Families can win a free week of camp at Summer Camp Open House on Jan. 15 in Northbrook
Now that the New Year has begun, it’s time to start thinking about enrolling children in summer camp. The Northbrook Park District provides an exceptional variety of options for all ages and interests.
Families are invited to a Summer Camp Open House from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Jan. 15 at Techny Prairie Activity Center, 180 Anets Drive in Northbrook.
Camp supervisors will share information and answer questions, and participants can receive giveaways and enter a drawing for a free camp week and other prizes. Children are welcome.
The park district offers dozens of summer camp options from June through August including arts, theater, dance, chess, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, skateboarding, dance, ice skating, hockey and golf.
There are half-day camps for ages 3-5 and full-day camps for ages 5-14. Many camps offer the option to attend one week at a time, offering families added flexibility. Extended camp care is available, with morning and afternoon options.
Parents of Northbrook Park District campers praised the professionalism of camp staff and the balanced mix of enriching on-site activities and stimulating field trips.
“The counselors are super nice and engaging, which is a must because our kids are with them all day long,” parent Matt Patek said. “It’s a good price point, pick up and drop off is easy, and the kids just enjoy it. They come back happy and tired.”
His daughter Cheney, 9, said she especially loves Skate and Dance camp, which takes place at the Sports Center and Sports Center Pool.
“It’s really fun, because you get inside time and outside time. And you can just walk to the pool, you don’t have to go on a bus ride!” she said, adding she’s made a lot of friends from different schools in the area.
Seven-year-old Lucas Bouslog said he enjoyed Lil’ Artists camp last summer, his favorite activities being Slime Day, Sand Art Day and a field trip to Legoland. This summer, he is really excited to take part in Theatre Arts Workshop Camp this summer.
“I have seen my sister do it and it was super fun!” Lucas said.
Lucas’ father, Mark Bouslog, said his daughter, Brynn, 11, gained a lot of confidence from summer camp, which instilled in her a love for singing, dancing and performing.
“Summer camp was her first experience with the Northbrook Theatre program, and she’s hooked,” Bouslog said. “All the staff is great. I cannot speak highly enough of the core group of adults involved in that program.”
Eleven-year-old Jesse Saks is a big fan of sports camps, which he started around age 5, and the plan is to enroll him again in Athletic Adventures this summer, said his father, Steve Saks.
“He likes the fact that he gets to be with friends and gets to play sports all day — and it’s not school,” his father said. “He also made friends from other schools that he runs into later on, because Northbrook is a small community.”
Saks said that his son also developed good relationships with camp counselors, and is glad to see them again year after year.
The fact that children can enroll in camp one week at a time is very convenient for families, Saks added. For more information or to register, visit nbparks.org/summercamps or call (847) 291- 2993.
Established in 1927, the mission of the Northbrook Park District is to enhance the community by providing outstanding services, parks and facilities through environmental, social and financial stewardship.