safety, accountability, critical thinking, resilience, and community-mindedness. Each week, we'll embark on exciting adventures that will surely leave a lasting impact on our campers!
And the fun doesn't stop there!
Each week, we'll embark on exciting field trips to explore the best of Chicagoland. Check on the sample schedule to know what to expect!
Sign up today and let your child's imagination soar!
Senior village : Week | Theme | Dates | Rates | Field Trips
Care from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Week 1 | Superheros & Sidekicks Week | June 8-12 | $234
- Field Trip to the Field Museum
- Week 2 | Nature Frenzy Week | June 15-18 | $188.50
- Field Trip to Crabtree Nature Center
- Week 3 | Wacky Wonders Week | June 22-26 | $234
- Field Trip to Maggie Daley Park
- Week 4 | Pirates & Mermaids Week | June 29 - July 3 | $234
- Field Trip to Rainbow Falls
- Week 5 | Time Travelers Week | July 6-10 | $234
- Field Trip to Naper Settlement
- Week 6 | Art-Tastic Week | July 13-17 | $234
- Field Trip to Hastings Lake Forest Preserve
- Week 7 | Animal Planet Week | July 20-24 | $234
- Field Trip Milwaukee Zoo
- Week 8 | Lights, Camera, Action Week | July 27-31 | $234
- Field Trip to Astro Fun World
- Week 9 | Getting Messy Week | August 3-7 | $234
- Field Trip Mystic Waters
- Week 10 | Happy Campers Week | August 10-14 | $234
- Field Trip Enchanted Castle
*Field trips are subject to change.
Additional Options
Before Camp Care
- Care from 7 AM
- Per Week | $48
- Week 2 prorated | $38
After Camp Care
- Care until 6 PM
- Per Week | $46
- Week 2 prorated | $35
Extended Days
- Care from 7 AM until 6 PM
- August 17 | $80 | Core Program 9 AM-4 PM
- August 18 | $80 | Core Program 9 AM-4 PM
Sample Weekly Schedule Outline
AM Snack is at 10:00 a.m.
[Fridays at 10:30 a.m.]
Lunch & Recess are between 11:00 a.m. - 12:10 p.m. [Fridays btw 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.]
PM Snack is at 3:05 p.m. [Fridays at 4:45 p.m.]- Monday:
Opening Campfire
Read Aloud
Traditional Camp Day - Lots of games, crafts, art projects, and community-building activities. - Tuesday
Morning: Traditional Camp Activities & Read Alouds
Afternoon: Pool - Wednesday:
Morning: Activity Rotations & Read Aloud
Afternoon: Camper's Choice - Thursday:
Morning: Closing Campfire
Afternoon: Pool - Friday:
Morning: Depart for Field Trip
Afternoon: Return from Field Trip
- Week 1 | Superheros & Sidekicks Week | June 8-12 | $234
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While still offering the fun and excitement of traditional summer camp, our Innovators program is specifically designed for youth entering middle school in the 2026-2027 school year.
Campers will:
- Give Back: Participate in community service projects
- Learn Life Skills: Develop financial literacy skills
- Stay Active: Embark on weekly walking trips
- Cool Off: Enjoy two pool days
- Explore: Go on exciting Friday field trips
This program helps middle schoolers build essential social-emotional skills and prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of adolescence.
