NEW!  Printable Directory of Featured Camps. 

In a hurry or want your version "to go?"  Download here.

Thank you Jen Dillman for converting this for us!

 

Looking to advertise your camp or summer activity in our directory?

Contact Us Today.

 

Related Links:

Additional Camps & Activities 

2008 Summer Library Reading Programs  updated weekly

Tax Tips for Summer Day Camps 

Central Illinois Parks Directory

Museums, Nature, Zoos

Neighborhood Garage Sales: Your key to trash to treasure and bargains galore!   Submit yours today.

 

jeff@goforadventure.com

Summer Scuba Camp 2008

PADI Seal Team for 8-12 Year-olds

5 Aqua-Missions in our Pool!  Kids have a Scuba Diving Experience They’ll NEVER Forget!  

$175  ALL Gear Included

Master Seal Team for 8-12 Year-olds

10 Aqua-Missions in our Pool, including

Night Diving, Wreck Diving, and UW Photo!

$175...ALL Gear Included

Junior Open Water Course for 10-14 Year-olds

A Summer of Fun and Excitement!

INCLUDES:  Course Materials, Books, DVDs, Logbook Starter, All Gear for Pool Sessions, All Gear for Open Water Dives, 4 Open Water Dives, and Jr. Open Water Scuba Certification $449

THIS PRICE INCLUDES ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING!!

For more log on to www.GoForAdventure.com

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Camp Aspire

The Autism Society of America Central Illinois Chapter (ASACIC) is piloting an inclusive social skill building summer program based on best practices for teaching children with autism. Camp ASPIRE will provide a unique and fun experience for students ages 6 though 13 who have autism and peer mentors.

2008 Camp dates: June 9 – July 17 (subject to change)

Applications available for download at www.asacic.org  or by calling ASACIC at 217 241-2023.  Apply early, limited spaces available.

Children's Discovery Museum

Explore Today!

101 E. Beaufort, Downtown Normal IL

www.childrensdiscoverymuseum.net

This is a quick drive (50-60 minutes) from the Springfield area, and an outstanding museum for kids of all ages. 

All of their summer camp info is featured on their site!  Take a look at what they have to offer at CDM, printable pdf here.  

CDM is a great summer activity when you are ready for a day trip of FUN!  

For younger kids the museum has a wonderful water play area, climbing play area and a fun grocery store. 

There are several permanent and rotating hands-on exhibits for older kids.   Our favorites? The Ag-Mazing Exhibit complete with a huge tractor and simulated ride.  We also love the Recycling Exhibit on the second floor that shows kids why waste-free lunches are important and has a worm in the compost tunnel.  The Paint Wall on the third floor and the huge climbing area for kids 5 on up is fun! 

The museum costs $4/person ages 2 and up.

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China Towne

“Ceramics Painted By You”

2625 West White Oaks Drive

Springfield IL 62704

217-698-8198

chinatowneceramics@netzero.net

Hours of Operation: 

Monday 10-7, Tuesday 1-7, Wednesday 1-8, Thursday 1-17, Friday 1-8, Saturday 10-5, Sunday Noon-4

China Towne offers summer camps all through the summer.   

• Summer Camps are for ages 7 & up. 

• We meet on Monday mornings from 10 - Noon. 

• Each week there will be a different project, each involving a different technique. 

 For those who are not able to attend on Monday mornings, we do re-run a few of the camps on Wednesday evenings. 

Advance registration is required for all summer camps. 

• For younger painters (ages 4 - 6) we offer classes during the year involving simple techniques, but still lots of fun! 

Call for details, phone 698-8198.

 To learn more about our Year-round Birthday Party Options for all ages, click here!

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Dance Creations Dance Studio

1401 Cottonwood Drive

Springfield IL 62703

217-529-8888  or 529-TUTU

Janet Cripe  Owner/Director

www.dancecreationsdancestudio.com

Summer Dance Camp

Dance the summer away learning new dance styles, creative expression, terminology and much more!

Theme camps include: 

• Twinkle… Twinkle…Shining Star

• Fairy Princess Enchanted Castle

• Circus Circus

• Miss Montanna,

• My School Musical

• ReMix It

• Boyz in da House

• Flippin’ Out!

