Here is just a sampling of some of the fun and educational programs available to your kids this summer. Make sure to check out all the other opportunities available from these organizations – most have other classes and activities not included here. Other places that offer summer classes and camps are Springfield Art Association, Girl Scouts of Central Illinois, Urban Sassafras, Springfield Racquet and Fitness Club, University of Illinois Springfield Girls Basketball and Montessori Children’s House.
Illinois State Museum
502 S. Spring St., museum.state.il.us
Passport Program
Beginning May 26 through Aug. 17, this free program encourages families to visit the museum often. A new search activity is released every two weeks so families can thoroughly explore the exhibits. Upon completion of a search activity, participants will receive a “stamp” for their passport and an entry in a drawing for a $10 gift certificate to the museum store. Drawings will be held every two weeks throughout the summer (one entry per two-week period per child). Recommended for elementary-school age children. The museum is open 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free.
The Bone Zone Science Workshops
These interesting workshops are for two age groups. Grades 3-5 (completed) meet on June 12, 9 a.m.-noon. Grades 1-2 meet from 1-4 p.m. on the same day. $35-$50. Register at bit.ly/bnzone1-2 by June 8. 217-782-7386.
Mission Illinois Science Workshops
Another great learning experience for grades 6-8 is July 10 from 1-4 p.m. $50-$35. Register at bit.ly/missionil by July 6. 217-782-7386.
Naturally Inspired Art
Children’s Workshop
Two-day workshop for grades 3-5 (completed) on July 24, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., and for grades 1-2 (completed) on July 24, 1-4 p.m. $35-$50. Register at bit.ly/natinspire3-5 by July 20. 217-782-5993.
Bob Steffan Summer Film Fest
Throughout June and July, the museum offers free educational films for ages 3-8 and their caregivers at 10-10:30 a.m. and at 2-2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. A detailed schedule is on the museum’s website (on p. 3). 217-782-5993.
The YMCA
springfieldymca.org
The Y offers numerous full- and half-day summer camps, so many you’ll be amazed. Camps take place at its downtown facility, at Lake Springfield Camp Wa Kon TahGus and, for the first time, at the Flora Kerasotes facility. Ages 5-14 can get immersed in science, sports or the arts at these camps. Fees range from $60-$150. The best way to see all the offerings is to go online to The Y’s website (see address on p. 4) and click on the brochure. But do it now! Registration began March 18 and Health and Travel forms are due May 24. If you can’t go online, the downtown Y’s phone number is 217-544-9846.
Springfield Park District
springfieldparks.org
Funshop Summer Program
Looking for outside-the-home interaction with your 16-month-old to 5-year-old? Registration for these six-week sessions for parents and children begins May 12. Morning and evening classes are available. $76-$86. Register by phone at 217-753-6234. friendsoffunshop.wordpress.org
Beginner Fencing
May through August on Sunday afternoons, this class introduces ages 8 and over to basic maneuvers along with the rules of play, exercises and age-appropriate games. Gear is provided. $60-$70. Nelson Center, Lincoln Park. Register by phone at 217-753-0700.
Open Skate
For two hours during those rainy or too-hot summer days, skate to music at Nelson Center. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. $6.50-$4.50. For more information, phone 217-753-2800.
Lincoln Land
Community College
5250 Shepherd Road
College for Kids – Springfield
Session 1: July 7-10; 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Session 2: July 14-17; 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Session 3: July 21-24; 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $125/per week long session; $185 for culinary classes. For information, call 217-786-4905 or visit www.llcc.edu/commed.
Youth Basketball Camp
Shooting and Ball Handling Camp (girls 10-18) is June 9-12; 9 to 11a.m. $60.
Fundamentals Camp (boys 8-15) is June 23-26; 8:30-11 a.m. $80. Shooting and Ball Handling Camp (boys 8-15); June 23-26; noon-2 p.m. $60.
Youth Soccer Camp
Soccer Camp (boys and girls 5-12) is June 10-13; 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. $100. Soccer Camp (boys 13-18) will be held July 15-18; 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., $100.
Youth Baseball Camp
Fundamental Skills Camp (boys 7-18) is June 16-19; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. $150. Fundamental Skills Camp (boys 7-18) is July 7-10; 9 a.m. to noon, $100.
Youth Softball Camp
Fundamental Skills Camp Technical and Tactical Skill Development (girls 9-18) is June 30-July 2; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. $120.
Youth Volleyball Camp
Fundamentals Camp (girls 9-15) will be held July 14-16; 8:15-11 a.m. or noon to 2:45 p.m. $65.
The sports camps listed above take place at Cass Gym on LLCC’s main campus. For information, call 217-786-2426.
Contact astienstra@illinoistimes.com.
This article appears in Capital City Parent April 2014.
