Elmhurst Area 2013 Summer Camp Guide

With the choice and variety of summer camps available in the western suburbs in 2013, boredom won't be an option for Elmhurst children.

Organizations from the YMCA to local parks and recreation departments offer dozens of camp choices focused around science, reading, sports, music and more. Whether you're looking for an all-around experience or a more focused camp, this list features a few in Elmhurst and nearby.

Elmhurst Park District

Elmhurst Park District offers myriad summer camps to fit a variety of schedules. We can't list them all, but here is a sampling. Visit www.epd.org/camps to access a full list and more information.

DAY CAMPS

Where: Wagner Community Center, 615 N. West Ave.

Information: Kids ages 5 to 11 can enjoy great indoor and outdoor activities every weekday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 3-Aug. 9. There will be special events, water park trips, theme days and much more.

Contact: Click here to sign up online, or call (630) 993-8900 for more information.

COURTS PLUS CAMPS

Where: Courts Plus, 186 S. West Ave.

Information: Courts Plus offers all kinds of camps for kids who want to stay active and in shape. There's Action Camp for 2- to 6-year-olds; Fun Camp for 5- to 10-year-olds; Teen Fitness Camp and more. Camps begin in June and run through mid-August.

Contact: Click here for information on Courts Plus summer camps.

NATURE CAMPS

Where: Eldridge Park Recreation Building, 363 Commonwealth Lane

Information: Camps led by enthusiastic outdoor educators will feature nature hikes, hands-on science activities and projects that promote an eco-friendly lifestyle. New lessons will be taught each session. Jun 3-Aug. 9.

Contact: Visit the Park District website or call (630) 933-8900.

LEADERS IN TRAINING

Where: Various locations

Information: For kids ages 12-17 who want to learn skills for working with children. The program consists of daily, on-site experience working with camp counselors and campers throughout the summer. They will help out with Funseekers Day Camp, Sports Camps, Nature Camp, Swim Camp and more.

Contact: Visit the Park District website or call (630) 993-8900.

SPECIALTY CAMPS

Where: Various locations

Information: Want to explore different art media at the Elmhurst Art Museum? Improve your swimming skills at East End Pool? Learn gymnastics or dance at the Wagner Community Center? Go on cool bike rides with the Teen Bike Adventures Club? Look no further than the Elmhurst Park District.

Contact: Visit the Park District website or call (630) 993-8900.

Chicago Bears Youth Football Camp

Where: Elmhurst College, 221 W. Walter St.

Information: Chicago Bears Youth Football Camps provide non-contact football instruction, skill development and fitness and agility training to kids ages 6 to 14. With professional coaches and Chicago Bears heroes, kids learn to run, throw, catch, defend and compete the Bears way. June 24-28.

Contact: http://­www.­BearsCamps.­com

Elmhurst Family YMCA 

Where: 211 W. First St.

Information: At Y camp, they create an exciting, safe environment for kids to have an unforgettable summer of fun. And while they’re taking part in unique experiences and adventures, they’re also building self-esteem, developing interpersonal skills and making lasting friendships and memories. The Y offers day camps and specialty camps.

Contact: Susan Chansey, 630-929-2456, Schansey@ymcachicago.org, or visit the YMCA website.

Additional information: The camp offers financial aid. Contact the camp for additional information.

Nike Soccer Camps—Extended Day or Overnight

Where: Elmhurst College, 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst, IL 60126

Information: Nike Elite 150 Total Player Development Camp; separate camps for boys and girls. Campers train on a brand new astroplay surface, the only surface approved by FIFA (world soccer governing body), and learn how to take their game to the next level.

Contact: Visit USA Sports Camps online or contact Dave Di Tomasso, Camp Director, 800-645-3226

Kindercare

Where: 556 W. North Ave., Elmhurst

Information: Kindercare offers a 12-week summer camp program for ages 3 to 12. Whether your child is interested in science, cooking, art, or sports; there’s something for everybody to keep busy this summer.

Contact: For more information, visit the website, or call the Elmhurst Kindercare at (630) 832-3153

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Where: Locations vary based on programs.

Information: Each summer, the Forest Preserve District offers a variety of four- or five-day camps for kids ages 4 to 14. A number of camps are offered ranging from equestrian to nature camps.

Contact and registration forms: Visit the DuPage Forest District website or call (630) 942-6200.

• Camp Fullersburg Woods registration form
• Danada Horse Summer Camp registration form
• Kline Creek Farmhands registration form
• Wild by Nature registration form
• Wildlife Explorers registration form

College of DuPage

Where: 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

Information: College of DuPage has fun-filled and challenging summer camp programs for children of all ages. 

Contact: Visit Youth Camps on the COD website, or contact program coordinator Georgia Madden at 630-942-2063.

What did we miss? Share summer camp information in our comments and we will update the story to include the information.