Contact Janet Cripe for more information at 217-529-8888

www.dancecreationsdancestudio.com

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NovaTech Solutions Techno Kids Summer Camp

TechnoKids Summer Computer Camp at NovaTech Solutions

2008 TechnoKids Week Long Computer Camp
Dates: Camps Start June 23-27 or July 21 - 25

Time: Select Your Session: AM Session 9:00 - 12:00 OR the PM Session 1:00 - 4:00

Grades: 2nd - 4th Grade Crusaders, 5th - 8th Grade Crusaders

Location:   NovaTech Solutions 1630 S. State Suite 201 Springfield, IL 62704
(Corner of State & Laurel, 1 Block off of MacArthur Blvd)

NovaTech Solutions is offering an exciting and comprehensive technology Computer Camp designed to provide your child with the skills and knowledge
to remain ahead of his/her peers in school.  Students are transferred into the wonderful world of technology.

We will pitch a tent beside the technology highway and explore the computer wilderness.

Come to TechnoKids Computer Camp and hike through the world of cyberspace, animation, and digitizing.   

Computer camp is an exciting way to learn the latest technology.  Join in the fun!
$155 per/student Register: www.novasolutions.com or call 217-744-1500.

Attention Parents!  JOB POSTING:

Illinois State Museum

Corner of Spring & Edwards Streets

Springfield

217-782-5993

Join the fun at the Bob Steffan Summer Film Fest where every Tuesday & Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. in JUNE and JULY kids can enjoy a FREE movie screening in the Thorne Deuel Auditorium at the Illinois State Museum.  The film series is especially suitable for young children, day care groups, and families.  Each proram lasts approximately 30-40 minutes and will conclude with a fun cartoon.

Click here for a one page pdf flier with all of the show titles and dates.

Linger after and enjoy the exhibits and don't miss the gift shop on the way out!

If you have a group of 10 or more, please call ahead to schedule.  Thanks!   Enjoy the Summer Film Fest; a tradition in our community!

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Kids Camp Inc.

Located at the Springfield Racquet & Fitness Center

3725 Chatham Road

Springfield IL

217-787-2460

www.springfieldraquetandfitness.com

Kids Camp Inc. is a non-for profit camp for children ages 4 – 12 years old. 

• Camp is open weekly from June 2nd ^- August 22nd, 2008 

• The camp hours are 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. with free extended care drop off as early as 7:30 a.m. and pickup as late as 5:30 p.m. 

Early registration discounts continue until April 15th and registration is accepted ALL summer.

• Camp Fees per Week for SRFC Members     $126 Before 4/15 or $136 after 4/15  

• Camp Fees per Week for Non-Members       $146 before 4/15 or $156 after 4/15 

• Family Discounts or Full summer Discounts are available.

The children are placed in age-specific teams with two counselors taking them to activities every forty-five minutes.

A team leader conducts activities such as arts and crafts, team sports, movement and motion, swimming lessons, hand /eye, and free swim for each station.  

The staff consists of college age students interested in teaching or sports related degrees.   Lifeguards are Red Cross & CPR trained.

Chris Kolb, General Manager of Springfield Racquet & Fitness Center has nine years supervising the camp with many returning staff.  

All registration materials are available here:

2008 Kids Camp Brochure

2008 Kids Camp Registration Form

2008 Emergency Contact & Parental Consent Form

Call 787-2460 with any questions or visit www.springfieldracquetandfitness.com

In addition to Kids Camp, check out these new offerings for the older kids!

"SLIM TWEEN".  A 2 week "camp" to help the "tween" age get motivated to become active again.  Kids learn basic exercises and ways to be active that are fun!! 

They will also learn how to eat and still be a kid!  More info to come.

 OFF SEASON SPORTS CAMP  A 2 week camp designed to offer basic knowledge of personal health and sport specific training.  There will also be nutritional information offered each session. 

For more info, call Springfield Racquet and Fitness Center 787-2460. 

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Montessori Children's House of Springfield

Montessori Children’s House

Summer Camp 2008

4147 Sand Hill Road

Springfield

217- 544-7702

June 9 – August 1. 8 One-Week Sessions Available.

