Summer camps for kids

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Riverside Stables Horse Camp May 30-Aug 15.

Riverside Stables Horse Camp May 30-Aug 15.

Riverside Stables Horse Camp
May 30 – Aug 15, 8am-4pm Mon- Fri. Week-long sessions offered June 8 to Aug 10. Ages 5-16. $425 per week. Reserve your week at riversidestable.com. Riverside Stables Horse Camp, 2310 Chinchilla Lane, 522-7702.

Kids Camp at Springfield Racquet & Fitness Center.
May 31-Aug 19. Full and 3-day weeks available. Children ages 5-12 are provided a very active experience. Counselor-in-training program offered for 13 and 14-year-olds. Open to members and non-members. 3725 Chatham Rd., Springfield. 787-2460. Pricing at www.springfieldracquetandfitness.com/kidscamp.

Engineering Camp
June 6-10, 9am-12pm Mon-Fri. Engineers ages 5-7 create and build all kinds of cool structures using a variety of materials. Open to members and nonmembers. Call or look online for pricing. springfieldymca.org. Downtown YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St., 544-9846

Baby-sitting Camp
June 6-10, 1-4pm Mon-Fri. Ages 11-15 learn skills to be a safe and effective sitter. Covers first aid, emergency procedures, playtime activities and child care. Open to members and nonmembers. Call or look online for pricing. springfieldymca.org. Downtown YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St., 544-9846

Special Needs Summer Day Camp
June 6 – Aug 19, 7:30-5:30pm Mon- Fri. Week-long inclusive programs geared towards individuals with disabilities. Hosted by Springfield Park District. Ages 5-12 at Nelson Center in Lincoln Park. Ages 13-25 at Erin’s Pavilion in Southwind Park. Per week rate: $75 residents, $85 nonmembers. Registration, 585-2941.

Nelson Center Summer Camps
June 6-Aug 12, 7am-5:30pm, Mon-Fri. Day camp for ages 5-12 featuring ice skating, soccer, lacrosse, movies, swim lessons, flag football, nerf wars, science, basketball, board games, arts and crafts, nature programs and field trips. Hosted by Springfield Park District. $125 residents, $150 non-residents. Nelson Center, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 753-2800.

Funshop
June 6 - July 15. Dates, times vary. An education-based environment where parents and children interact. Self-directed play, small group activities, more. Parent must accompany child. Hosted by Springfield Park District. $75  residents, $85 non residents. [email protected]. Funshop Building at Lincoln Park, Springfield. 753-6234.

Typography Camp
June 6-10, 9am - 12pm & 1:30pm - 4:30pm, Mon-Fri.. It’s all about the A, B, C’s in clay, print, paint, and mixed media. Campers will be using letters as a design tool. We will print on clay with alphabet soup letters and transfer text, screen print shirts, and have fun with book arts.  For children ages 4-5. $90 members, $120 nonmembers.Springfield Art Association,Condell Studio,  700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Zen Camp
June 6-10, 9am-12pm, Mon-Fri. Learn the benefits of yoga and a positive mind. Also journaling, service projects, self-expression art projects. Ages 5-12, sorted by age. Open to members and nonmembers. Call or look online for pricing. springfieldymca.org. Springfield YMCA Gus & Flora Kerasotes Branch, 4550 West Iles Ave., 679-1625

Preschool Summer Fun Camp
June 7-July 14, 9am-11:30am or 12:45-3:15pm, Tue and Thu only. Art projects, music and movement, snacks, outdoor play. Hosted by Springfield Park District. $90  residents, $100 non residents. Washington Park Pavillion, Washington Park, 1501 S. Grand Ave. West., 546-3970

Y.N.O.T Outdoors Summer Camp
June 8 - Aug. 14, 7:30am to 5 or 5:30pm, Mon-Fri. Day trips, soccer, basketball, gyms, swimming, hiking, movie rooms, shady trees and more. For children entering first grade through 12 years old. Hosted by Youth Needing Other Things Outdoors. $1,500 for full summer, $145 per week. Two locations: Sacred Heart-Griffin West Campus, 1600 W. Washington St., 787-1595 or Y.N.O.T Outdoors, 301 North Breckenridge, Chatham, 416-0549.

