active kids

By Gayla Grace

Sleep-away camp was just what Ally needed in order to gain independence and confidence, marveled her mom, Sharon. “She found a whole new group of girls and had a ball; she’s had a hard time with girls beginning in grade 4,” Sharon says, “so it was great for her to bond with girls in a different setting.” Starting at age 9, Ally went away to camp for a week. The following summer she begged for it to be four. Her parents were delighted.

Time away from parents helps kids learn how to make their own decisions without checking with Mom or Dad first, and residential camp provides the perfect training ground, says Michael Thompson in his book, Homesick and Happy: How Time Away From Parents Can Help a Child Grow (Random House; 2012).

learning to let go yourself!) it’s time to start researching sleep-away camps. Week- or monthlong adventures away from home give kids opportunities to experience unique adventures they’d never find at home. Asking other parents what camps their kids attend can be helpful also; having a friend go with your child is a beautiful thing for parents leery of separation.

To find a camp that fits your child’s needs, seek out opinions from friends and neighbors, ask teachers and church counselors, attend camp fairs and explore options on your own. Residential camps of all kinds and sizes are located all across the country, so there’s sure to be one your child can love and from which he can gain valuable skills.

Camp counselor Jamie Newman expresses enthusiasm for sending kids to camp. “Camp encourages kids to try new things and teaches them confidence through new experiences. They learn valuable life lessons when encouraged to work through their fears to try something even if it doesn’t feel comfortable to them. Also, when kids are thrown together in a cabin for a week, they’re forced to learn how to get along with others and often build lasting relationships that can continue when they return home.”

1) Camp builds maturity and allows children the chance to make their own decisions in a safe, caring environment. Kids benefit from new relationships with camp counselors who care about them and want to help them with everyday struggles.

2) Camp forces kids to unplug from technol- ogy and enjoy the beauty and benefits of nature. Through outside activities, kids find new hobbies without academic pressure or expectations. Kids gain self-confidence through trying new things and discovering talents they didn’t know they had.

3) Camp teaches good sportsmanship by encouraging each child to be fair and kind. Team activities teach kids how to cooperate with each other and the value of getting along with others though working together and supporting one another.

4) Camp fosters new friendships with kids who come from varying backgrounds - help- ing kids gain an understanding of how others live outside their community. In a relaxed at- mosphere, kids easily make friends while they play, sing, work, eat and bunk together.

5) Camps creates life-long memories of new adventures in places they’ve never experi- enced before. Camp offers carefree days where kids can learn how to thrive outside the structure of over-scheduled days.

Parents and “Child sickness” When it comes to sending a child to sleepaway camp, plenty of parents say, “Well, she’s ready for camp, but I’m not ready for her to leave!” According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, homesickness is defined as “dis- tress and functional impairment caused by an actual or anticipated separation from home and attachment objects such as parents.” For child sickness, the same can be true except it pertains to what parents experience when their child is away. Those who suffer from the condition feel some form of anxiety, sadness and nervousness, and most distinctly, obsessive preoccupation with thoughts of their child.

“Parents today are more anxious than their peers were 20 and 30 years ago,” says Peg Smith, CEO of the American Camp Association. “That said, the partnerships between parents and camp di- rectors have increased. Parents should share their concerns with camp directors who are prepared to respond with responsible, informed answers.”

Tips for Letting Go • Let your child have trial runs being away from you by permitting sleepovers. • Don’t show anxiety to your child - it will make it hard on him. • Have a plan for yourself: Get a project done that you’ve never had time for, go on a trip with your spouse, etc. • Remember: two of the greatest gifts you can give your child are confidence and inde- pendence.

Asummer camp environment allows children to learn new skills in a safe and nurturing environment. The summer camp experience can have a lasting psychological impact on the development of a child. From friendship building to physical activity, your child has a lot to gain from attending camp. Check out the camps in this section and sign up your kids for an experience they won’t forget.

SEASPAR SEASPAR’s summer day camps are the perfect place for kids, teens, and young adults ages 3–22 to spend their summer enjoying creative, social, and physical activities as well as fun community outings! For more information on day camps and other programs for children and young adults, call SEASPAR at 630.960.7600 or visit SEASPAR.org.

Camp Invention ® Imaginations will soar this summer in the all-new Camp Invention® program, Elevate! Campers in grades K-6 will team up to play

hybrid hover ball games, tackle environmental challenges and become confident entrepreneurs designing the next great invention! Local educators will lead fun, hands-on STEM activities building collaboration and creative problem-solving skills. Visit invent.org/camp or call 800-968-4332 to register. Use promo code LOCAL25 to save $25 (expires 3/31) or LOCAL15 to save $15 (expires 5/12).