All Sessions are Monday – Friday.

Summer Camp at Montessori Children’s House is designed to enable children to follow their natural curiosity and desire to learn. With the aid of skilled adults, children can explore and discover using thoughtfully prepared materials and environment.

• Primary Program – Designed to support the needs of the 3 – 6 year old child. Includes arts and crafts, music, gardening, outdoor games, general science and nature studies, sensorimotor activities, geography, language arts, and math.  Primary program is for students who presently attend or will attend Montessori in the fall.

• Elementary Program – Designed to meet the needs of the 6 – 12 year old child. Campers will be guided through hands-on projects each week, based on that week’s developed theme. Themes center around science, art, crafts, history and cultural studies.

Call 217-544-7702 for more information. MCH is a not-for-profit, private school.

We accept children of any race, color, religion, and ethnic origin.

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Lake Springfield Christian Assembly

Lake Springfield Christian Assembly

1674 Lick Creek Lane, Chatham, IL 62629

217-529-2625

www.lscacamp.org

For a registration form:  click here

Aerial view of our property click here

Lake Springfield Christian Assembly has been offering life changing camps for 70 years to the Springfield area. 

Your child should expect: Bible studies, energetic sermons, devotional times, campfires, and missions education. 

We are located on beautiful Lake Springfield, so campers will get to enjoy and interact with God’s creation.  We also have: swimming, sports and games, canoeing, and community building fun activities.  Our theme this summer is Shine like the Stars.  We will be talking about movies and learning about God through them.

We offer different camps for campers from just finishing kindergarten to just graduated high school.  Camp lengths depend on the age of the child, and range from one day to six days. 

Camping season begins June 8^th and ends August 6^th.  Every summer we are amazed at how God changes children’s lives in a positive way. 

We would love to see you and your child this summer.

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Lutheran High School

Summer Camp for Kids

3500 West Washington St. 

Springfield, IL 62711

217-546-6363

Summer Camp Director -  Susan Gilman ext. 110

lhs@family-net.net

www.lutheranhs.pvt.k12.il.us

Lutheran High's Summer Camp for Kids is for all children who have completed grades K-8. 

It is designed to be an opportunity for education and enrichment in a Christian atmosphere as well as a fun way to spend summer days. 

Each day at camp is filled with an assortment of physical activities such as swimming, soccer, bowling, volleyball, basketball, and kickball. 

Your camper will explore "hands on" creative arts, crafts and cooking projects.  They will also enjoy numerous field trips in the Springfield and surrounding areas. 

Staff to camper ratio is approximately 1 to 7. 

Click www.lutheranhs.pvt.k12.il.us/sumcamp.html here for registration information on our website.

OLDER KIDS!  July 7-8th, 2008  Students entering grade 9 through 12 can participate in the SIUE Volleyball Camp led by SIUE Head Coach, Todd Gober & Asst. Coaches.

Katie Gilman is the camp coordinator.    Print this Word flier for full details or call 546-6363.

GRADE School Volleyball Camp:  4th-9th grade  June 23-26th, get the details in this Word flier.

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The Montessori Schoolhouse

The Montessori Schoolhouse

717 Rickard Road, Springfield

Open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

217-787-5505

www.montessorischoolhousespringfield.com

Conveniently located on Springfield’s west side in a quiet, residential neighborhood since 1987, The Montessori Schoolhouse Summer program is now open for enrollment.

• NEW!  Flexible enrollment plans allow busy families to schedule when their children will attend.

• Enrollment periods range from 6 to 12 weeks.

• The program includes daily Montessori classes for children ages 3 to 12.

After morning classes utilizing our Montessori curriculum conclude, the children are involved in a myriad of activities. These activities include daily swimming classes, art activities, gardening, foreign language instruction (Spanish & Japanese), and other supervised activities.   Enrollment is currently open, but space is limited.

The Montessori Schoolhouse is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

We are also currently accepting enrollment for our Fall Semester.

More detailed information and/or the scheduling of a tour of our beautiful environment can be obtained by contacting us at 217-787-5505.   

