Northbrook Park District offers virtual, in-person day camps

For Northbrook dad Russell De Leon, safety and fun were important factors when deciding to send his son Jayden to camp this summer.

That's why De Leon was pleased to discover camp options offered through the Northbrook Park District designed to keep kids engaged while following guidelines from Village of Northbrook, the State of Illinois' Restore Illinois Plan, the CDC and the Illinois Department of Public Health.

"At the end of each day from camp, Jayden raves about what a fun day he had," De Leon said. "In addition to sports, he likes the outdoor mini adventures and the arts."

Northbrook Park District Session 2 Summer Camps begin July 13 for ages 8 (and entering 3rd grade) to 13. Four-week in-person camps take place Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with a focus on spending time outside and participating in a variety of physical activities. Daily activities include cultural arts, crafts, games and sports. Extended day options are also available, including small group programs featuring STEM, drama, dance, fitness, sports, charades and trivia.

"I recommend the in-person camps this summer," De Leon said. "Of course, health and safety is my main concern but hearing from Jayden about number of occurrences they have to wash their hands, the constant disinfection of items being used - even as they are assigned with one item per child - the reminders and implementation of maintaining 6-feet apart and wearing masks, this gives me peace of mind and makes me feel at ease."

In-person camp options include:

• Camp Creative, Leisure Center Camp Creative incorporates traditional camp programming emphasizing individual skill development in a variety of activities including arts and crafts, outdoor games and challenges.

• Camp Get Up and Go, Northbrook Sports Center Camp Get Up and Go incorporates traditional camp programming emphasizing individual skill development in a variety of activities including sports challenges and arts and crafts that take place inside and outside.

• Camp Action, Meadowhill Park Camp Action incorporates traditional camp programming emphasizing individual skill development in a variety of activities including sports challenges that take place inside and outside.

Northbrook Park District is also offering one-week virtual camps this summer from July 13 to August 7 featuring a staff-led schedule of crafts, special guests, interactive games and virtual field trips for a variety of ages. Arts and craft kits with supplies needed for camp activities are included. Virtual camps include:

• Camp Smiles (Ages 2-5 with adult guidance) Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Children will be engaged in songs, story time, arts and crafts and virtual field trips. Additionally, Camp Smiles offers enrichment classes including Fun with My Amigos, Young Rembrandts and Yoga.

• Little Sparks (Ages 5-7 with adult guidance) Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 10am-2:30 p.m. Campers discover their hidden potential through virtual enrichment and team building activities. Theme days, virtual field trips and special guests will offer a variety of activities keeping campers engaged mentally and physically.

• Camp Connection (Ages 8-10) Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 10am-2:30 p.m. Join us at Camp Connection where we will take part in logic puzzles, team building, arts and crafts and physical activities at home! Activities are based on a weekly theme and include enrichment classes and virtual field trips. Staff will facilitate conversation to promote social interaction among the campers.

• Live Creatives Ages (8-13) Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 10am-2:30 p.m. Explore activities that foster and drive creativity through a digital platform. Campers will have the opportunity to develop friendships, make crafts, play games and share snack recipes through our virtual cabin. Campers will also engage in weekly activities with professional instructors and artists to gain real-world insight. Adult supervision required.

Session 2 Camp registration deadline is 5 p.m. July 6. For more information and to register, visit nbparks.org.