Harper College InZone Camps Hello Summer. Hello InZone! InZone, Harper College’s enrichment and sports camp fills your summer with fun and learning. Kids

Choose from 20 unique camps that offer fun, hands-on activities for kids in grades 1-8. From Super Hero Science to Engineering Art, each camp will capture your child’s imagination and create the perfect summer adventure! All camp programming runs from 9 AM to 3 PM Drop off begins at 8 AM

June 1–July 30 Registration Begins February 17 To register, call 630-420-6010

NaperSettlement.org/Camp 523 S. Webster Street Naperville, IL 60540-6517

can expand their art creativity, develop their own website, make a movie or become master a musical instrument and so much more, all while making new friends and long-lasting memories. InZone (ages 8-14) and InZone Junior Explorers (ages 6-8) run for 10 weeks from June 8 – August 14. Visit harpercollege. edu/inzone to learn more, request a catalog, and schedule your summer of fun. Harper College CE, 1200 West Algonquin Road, Palatine, IL 60067. inzone@harpercollege. edu 847.925.6300 [See our ad on the Inside Back Cover.]

School of the Art Institute of Chicago In SAIC’s camps, kids work together on a variety of fun projects, including painting, drawing, mixed-media, sculpture, printmaking, performance, digital art and more. One- and twoweek camps for students ages 4 to 13 begin in June. Located at 36 South Wabash Avenue Suite 1201, Chicago, IL 60603. 312-629-6170. Visit: www.saic.edu/cs/

Good Times Summer Day Camp Good Times Summer Day Camp offers campers an exciting and active program for children ages 4-12. Each week is filled with incredible field trips, many hours of swimming, various sports, exciting guests, challenging crafts, special events, and a theme based cookout. We accommodate parent’s busy schedules by offering extended hours from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at no extra charge. Schedules are flexible – come only the days you want. Convenient locations in Illinois and Wisconsin. Busing available in some areas. For more information call 847- 680-4884 or visit www.goodtimesdaycamp. com. [See our ad on Inside Back Cover.]

Naper Settlement’s Camp Naper Camp Naper offers kids in grades 1-8 fun, unique, hands-on activities, with advanced tracks for older campers. Be sure to check out our special middle school camps for grades 5-8! All camps include supplies and a snack, and are led by experienced, adult counselors. With over 20 camps to choose from, campers can mix it up with a new camp each day in a Camp Naper Sampler pack, or adventure for a full week in one theme. New camps this year include Creepy Cryptids, Extreme Spies, World War II: America Goes All In, OG Pioneers: Living Off the Grid, DIY Week: Makers Make Their Mark, and more! All camps run from 9AM-3PM and drop off begins at 8AM. 523 S. Webster Street Naperville, IL 60540. (630) 420-6010. For more information, call 630.420.6010 or visit NaperSettlement.org/Camp

Little Mountain Community Theatre Children entering grades 2-8 in the fall are invited to join us Mondays through Fridays, June 15-26, for a two-week theatrical immersion while rehearsing for a production of Wizard of Oz Jr. Participants will learn lessons in teamwork, responsibility, and self-confidence. Singing, dancing,

Downers Grove Park District Downers Grove Park District summer camps offer nearly 100 adventures where kids will make memories that will last a lifetime! Check out action-packed sport camps, teen trips, traditional day camps and our early childhood camps. Unique specialty camps let kids delve into science, robotics, cooking, visual and cultural arts. Campers can take a swing at our golf camps, discover the great outdoors with nature camps or explore their historical side at one of our museum camps. Before and after care is available. Lincoln Center: 935 Maple Ave. 630.963.1300. Lyman Woods Nature Center: 901 31st St. 630.963.9388. Downers Grove Museum: 831 Maple Ave. 630.963.1309. Downers Grove Recreation Center: 4500 Belmont Rd. 630.960.7250. www.dgparks.org/summercamps

Moraine Valley Community College’s FitRec Summer Camp Spend your summer with FitRec! Moraine Valley Community College’s FitRec is hosting recreational summer camp for ages 5-13. Campers will stay entertained with a variety of activities in our state-of-the-art facility. Half-day options are also available to fit your schedule. Add-on options include: before & after care and swim lessons. Refer to our ad for dates and prices. 9000 W. College Pkwy., Building H, Palos Hills. For more information or to register, please visit www.morainevalley. edu/fitrec or call (708) 608-4000.

SUMMER ADVENTURES AWAIT!