The Montessori Schoolhouse is a full member of The American Montessori Society.   

 Come see how children educated using the Montessori method grow into competent, self-confident learners who love learning for a lifetime.

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Allison & Trevor Howard, Owners

Fox Creek Plaza

(off Route 4, turn right on Plummer, next to County Market)

1077 Jason Place

Chatham, IL

217-697-4839

www.paintersparadise.net

Summer Camp at Painters Paradise: Each day we will be teaching the kids a new technique and different ways to create their one of a kind masterpiece.   

Join us for summer time painting fun and come home with a keepsake for you or someone special! 

Two sessions each day:

11:00 -12:30 and 6:00 – 7:30

Fee is only $15.00 per day, per item

Summer Camp at Painter’s Paradise

June 10 and 12 – Candy Dish $15.00

June 17 and 19 – Calendar  $15.00

June 24 and 26 – Stickers and Tape $15.00

July 1 and 3 – Shaving Cream $15.00

July 8 and 10 – Bubbles $15.00

July 15 and 17 – Wind Chime  $15.00

July 22 and 24 – Tye Dye Bag $15.00

July 29 and 31 – Stepping Stone $15.00

August 5 and 7 – Bubbles  $15.00

Call 217-697-4839 for more information and reserve a spot for your kids now!

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Piper Glen Golf Club

7112 Piper Glen Drive

Illinois Route 4 at Mansion Road Intersection, Just North of Chatham

217-483-6537 or 1-877-635-7326

www.piperglen.com

Summer Golf Programs for Juniors & Parents! 

This beautiful public golf course was rated "#21 Best Courses in U.S." under $50 by Golf Magazine and offers a wonderful variety of programs for the kids and adults!   Their friendly and professional staff will make your golfing experience fun.

For those who live in Jacksonville, Lakeshore Golf Course also offers a Junior Program.  

2008 Piper Glen Junior Golf Camps 

Piper Glen is pleased to offer golf camps for all ages (Junior Camp ages 8-17 and Pee Wee Camp 7 & under.) 

Full Camp information available here:  Word flier.

Piper also feature the Junior Golf Tour sponsored by Nike Golf for ages 12-18. 

Register for one or all; tournament dates June 9^th -  August 8^th.   

Full Tour information available here:  Word flier. 

Junior Camp Ages 8-17  Age Groups:  8-10 yrs old, 11-13 yrs old, 14-17 yrs old

• 5 Weeks of Instruction; 4 to 1 Teacher-student ratio

• Parent-Child Tournament; Sunday, July 27- 4:30pm shotgun

• Junior Championship; Tuesday, August 5

Junior Camp #1:SUNDAYS: June 1, June 8, June 15, June 22, June 29

Registration: Sunday, May 25th 3:00pm -5:00pm

Junior Camp #2: TUESDAYS: July 8 July 15, July 22, July 29, and SUNDAY August 3

Registration: Sunday, July 6th 2:00pm -4:00pm

 Camp Fee: $150 (non-refundable) includes: Review flier for exact times.

• 5 weeks of golf instruction (designed to develop basic putting, chipping and full swing skills)

• Rules & proper golf course etiquette

• Weekly skills competitions

• Parent-child entry fee (parent is required to pay a nominal fee)

• Junior Championship entry fee

• Hat, t-shirt, sleeve of balls, and pizza party and awards banquet after the Jr. Championship

• Discounts on US Kids and Nike apparel and equipment

PEE WEE JUNIOR CAMP:  Age 7 and under

SUNDAYS:  July 6, July 13, July 20, and July 27

Time:  5:15pm -6:00pm

Fee:  $75.00 (non-refundable)

Registration:  Sunday, July 6th - 4:30pm-5:00pm

Camp includes:

• 4 weeks of instruction

• Instructors pay attention to the stamina, attention span, and skill level of each student with an emphasis on having fun while learning the game. 

• Clubs are available.

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Prairie Art Alliance Gallery and School

420 S. Sixth Street, Springfield

217-544-ARTS (2787)

www.prairieart.org

• Now enrolling for PAA 2008 Summer Camps. 

• Camps begin June 16 and run through August 9.  