Week | Theme | Dates | Rates | Field Trips
Care from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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Care from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Week 1 | Superheros & Sidekicks Week | June 8-12 | $248
- THU Field Trip to First Responder's Station
- FRI Field Trip to Astro Fun World
- Week 2 | Nature Frenzy Week | June 15-18 | $199
- THU Field Trips to Independence Grove
- FRI | No Camp
- Week 3 | Wacky Wonders Week | June 22-26 | $248
- THU Field Trip to The Glen & Gallery Park
- FRI Field Trip to Volo Museum
- Week 4 | Pirates & Mermaids Week | June 29 - July 3 | $248
- THU Field Trip to Urban Air
- FRI Field Trip to Silver Lake Beach
- Week 5 | Time Travelers Week | July 6-10 | $248
- THU Field Trip to Niles Historical Society
- FRI Field Trip Funway Entertainment Center
- Week 6 | Art-Tastic Week | July 13-17 | $248
- THU Field Trip TBD
- FRI Field Trip to Activate
- Week 7 | Animal Planet Week | July 20-24 | $248
- MON Field Trip to Wrigley Field for a Tour**
- FRI Field Trip to Milwaukee Zoo
- Week 8 | Lights, Camera, Action Week | July 27-31 | $248
- THU Field Trip Illusions Museum
- FRI Field Trip Navy Pier & Chicago River Tour
- Week 9 | Getting Messy Week | August 3-7 | $248
- THU Field Trip Big Bend Lake
- FRI Field Trip Go Ape Treetop Adventure
- Week 10 | Happy Campers Week | August 10-14 | $248
- THU Field Trip to Feed My Starving Children
- FRI Field Trip Scene 75
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*Field trips are subject to change.
*Field trips are subject to change.
Additional Options
- Before Camp Care
Care from 7 AM
Per Week | $43
Week 2 & 4 prorated | $34 - After Camp Care
Care until 6 PM
Per Week | $39
Week 2 & 4 prorated | $30 - Extended Days
Care from 7 AM until 6 PM
August 11 | $72 | Core Program 9 AM-4 PM
August 12 | $72 | Core Program 9 AM-4 PM
August 13 | $72 | Field Trip from 9:30 AM-4:30 PM
Sample Weekly Schedule Outline
AM Snack is at 10:00 a.m.
[Fridays at 10:30 a.m.]
Lunch & Recess are between 11:00 a.m. - 12:10 p.m. [Fridays btw 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.]
PM Snack is at 3:05 p.m. [Fridays at 4:45 p.m.]- Monday
Morning: Opening Campfire, Walking Trip
Afternoon: Walking Trip - Tuesday:
Morning: Community Service Check-In
Afternoon: Pool - Wednesday:
Morning: Camper's Choice
Afternoon: Pool - Thursday:
Morning: Field Trip
Afternoon: Field Trip - Friday:
Morning: Depart for Field Trip
Afternoon: Return from Field Trip
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LEARN
Assist in groups of children in grades K-5 and learn how to plan activities and teach them to the group! Learn basic first aid skills and how to connect with campers.BUILD
Build your skills in leadership, communication, problem-solving, initiative, financial literacy, group management, planning, and organization! Successful completion of this program grants you a Certificate of Completion and volunteer hours.GROW
Grow as a leader and a person as you participate in various group activities, travel to different places for field trips, and cultivate relationships with peers, campers, and staff.The Leader | In | Training program is for incoming 9th and 10th graders. This program runs alongside our Summer Camp Academy program, beginning on June 22 through July 17, 2026, for a total of four weeks. LITs must be able to commit to at least four weeks. LITs are required to be at the FRC at 8:45 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. If needed, LITs can stay at the FRC until they're picked up or sign themselves out with prior parent/guardian permission. This program is free of charge to youth who are selected and successful completion of this program grants a Certificate of Completion with a letter detailing their volunteer hours.
The application closed on April 1, 2026.
Registration Information
NOTE: Please enter your child's current grade on the registration forms.
Registration is not considered complete - your child will not have a guaranteed spot - until all forms are filled out, health forms are submitted, and a deposit is paid. All fees must be paid prior to the start of the program. In order to make a deposit, please contact the FRC by calling 847-827-4137 or by email at expandedlearning@emsd63.org.
Registration is now closed for Summer Camp 2026.
Cancellation of any selected programs must be done a minimum of two weeks prior to the start of the program for a full refund. Cancellations made one week prior to the start will be eligible for a partial refund. Any cancellations made less than one week prior to the start of the program will not be eligible for a refund.