SUMMER CAMPS FULL DAY • HALF DAY • SPECIALTY • TEENS EARLY CHILDHOOD • SPORTS • NATURE • HISTORY STEM • CULTURAL ARTS • COOKING

The Chicago Red Stars The Chicago Red Stars Summer Soccer Camps and Clinics are tailored to aspiring female soccer players who want access to the best coaches and players in women’s soccer. Girls Soccer Day Camps: Improve your soccer skills at day camps in Libertyville, Schaumburg, Glen Ellyn, and Wheaton. Residential Girls Soccer Camps: Experience an immersive multi-day sleepover camp in Deerfield or Lisle for full day focus like collegiate and pro players. Learn more at www. chicagoredstars.com/camps

Shady Oaks Camp, At Shady Oaks Camp, we create outstanding camp experiences that enrich the lives of our campers that promotes safety, independence, supportive care and attention based on the individuals needs and goals. Because the Association is a not for profit, private organization, the money to run camp must be raised by the parents. We are now accepting applications for membership into the Parents Association and Shady Oaks Camp for summer of 2020. 16300 Parker Rd. Homer Glen, IL 60491. For more info visit shadyoakscamp.org

Cub Creek Science Camp Ages 7-17. Imagine a summer camp where you can eat breakfast next to a colony of lemurs, zoom down a zip-line and pet a camel before lunch, then play a camp wide game of Capture the Flag after dinner! We are that camp! With 300 animals including porcupines, foxes, parrots, lizards, miniature horses, a 6-element ropes course, and classes in chemistry, pottery, culinary, animal care, and many more, we are a truly unique summer camp experience! A/C cabins. ACA accredited. www.CubCreekScienceCamp.com (573) 458-2125.

Rock ‘n’ Kids Calling all toddlers to sing, dance and play the Rock ‘n’ Kids way! Tot Rock and Kid Rock are structured music and movement programs for children ages 1-5 that use a unique approach to music education! Since 1995, Rock ‘n’ Kids has been educating young children through imaginative play, sensory integration, fine and gross motor skills, and socialization. A variety of rhythm instruments and movement props are utilized and a new educational theme is implemented each session! Classes offered at park districts in the Chicago-land area. Mobile music and dance parties also available! www.rockitkids.com/847-961-6584.

Heart to Art! The Auditorium Theatre is proud to present the 16th season of our award-winning summer camp. This unique performing arts camp brings together young people between the ages of 7 and 14 who have experienced the death of a parent to encourage the healing power of creative play. Through the exploration and creation of dance, theatre, and music, Hearts to Art inspires communication and collaboration, fosters emotional growth, and provides friendship, compassion and community with young people who have experienced a similar loss, campers understand they are not alone .To learn more about this FREE program go to auditoriumtheatre.org/education/heartsto-art-summer-camp

Great Lakes Volleyball Center The GLCYA is accepting girls and boys ages 3-14 for the Great Lakes Center Youth Volleyball Academy Spring programs. All sessions focus on motor development and individual skill development by teaching both proper skill technique and introducing the young athlete to age appropriate game play as well for volleyball. NEW in 2020 is our GLC Elite Club program for 7th-10th grade girls. The Great Lakes Volleyball Center is located at 579 N. Oakhurst Drive, Aurora, IL. 60502. For more info call 630-898-6400 or visit www.greatlakescenter. com FB: Great Lakes Center Youth Academy

Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development Center for Talent Development’s Summer Programs offer advanced students, PreK through grade 12, an exceptional opportunity to delve into a subject of interest, build upon their strengths, and connect with a community of peers. Half-day and full-day options are available at Northwestern University’s Evanston, IL campus and other Chicago-area sites. For more information, visit www.ctd.northwestern.edu/summer2020.

PLAYER ACADEMY CLINIC SERIESPLAYER ACADEMY CLINIC SERIES February 1 $75 Advanced Setting Academy Clinic & Developmental Setting School February 2 $75 Advanced Setting Academy Clinic & Developmental Setting School February 29 $75 Advanced & Developmental Attack-Block-Pass Clinic for players of all levels March 1 $75 Advanced & Developmental 1st Contact Training Clinic (Pass-Dig-Serve) March 21 $75 Advanced Setting Academy Clinic & Developmental Setting School

Advanced and Developmental 1st Contonact Training Clinic (Pass-Dig-Serve) March 22 $75 Advanced Setting Academy Clinic & Developmental Setting School

Advanced and Developmental 1st Contonact Training Clinic (Pass-Dig-Serve) May 30 $75 Advanced & Developmental Attack-Block-Pass Clinic for players of all levels Advanced Setting Academy Clinic & Developmental Setting School Advanced & Developmental 1st Contact Training Clinic (Pass-Dig-Serve) May 31 $75 Component, Situational & Competition training