• Each camp is 1 week in length, runs from 9 am-12 noon and includes all materials. 

• Themed camps include painting, clay, woodturning, and exploration of a variety of media, surfaces, and cultures

• Click here for the printable pdf of summer classes. 

Attention High School Students:  Jeff Garland’s “Total Art Experience” will be offered June 16, 17, and 18, 2008 with an exhibit to be held in the PAA Gallery following the studio work.

Check our website www.prairieart.org for dates, times, instructors, and registration information.

Sacred Heart-Griffin High School

1200 W. Washington St.  

Springfield, IL 62702

www.shg.org

Phone SHG’s Advancement Office at 217-787-9732

Get ready for summer in paradise! 

Summer Escape is open to ALL students entering grades 5-8.  

 Camp dates: June 23-27, 2008 

Session times: 8-10 a.m., 10-Noon and 1-3 p.m. 

(Supervised lunch & activities from Noon -1)

Session cost:  $80 each (price includes T-shirt)

Registration deadline:  Monday, June 2

Some of this year’s classes include Spanish, Hip Hop Dance, Ballet, Fashion, Game Strategies & Mental Math, Translating Tangrams, Scrapbooking, Forensics, Kitchen Chemistry, Creative Writing, Quilting, Newspaper, Computer Design, Fantasy Literature, Baking, Art, Reader’s Theater and more!

Download the Full PDF of classes HERE.

Classes are taught by teachers from SHG, The State Journal-Register, Lutheran High School, Little Flower, Cathedral and St. Joe’s all in a safe environment.

Additional course information, updates and registration forms are available at www.shg.org  , click on “Summer Escape” or call the SHG Advancement Office at 787-9732.

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Springfield Art Association

700 N. 4th Street
Springfield IL, 62702
Call 523-2631 to register

www.springfieldart.org

Summer Art Camps Dates  2008 Registration is NOW open!

Camp Classes for Grades PreK- 8

Grades correspond to the year completed in the 2007-08 School Year.

Prices includes SAA limited edition collectible t-shirt.

Pre-K (Ages 4 & 5) Mini Monets

July 7 – 11 Choose AM or PM Session

AM: 9am-Noon  PM: 1:30-4:30

Tuition: $90 Members/$120 Non-Members

Grades K-2 (must have completed Kindergarten) Wee Warhols

June 16-20 & July 14-18

Choose AM or PM Session

AM: 9am-Noon PM: 1:30-4:30

Children may register for more than one week as projects will not repeat themselves.

Tuition: $95 Members/$125 Non-Members

Grades 3-5 Van Gogh-Go’s

June 23-27 & July 21-25

9am-3pm

Children may register for more than one week as projects will not repeat themselves.

Tuition: $190 Members/$160 Non-Members

Grades 6-8

Rockin’ Rembrandts

Students going into grades 7-9 will have three specialized classes to choose from in painting, pottery and jewelry.

Weeks, times and prices vary.  See website for details

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Springfield Park District

You can access their full list of summer camps here.

Choose from a variety of camps and locations around Springfield. 

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Springfield YMCA

Springfield YMCA Camps for ages 4-14!

Camps begin June 9th and run weekly through August 15th.

Click here for the 2008 Registration Form or log on to www.springfieldymca.org 

Traditional Day Camps:  Full Day

Discovery Camp 4-5 years, Adventure Camp 6-7 years, Wak-KonTah ages 8-10 years, Leadership 11-14 years,

Sports Camps:  Full and Half-day options

Basketball 7-12 years, Gymnastics, 7-12 years, Baseball 7-12 years (1/2 day) Soccer 8-12 years (1/2 day)

Goal 5-7 years (1/2 day) Swoosh ages 5-7 years (1/2 day) Volleyball ages 8-12 (1/2 day)

Specialty Camps

Art 5-7 years (1/2 day) and Art 8-14 years (1/2 day)

Families:  Don't miss out on their Summer Sampler Membership Special May 19-August 31.  No Joining Fee, one flat rate to try the Y for the summer!  Details here.

Mom's... ZUMBA is at the Y.  Drop the kids at the nursery and have fun while you workout! 

Details here.

