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Even though the snow is only just thawing, it’s time to think about summer camp for our kids. With three kids to organize each summer, I totally understand the overwhelming feeling that summer camp chaos can bring. Fear not. if it’s your first rodeo, here's some help to guide you along the way.
Before any decisions are made, you need to recognize your needs and priorities. First, sit down with your child and talk to them about their interests. Planning the experience together will empower your child, and give them a sense of ownership. Second, keep your summer camp options limited to places close to home. Summer is a time for relaxation, and if getting your kid to camp stresses you out, your kid will pick up on that and enjoy the experience less. Lastly, when looking at summer day camp options, make sure you consider your own work schedule and obligations first. Prioritize yourself first; then take the planning from there!
The best summer camps get booked up very quickly. So DO NOT HESITATE!
Here are my GIT Mom top summer camp picks:
WishCraft Workshop
The award-winning Wishcraft Workshop grows artists and thinkers of character, confidence, and curiosity with adventurous and creative experiences. They focus on alternative traditional art classes that build self-awareness, respect, and life skills in kids. There are two main art and design camp options this summer - Idea Playground for kids five to eight, Ages and Spoolhouse Rock for kids eight to 12..
Bubble Bridge Camp
Bridge the transition to preschool or kindergarten seamlessly with summer camp at Bubbles Academy. Children ages two and a half to five years old will experience the structure of a Bubbles Academy preschool day, bursting with art, imagination, play, and project fun.
EnerGEEwhizz
EnerGEEwhizz is a brand new exercise facility in Chicago, designed for the whole family. The entire experience is designed to engage children's minds as well as their bodies, leading to a new level of overall health. EnerGEEwhizz offers a variety of summer camps ranging from sports, exercise, music, and nutrition/cooking. These camps incorporate the enerGEEwhizz proprietary fitness program customized to the theme of the camp, and educational component, and an additional activity component.
Little Linguists Arts Academy
Little Linguists Arts Academy provides language, music, and yoga programs to children in an enjoyable and accessible way. This summer, they have two camps available. First, their World Language Immersion Camp gives kids ages three to eight years old the opportunity to explore new cultures and enjoy language learning through games, arts and crafts, songs, stories, and more. Secondly, their Culture Camp encourages children to learn about the Spanish culture through language immersion, hands-on cooking, celebrating music, participating in outdoor activities, and making festive art.
Merry Music Makers: Summer Jam
Designed to introduce children ages three to eight to the world of sound, Merry Music Maker’s Summer Jam camps give kids hands-on experiences with instruments and introduces them to music from around the world through dance, singing, crafts, books, games, and more. Each weekly session has a different musical focus. Full-day camp experiences are also available in conjunction with afternoon Spanish classes or swimming lessons with the instructors from Chicago Blue Dolphins.
About GIT Mom:
Eirene Heidelberger is a parenting expert and founder of GIT Mom (Get It Together, Mom!). Through GIT Mom’s 7-step method, Eirene empowers mothers and mothers-to-be by teaching a “mom-first” parenting approach. She is the only parenting coach in the country who advocates parenting techniques that puts the mother’s needs center stage.