WAYS offers summer day camp for youth

Parents looking for a fun and affordable summer activity for their elementary-age children might want check out the Summer Day Camp offered by Wayne/Winfield Area Youth/Family Services in West Chicago.

The camp runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, June 8 to Aug. 14, at 27W031 North Ave., West Chicago. Extended hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. are available for an additional fee. The cost is $65 per week and income-based scholarships are available.

Kids may attend any or all weeks and junior counselor positions are also available for students ages 13 and older. Call (630) 231-7166 to set up a registration appointment.

Weekly field trips, guest speakers, physical activities, and activities designed to promote healthy self-esteem and decision-making skills are incorporated into themes for each week. Themes include Safety, Coping Skills, Self-Esteem, Teamwork, Decision-Making, and Social Skills.

Campers will take an architectural walking tour of Wheaton hosted by DuPage County Historical Museum, cool off at the Bartlett Aquatic Center and enjoy roller skating at Aurora Skate Center, ice skating at All Season's Ice Rink and bowling at The Bowling Green.

Youth will connect with animals and nature at Cosley Zoo, Bartlett Nature Center, Kline Creek Farm, Cantigny Park and Hickory Knolls Discovery Center.

Youth older than 13 can become junior counselors and experience all the activities that camp has to offer while receiving specialized programming to help develop job-training skills. The training focuses on leadership, responsibility and self-confidence, as well as job-skills such as conflict resolution, effective communication and professional work habits.

The seventh annual Summer Camp Olympics takes place from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, at WAYS. Last year more 130 youth participated.