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Come spend the night!  UCP Recreational Camp if held in two sessions, one for campers 6-13 years and another for campers 14-21 years at the Lake Springfield Christian Assembly Campground.

This three-day, two-night camp is the only one of its kind in central Illinois.  Camp is a unique social opportunity for campers who have any type of disability.   Attendees enjoy crafts, swimming, interacting with special guests and meet new friends.  All campers are partnered with a volunteer “Buddy” who is a constant companion throughout camp. 

Camp is also a perfect respite opportunity for parents who might need a short break from the day-to-day care of their child.  UCP staff, registered nurses and volunteers care for the campers throughout the entire time camp meets. 

Recreational Camp will be held June 2nd, 3rd, and 4th for ages 6-13 and June 4th, 5th, and 6th for ages 14-21.

BOUNDLESS BUNCH

Boundless Bunch meets at the UCP center for students 6-21 years old who have any type of disability.  Camp runs Monday thru Friday for seven weeks.  A camper can sign up for just one week or all summer.  While renewing friendships, campers will participate in craft activities, utilize the UCP computer lab and go into the community on field trips.  Field trips will be educational and recreational including visits to historical sites, behind the scenes tours of their favorite stores and bowling.

Boundless Bunch start on Monday, June 16, 2008 and run through Friday, August 1, 2008.

COMPUTER CAMP

Computer Camp is an activity for youth 6 to 12 years old who are fascinated by the computer.  Camp will be offered in August on the 4th, 5th, and 6th.  Computer camp runs from 8:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., students are invited to camp to try out the latest software in UCP’s computer lab, go on field trips, try their hand at crafts and renew friendships of years past.

For questions or information about Computer Camp contact Ashley at 525-6522. 

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Y.N.O.T. Outdoors

Y.N.O.T. Outdoors

Youth Needing Other Things

Six years ago, this not-for-profit organization and unique camp experience was founded.

www.ynotoutdoors.org

We are the most unique, summer program for kids-on-the-move in the MidWest. 

We combine DAILY field trips, exercises, great staff, new learning experiences and changing locations, for a day that kids have loved since 2002.

2008 Camp dates:  June 2- August 15th

Two age groups: 

• Young Group are kids entering 1st grade to 8 and 1/2 years old

• Older Group are Kids 8 1/2 to 11 +

Drop off:  7:30 - 8:45 a.m. at either Sacred Heart-Griffin west campus on West Washington Street OR St. John's Lutheran in Chatham on Route 4 (North End of Chatham)

Pick-up:   4:00-5:30 p.m.

1 to 10 Staff to Kid Ratio

• Day Director is Joe Cascio of Auburn

• Seasoned Bus Drivers and 71 Passenger BIG Busses to transport the kids

• Under-roof facilities when weather keeps us in!

• CCCC Accepted

Register at www.ynotoutdoors.org and click on Registration Tab

We serve on a first-come, first served basis to our enrollment maximum capacity. 

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Additional Camps & Activities

Asthma Adventure Camp
Lake Williamson Retreat and Conference Center
For children, ages 7 - 14, diagnosed by a physician as a moderate to severe, persistent asthmatic
Call 217-787-5916 for more information or to find an Asthma Camp near you go to:  http://www.asthmacamps.org/AsthmaCamps/findacamp/usmap.asp

Camp One Way
Mt. Auburn, IL
(217) 676-2533 or 1-800-500-6774
email: camponeway@yahoo.com 
web site: www.camponeway.org

Chatham Park District

Contact 217-483-4277 for information

Camp Widjiwagan is a 67-acre camp facility operated by Girl Scouts, Land of Lincoln Council and located on Lake Springfield. We offer day camp and resident (overnight) camp sessions to girls ages 6-14. Contact Girl Scouts, Land of Lincoln Council at 217-523-8159 or visit our website at www.girlscoutsllc.org.

Glenwood Summer Sports Camps

Glenwood High School, Chatham

217-483-2424

Designed for boys and girls of all skill levels participation is not limited to students in the Ball-Chatham School District.

Henson Robinson Zoo

Zoo Camps for 7 – 9 year olds and 10-12 year olds.  Camp hours are from 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays in Jun