Time to go camping

Local agencies are finding creative ways this summer to deliver programming

Emerging from a pandemic in late May has meant a lot of uncertainty surrounding the breadth and availability of summer activities. While much remains up in the air, here is a listing of youth camps —registration required — being offered in Hinsdale and the surrounding area, in-person or virtual.

Day camp

The Community House Summer Camp

July 6-Aug. 21

The Community House

415 W. Eighth St., Hinsdale

(630) 323-7500

https://www.thecommunityhouse.org

This year’s day camp program for ages 5-14 will have a 40-camper maximum. Children will be broken by age (and siblings) into groups of 10, each of which will stay together for the entire day to guard the safety of the children, staff and community. Outdoor activities will be prioritized; field trips and water activities are not permitted according to current guidelines. Campers will wear face coverings, remain at least six feet apart and will not share objects. Registration will be on a weekly basis; daily registration and drop-in campers will not be permitted. Program dates and details are subject to change based on guidance from public health officials. Time: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: $300 a week

Health & science

• Morton Arboretum Science Camp

June 8-Aug. 14

https://www.mortonarb.org/learning-place

(630) 719-2468

Kids in first through sixth grades are invited to join this online Morton Arboretum camp. The camps are divided into grades one to three and four to six, and each session features a different topic. Topics include Natural Artists, Wild Photographers, Backyard Scientists, Eco-Investigators and Green Thumb Gardeners. See the website listed above for a full schedule. Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: $65. RR, MD

• Body Trek Summer Camp

June 15-19 or July 13-17

https://www.robertcrown.org

This popular one-week journey of exploration for students entering grades five to eight has been modified into an online camp featuring interactive games, dissections, special guest visits, and activities and experiments. For more information email Lance Williams at [email protected]. Time: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Cost: $150. RR

Showtime

• Broadway Workshop Summer Camp

June 8-12, June 15-19 or July 6-11

https://www.bamtheatre.com

These camps, typically offered in person, will meet virtually, with a focus on screen acting. The final performance will be a movie-musical for all friends and family to enjoy. Perform “The Little Mermaid” the first session (ages 5-14), “The Music Man” the second session (ages 5-14) and “Newsies” the third session (ages 7-13). Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the first two sessions, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. for the third session. Cost: $185. RR

• Comedy Improv Camp-Young Actor’s Studio

July 6-9

The Community House

415 W. Eighth St., Hinsdale

(630) 323-7500

https://www.thecommunityhouse.org

Kids ages 9-17 will enjoy working with award-winning actress Mina Dillard-Gits, trained at Second City and the Groundlings in L.A. Time: 9 a.m. to noon. Cost: $213, $185 for The Community House keyholders

Sports

• Volleyball Camp

June 15-19

Robbins Park

Seventh and Vine streets, Hinsdale

(630) 789-7090

https://www.villageofhinsdale.org/pr

Kids age 7-12 will learn all aspects of the sport of volleyball through drills and exercises that focus on bumping, setting, spiking, hitting and serving. This program is designed for the beginning to intermediate player. Participants should bring appropriate athletic clothing, a snack, and a water bottle. Campers will wear face coverings, remain at least six feet apart and will not share objects. Time: 9 a.m. to noon. Cost: $109

• Soccer Camp

June 29-July 3

Robbins Park

Seventh and Vine streets, Hinsdale

(630) 789-7090

https://www.villageofhinsdale.org/pr

Kids ages 7-12 will gain the technical skills and sport knowledge required for their next step into soccer. Ares of focus are dribbling, passing, shooting and ball control along with life skills such as teamwork and sportsmanship. Participants should bring appropriate athletic clothing, a snack and a water bottle. Campers will wear face coverings, remain at least six feet apart and will not share objects. Time: 9 a.m. to noon. Cost: $109

• Track & Field Camp

July 6-10

Robbins Park

Seventh and Vine streets, Hinsdale

(630) 789-7090

https://www.villageofhinsdale.org/pr

Kids age 6-12 will learn the fundamentals of body positioning, stride, proper stretching and cool-down techniques are taught. Track and field events include javelin, discus, shot put, hurdles, long jump, triple jump and various running and relay events (activities may vary by area). Participants should bring appropriate athletic clothing, a snack, and a water bottle Campers will wear face coverings, remain at least six feet apart and will not share objects. Time: 9 a.m. to noon. Cost: $109

Zombies!

• Zombie Camp ‘After Dark’

July 27-30

Harvester Park

15W400 Drive, Burr Ridge

(630) 789-7090

https://www.villageofhinsdale.org/pr

This zombie adrenaline camp is perfect for kids ages 8-12 who want to make a night of it. Discover new skills like learning to build a shelter, navigating the wilderness and the zombie “disaster.” Dress appropriately for muddy conditions and bring a water bottle. Time: 6 to 8:30 p.m. Cost: $130

— compiled by Ken Knutson

Author Bio

Ken Knutson is associate editor of The Hinsdalean