Art in the Harbor
June13-17,  9am - 12pm and 1:30pm - 4:30pm, Mon-Fri. Explore the Northeast region of New England. We will have a lot of nautical projects, artists, and traditions of the area in mind. Ahoy, the world is your oyster! For children K-2nd grade. $100 members, $130 nonmembers. Springfield Art Association,Condell Studio,  700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Exploration Camp
June 13-17, 9am-12pm, Mon-Fri. Campers age 5-7 and 8-12 take nature walks and learn about the creatures they find using maps and a compass. Campers also  study fossils, play outdoor games and garden. Gus and Flora Kerasotes YMCA, 4550 West Iles Ave., 679-1625.

PAVE Summer Camps
June 13-25, July 11-23, July 25-Aug 6, 9am-4pm Mon-Fri. Grades 3-9 stage a live theater production, start to finish, in two weeks. Session I: Tropical Adventure, Session II: One Hit Wonders, Session III: British Invasion. $335 per session. springfieldtheatrecentre.com. 414-8905. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Petite Picasso Camp
June 13-17, 9am-12pm Mon-Fri. Ages 5-7 learn basic paint, drawing and design skills while exploring a variety of materials to create their next great work of art. Half-day fees: $68/week members, $88/week nonmembers.  Open to members and nonmembers. Call or look online for pricing.  springfieldymca.org. Downtown YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St., 544-9846.

Summer Olympics
June 13-17, 9am-4pm Mon-Fri. Get your game on with fun activities that uncover your talents and improve your skills. From the field, court, pool and dance stage, this camp is all about teamwork and your personal best. Practice fair play and working with others. Open to girls entering grades 1-5. Before and after care provided. $120 per camper. Camp Widjiwagan, 71 Wienold Lane, 529-2212.

Wizards of Science
June 13-17, 1pm-4pm, Mon-Fri. Put your wizard hat on and come explore myths and legends. We’ll make things grow, explode and maybe even disappear. Open to members and nonmembers. springfieldymca.org. Gus and Flora Kerasotes YMCA, 4550 West Iles Ave., 679-1625

British Soccer Camp First Kicks
June 20-24, 9-10am, Mon-Fri. High-level soccer coaching for ages 3-4 from a team of international experts. Hosted by Springfield Park District and Challenger Sports British Soccer. $85 residents, $95 non. Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 753-0700.

British Soccer Half Day Soccer Camp
June 20-24, 9am-12pm, Mon-Fri. High-level soccer coaching for ages 6-9 and 10-16 from a team of international experts. Hosted by Springfield Park District and Challenger Sports British Soccer. $135 residents, $145 non. Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 753-0700.

British Soccer Camp Mini Soccer
June 20-24, 10:30am-12pm, Mon-Fri. High-level soccer coaching for ages 4-6 by a team of international experts. Hosted by Springfield Park District and Challenger Sports British Soccer. $95 residents, $105 non. Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 753-0700.

Camp Invention
June 20-24, 9am-3pm, Mon-Fri. Children entering grades 1-6 study science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in a fun, creative atmosphere. Outdoor activites  included. $22. 206-7744. campinvention.org. University of Illinois Springfield, One University Plaza.

Dance, Dance, Dance Camp
June 20-24, 9am-12pm Mon-Fri, July 18-22 9am-12pm. Ages 5-8 become acquainted with basic dance steps and learn a jazz routine to be performed Friday for friends and family.  Open to members and nonmembers. springfieldymca.org. June session located at Downtown YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St., 544-9846. July session located at Gus and Flora Kerasotes YMCA, 4550 West Iles Ave., 679-1625.

Disney Descendants (Kerasotes YMCA)
June 20-24, 9am-12pm. Ages 5-7 and 8-12 have fun with magic and mayhem. Join a team, play games, and make projects based on your character.  Open to members and nonmembers. springfieldymca.org. Gus and Flora Kerasotes YMCA, 4550 West Iles Ave., 679-1625

Ecology Camp
June 20-July 29, Full days: 8:30am-3:30pm. Ages 6-15 spend a week outdoors cultivating respect and appreciation for the environment via crafts, hikes, games, leisure and more. Camps scheduled by age. Session 1 (4-6 years) is full.  $130 members, $170 nonmembers. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-1111.