TIMES PER CLINIC 9–11:30 am & 1–3:30 pm LOCATION: Great Lakes Center 579 N. Oakhurst Dr. Aurora, IL 60602 TIMES PER CLINIC SPORTS PERFORMANCE VOLLEYBALL 97 AAU/JVA/USAV National Championships 786 Female alumni to play collegiate volleyball (1981-2019) 258 Male alumni to play collegiate volleyball (1991–2019) 355 Colleges attended by SPVB alumni 95# of times SPVB alums have been collegiate All Americans 6 SPVB Alums & Coaches in the Olympic Games SPORTS PERFORMANCE VOLLEYBALL 97 AAU/JVA/USAV National Championships 786 Female alumni to play collegiate volleyball (1981-2019)

REGISTER AT GreatLakesCenter.com/player-development

Lombard Park District Join the fun at Day Camp! Day Camp participants, ages 6-12, will experience a range of activities from arts & crafts, sports, contests, walking trips, field trips, themed activities and more. Register today to be a part of the fun at Lombard Park District! Lombard Community Building Playground 433 E. St Charles Rd. Lombard www.Lombardparks.com

University of Illinois University of Illinois, Division of Intercollegiate Athletics has committed itself to the development of well-rounded summer sport camps for boys and girls. Young athletes have the opportunity to learn more about their sport, improve their skills, create new friendships and have fun at the same time. Campers receive excellent coaching, experience campus life, and meet athletes from a variety of backgrounds. To learn more about specific camp offering go to fightingillini.com/camps

Cubs Baseball Summer Camps Cubs Baseball Summer Camps offer young ballplayers the unique opportunity to learn new skills through the official Cubs camp curriculum and get closer to their favorite team than ever before! From first-time players to travel-team participants, Cubs Baseball Summer Camps will help grow your camper’s skills to ensure success both on and off the field. Sign up today at www.cubs.com/camps at one of our EIGHT LOCATIONS throughout the Chicagoland area! Save $40 with discount code: CHCSFM20

Animal Camp Jamaica Ages 13-18. Travel abroad with Animal Camp Jamaica . This 13-day program focuses on Marine Biology and Cultural Immersion. Spend mornings snorkeling and afternoons exploring the island of Jamaica swimming with dolphins, trying exotic foods, and jumping from waterfalls! Campers stay at private and comfortable villa in Runaway Bay, Jamaica. www. AnimalCampJamaica.com For more info call (573) 458-2125.

Packing for Camp By Catherine Gibel

You’ve packed your kid for a trip before but, packing for sleepaway camp is a whole other challenge. Here’s how to get it done.

BEFORE PACKING Follow the camp packing list to the letter. Make a separate list of items you need to purchase and schedule a time in your calendar to purchase these missing items. Get a sturdy footlocker trunk. It will be opened, closed, pushed, pulled, sat on, and lived out of daily. Label ALL of your kid(s)’ clothing, accessories, and gear. If you wish to save yourself some time and headache, Mabels Labels are a great option.

PACKING Camp is about independence so, pack by category. Use gallon ziplock bags or packing cubes to separate undergarments, socks, tops, bottoms, swim gear, etc. Pack flip flops, water shoes, and tennis shoes towards the top since these shoes will likely be placed in a cubby or under the bed soon after arriving. Place sheets and towels on the very top since this is what they’ll be reaching for first to set up their bed or bunk. Pack bedding and/or a sleeping bag and pillow in a separate duffle. Organize toiletries in a handy caddy they can take to and from the shower with ease and wrap the caddy in a ziplock bag to avoid spillage prior to placing it in the trunk. Put batteries in devices prior to camp. Pack extras in labelled ziplock bags. Pack fun activities like cards, coloring and writing utensils, bracelet making supplies, etc. in zippered pouches. Pack colored pencils instead of crayons since the latter might melt in the heat. Pack letter writing supplies in a storage clipboard. Create pre-stamped and addressed envelopes ahead of time.

WORLD SERIES EXPERIENCE

Elite Baseball Instruction • Full Cubs Camp Uniform VIP Tour of Wrigley Field • eet 4 Greet with a Current Player

ALL-STAR EXPERIENCE

Elite Baseball Instruction • Cubs Camp Jersey 4 at Digital Scouting Report • Divisional ome Run Derby

OVERNIGHT EXPERIENCE

5 Days and 4 Nights of Baseball Instruction and Competition World-Class Boarding at Lake Forest Academy Full Cubs Uniform with 2 Unique Jerseys • Trip to Cubs vs. Brewers Game

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO CUBS.COM/CAMPS

FINAL STEPS Put an inventory together of everything you packed and tape it to the inside of the trunk lid so your kid(s) and/or their camp counselor make sure s/he doesn’t leave anything behind. Tape a few meaningful pictures and a letter on the inside of the trunk lid as well. This will make for a nice surprise and keep those homesick feelings at bay.

use code: CHCSFM 20