Honey Bees: The Superhero of the World’s Food Supply – SOLD OUT
The western honeybee and other pollinators are responsible for one third of the world’s food. Join other environmental thinkers in learning more about the honeybee’s role in preserving our food supply and how they structure their colony to guarantee success. Learn how they set up their house so every bee has a job. Do a hive inspection with experienced beekeepers. Build an insect cage to study the diversity of bugs in our neighborhood. Pour beeswax candles. Make seed bombs to provide more pollination opportunities for bees.
- Mon.-Thu., June 9-12
- 9 a.m.-noon
- $149
- YES 700-004
Roots of Calm and Strength: Martial Arts – SOLD OUT
Embark on a journey of discipline, strength and self-discovery where young minds and bodies are trained in the art of martial discipline. This camp teaches more than physical techniques, it’s about cultivating respect, focus and perseverance. Through engaging activities like skill-building drills, mindfulness practices and team challenges, campers will develop confidence while learning various martial arts techniques, all in an environment that encourages respect for oneself and others.
- Mon.-Thu., June 9-12
- 1-4 p.m.
- $149
- YES 700-009
Build, Paint, Create – SOLD OUT
This DIY camp gets creative with small building projects including assembling a birdhouse. Campers learn the basics of art and design through hands-on building and daily sketching and art activities. Explore your creative side through small painting projects including painting the birdhouse you build.
- Mon.-Thu., June 9-12
- 1-4 p.m.
- $149
- YES 700-010
Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestra Camp (Grades 2-5)
The Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestra introduces you to different string instruments including violin, viola, cello, and bass. Take the opportunity to begin learning to play violin with a skilled instructor! Hear and handle different string instruments throughout the week, learn about various music concepts such as rhythm through fun activities, and be visited by professional musicians! Instruments will be provided, and no previous experience with music or playing an instrument is required.
- Mon.-Thu., June 16-19
- 9 a.m.-noon
- $149
- YES 700-014
- Grades 2-5
Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestra Camp (Grades 2-5)
The Illinois Symphony Youth Orchestra introduces you to different string instruments including violin, viola, cello, and bass. Take the opportunity to begin learning to play violin with a skilled instructor! Hear and handle different string instruments throughout the week, learn about various music concepts such as rhythm through fun activities, and be visited by professional musicians! Instruments will be provided, and no previous experience with music or playing an instrument is required.
- Mon.-Thu., June 16-19
- 1-4 p.m.
- $149
- YES 700-023
- Grades 2-5
Seeds and Sprouts
Seeds and Sprouts is a hands-on, immersive experience where kids dig into the wonders of nature while learning valuable skills in planting, growing and caring for a garden. This camp is a blend of science, creativity and outdoor adventure. Campers get their hands dirty planting seeds and plants. Learn about the small creatures who pollinate the garden, test the soil and create garden art.
- Mon.-Thu., June 16-19
- 9 a.m.-noon
- $149
- YES 700-016
Drumtastic
Experience the power of music, rhythm, movement and drumming. This high-energy class combines traditional aerobic movement with the powerful beat and rhythms of the drums. Use stability balls on stands and drumsticks to create rhythm and movement. Designed for enthusiastic students of all skill levels, the camp is full of performance, learning and listening.
- Mon.-Thu., June 16-19
- 9 a.m.-noon
- $149
- YES 700-017
Jurassic Journeys – SOLD OUT
Enter the world of fossils and dinosaurs. Become an amateur paleontologist while you study the past through the physical remains of what was left behind over 11,000 years ago! Examine fossils to open a prehistoric world where dinosaurs, along with many other extinct animals lived and died. We will have an opportunity to excavate and put together dinosaur “bones” as well as excavate real fossils!
- Mon.-Thu., June 16-19
- 1-4 p.m.
- $149
- YES 700-024
Falling Up: The Poetry of Shel Silverstein
Make sure to “Race Your Shadow” to register for this camp. Delve into the whimsical, humorous and thought-provoking poetry of Shel Silverstein. Explore five of Shel’s most popular works, and discuss how they relate to navigating today’s world and how poetry can be used to inspire and comfort us. Write your own poems, and engage in fun exercises and discussion!
- Mon.-Thu., June 23-26
- 1-4 p.m.
- $149
- YES 700-032
Magician’s Workshop – SOLD OUT
Taught by a professional magician, in this class there’s lots of great magic you can learn and take home to perform for family and friends. Included is a wide variety of magic with common items, playing cards, money, rope, mind reading and special magic props made in class. All supplies and an instructional book are provided.
- Mon.-Thu., June 23-26
- 1-4 p.m.
- $149
- YES 700-033
Xylos and Drums and More Oh My!
Be an active music maker! Become a part of music ensembles as you learn and perform instrumental pieces using Orff xylophones, tubano drums and other instruments. Explore and expand your own musical talent by creating short melodies and rhythms.
- Mon.-Thu., July 7-10
- 9 a.m.-noon
- $149
- YES 700-039
Mr. Lincoln’s Springfield
Do you ever wonder what life was like in Springfield as a child during the years that Abraham Lincoln lived in Springfield? Explore the games children played, the clothes they wore and the food they ate. Let’s see what it would be like if you were born in this area long ago! This camp includes a field trip to the Lincoln Home Historical Site and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum!
- Mon.-Thu., July 7-10
- 1-4 p.m.
- $149
- YES 700-041
Yoga and Mindfulness
Kids yoga is all about movement, mindfulness and most importantly having fun while learning how to focus, building emotional regulation and calmness. Yoga encourages cooperation, confidence and respect. Students should bring a yoga mat each day.
- Mon.-Thu., July 7-10
- 1-4 p.m.
- $149
- YES 700-042
Web Wizards – SOLD OUT
Learn write and run HTML, CSS and JS files to display and format text, images and hyperlinks onto the webpage. Create an interactive website that takes the reader through interactive adventure stories. Camp is designed for beginner web designers with no coding experience.
- Mon.-Thu., July 14-17
- 9 a.m.-noon
- $149
- YES 700-044
Lights, Laughter, Action: Theater
Welcome to a magical world where imagination takes center stage! Experience the joy of acting, storytelling and creative expression in a playful, supportive environment. No experience needed — just a love of make-believe and a dash of dramatic flair!
- Mon.-Thu., July 14-17
- 9 a.m.-noon
- $149
- YES 700-051
Math Magicians
A mysterious machine sets the scene for this camp. Interact with this mysterious machine to discover the notion of place value with different bases. Learn to use the mysterious machine to perform basic mathematical operations on numbers in different bases including binary numbers. Discuss the history of numbers and how they are applied to computer code. Discover how the machine can be used to gain an advantage when attempting to solve puzzles.
- Mon.-Thu., July 14-17
- 1-4 p.m.
- $149
- YES 700-052
American Sign Language
Communication has no boundaries! Campers can learn and practice American Sign Language (ASL) through fun, engaging activities including learning basic signs and phrases to signing songs and storytelling in ASL. Build the skills of communication and connection.
- Mon.-Thu., July 21-24
- 1-4 p.m.
- $149
- YES 700-055