Jedi Training Academy Camp
June 20-24, 9am-12pm Mon-Fri, July 25-29, 9am-4pm Mon-Fri. Ages 5-8 work on light saber techniques, design space ships, droids plus other group activities. Call or look online for pricing. springfieldymca.org. Downtown YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St., 544-9846

The Last Frontier of Art 
June 20-24,  9am - 12pm and 1:30pm - 4:30pm, Mon-Fri. Art of the Wild is your theme. With the great redwood trees, whales and polar bears, we will explore our Pacific Northwest region through the work of Inuit artists and their traditions, the rugged-landscape themed projects and other nature motifs of the area. For children K-2nd Grade. $100 members, $130 nonmembers. Springfield Art Association, Condell Studio,  700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Summer Science
June 20-24, 9am-4pm Mon-Fri. Sunshine and water aren’t just parts of the perfect summer – they are great ingredients for fun experiments. Learn about science careers as you collect samples, peer into a microscope and experiment with basic household ingredients. Open to girls entering grades 1-5. $120 per camper. Camp Widjiwagan, 71 Wienold Lane, 529-2212.

Hogwarts Adventure
June 27-July 1, 9am-4pm Mon-Fri. Ages 8-12 mix potions, study the care of magical creatures and perfect wizardry skills in this fantastical adventure camp. Plus games, swimming, more. springfieldymca.org. Downtown YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St., 544-9846.

Myths and Legends Camp
June 27-July 1, 9am-4pm Mon-Fri . (optional Thursday overnight). Greek mythology, folklore fables, Harry Potter magic and Goosebumps mystery. Sign up for day camp or day camp with optional Thursday night sleepover included. Open to girls entering grades 1- 5. Before and after care provided. $120 per camper, $140 with overnight. Camp Widjiwagan, 71 Wienold Lane, 529-2212.

Our Painted Desert 
June 27-July 1,  9am - 12pm & 1:30pm - 4:30pm, Mon-Fri. Campers will experience the warmth of our Painted Desert and the Southwest region. We will create projects like soft cactus sculptures, painted landscapes, while learning about the art of the Pueblo and Mimbre people. For children K-2nd Grade. $100 members, $130 nonmembers.Springfield Art Association, Condell Studio,  700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Avengers Adventures Camp
July 5-8, 9am-12pm Tue-Fri. Superhero-themed fun for ages 5-7 and 8-12. Learn martial arts moves, create a comic, learn to use a bow and arrow, more. Call or look online for pricing. springfieldymca.org. Gus and Flora Kerasotes YMCA, 4550 West Iles Ave., 679-1625.

Bakery Bliss Camp
July 5-8, 1-4pm. Campers ages 10-14 measure, mix and decorate their way to delectable, sweet and savory treats. Plus lessons on safe food preparation, nutrition and cooking terms. Downtown YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St., 544-9846.

Girl Strong
July 5-8, 1-4pm Tue-Fri. A girl-powered camp for ages 5-7 and 8-12. Talk with female role models, work on building confidence and participate in activities such as yoga, fashion, history, more. Gus and Flora Kerasotes YMCA, 4550 West Iles Ave., 679-1625.

Alternative Jewelry 
July 11-15,  9am - 12pm, Mon-Fri.This camp is taking alternative materials such as paper, duct tape, electrical wire and accesorizing your outfit. Traditional jewelry techniques will be taught; as in: how to construct a fasting or fish hook drop earring. The “Alternative Jewelry” camp is meant to build off of your designs for the Fashion Camp and accessorize your look. For children 6th-8th Grade. $100 members, $130 nonmembers. Springfield Art Association, Back Studio,  700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Black Rocket Computer Camps Session 1:
July 11-14, Session 2: July 18-21, Session 3 July 25-28. 9am-Noon and 1pm-4pm, Mon-Fri. If registering for both a.m. and p.m. during the same week, students must be picked up between sessions by adult. Session themes include: The Girls Gamers Club, LEGO Films and Stop Action, LEGO Video Games, Make Your First 3D Video Game, Minecraft Modders and more.  Age divisions are 8-11 and 12-15. $145 per session. LLCC Campus, Springfield and Taylorville, 217.786.2432. www.llcc.edu/college-4-kids.

Camp Ooey Gooey
July 11-15, 9am-4pm Mon-Fri. Come to camp dressed for a dirty disaster! It’s a week of sticky fingers and muddy footprints in the slime laboratory, shaving cream war, ooey gooey obstacle course, and “no-hands” lunch. Open to girls entering grades 1- 5. $120 per camper. Camp Widjiwagan, 71 Wienold Lane, 529-2212.

College for Kids Session 1:
July 11-14, Session 2: July 18-21, Session 3 July 25-28. One session in Jacksonville. 9am- 12:30pm, Mon-Fri. If registering for multiple sessions, students choose three new classes each week. Open to students that have completed K-8th grade. $125, culinary classes are $185. per camper. LLCC Campus, Springfield and Jacksonville, 217.786.2432. www.llcc.edu/college-4-kids.

Mad Science
July 11-15, 9am-12pm Mon-Fri. Ages 5-7 exploring the wonders of science through fun experiements focusing on paleontology, space, chemistry and more.  Open to members and nonmembers. springfieldymca.org. Downtown YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St., 544-9846.

Architecture 
July 18-22,  9am - 12pm & 1:30pm - 4:30pm, Mon-Fri. If we build it, your parents will come see it! We will look at the evolution of architecture through a series of projects. From the flying buttress to the skyscraper, learn about the art we live in. For children 3rd-5th grade. $130 members, $160 nonmembers. Springfield Art Association, Condell Studio,  700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

CSI Investigation
July 18-22,1-4pm, Mon-Fri. Ages 8-12 step into the mind of a CSI expert and look at forensics, fingerprinting and DNA to solve crime and mysteries.  Open to members and nonmembers. springfieldymca.org. Downtown YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St., 544-9846.

Science Chef
July 18-22, 9am-Noon, Mon-Fri. Children 8-12 years of age. Who knew science could be so tasty? In this camp you’ll learn basic science by doing fun cooking projects and experiments. We’ll answer questions such as “Why does popcorn pop?” and “Why do onions make you cry?” springfieldymca.org. Downtown YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St., 544-9846.

Widji Challenge
July 18-July 22, 9am-4pm Mon-Fri. Divide into your tribes, design your flag, and stake your campground. Compete with other tribes to build the best cardboard box community. Become a legendary archer in Hunger Games, a raider of the Lost Artifact, and champion of the Minute to Win It Challenge. Open to girls entering grades 1- 5. $120 per camper. Camp Widjiwagan, 71 Wienold Lane, 529-2212.

Animal Antics
July 25-29, 9am-4pm Mon-Fri. Tame and wild - this camp is all about animals. Investigate pets that are cute, cuddly, slimy and scaly. Learn how to choose the best pet for you and how to keep them safe and healthy. Explore wild animal habitats and why some animals are endangered species. Open to girls entering grades 1- 5. $120 per camper. Camp Widjiwagan, 71 Wienold Lane, 529-2212.

YMCA Diabetes Camp
July 25-29, 1pm-4pm, Mon-Fri. This camp is a collaboration between the YMCA and Memorial Weight Loss and Wellness Center to offer kids with diabetes a fun week of summer camp. Campers will play games, make crafts, swim and learn fitness and nutrition tips to stay healthy. Volunteer registered nurses, a registered dietician, and registered diabetes educators will be on hand alongside camp counselors. springfieldymca.org. Gus and Flora Kerasotes YMCA, 4550 West Iles Ave., 679-1625

Box Office Blast Camp
Aug. 1-5, 9am-12pm. Camp for movie lovers age 8-12 features activities based on current and past blockbusters Jurassic Park, The Hunger Games, etc, trivia and games, arts and crafts, treats. springfieldymca.org. Downtown YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St., 544-9846.

Camp H2O
Aug. 1-5, 9am-4pm Mon-Fri. Our most popular camp is all about our most precious resource – water. Wet and wild activities will include canoeing, swimming and games that splishsplash. Learn about water as an ecosystem, water pollution and conservation. We will be taking a field trip to Knights Action Park/Caribbean Water Adventure. Open to girls entering grades 1- 5. $140 per camper. Camp Widjiwagan, 71 Wienold Lane, 529-2212.

Engineering Camp
Aug. 8-12, 9am-12pm, Mon-Fri. Engineers ages 8-12 create and build all kinds of cool structures using a variety of materials. springfieldymca.org. Gus and Flora Kerasotes YMCA, 4550 West Iles Ave., 679-1625

Widji’s Got Talent
Aug. 8-12, 9am-4pm Mon-Fri. Got the acting bug? Do you fill your notebook with doodles and poems? If so, this camp is for you. Don’t crave the spotlight? Don’t sweat it! Camp is a safe place to express yourself through art, dance, singing and acting. Be a team player and support your unit and counselors to plan the perfect end-of-camp showcase. Open to girls entering grades 1- 5. $120 per camper. Camp Widjiwagan, 71 Wienold Lane, 529-2212.