The McHenry County Conservation District’s eight different summer day camps are packed with fun opportunities such as canoeing, exploring wetlands, hunting for critters, time travel, cookouts, camping under the stars, arts and crafts, and games. Camps are available for children 6 though 16. Visit www.mccdistrict.org for dates, times and more information. Register online or call Prairieview Education Center at 815-479-5779.
Outdoor Adventure Camp includes fishing, canoeing, cooking over an open fire, outdoor challenges, hiking adventures, camp crafts and more. The five-day program promotes fun and learning in a noncompetitive environment. Camp is held at Prairieview Education Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Canoe Camp with Overnight is for children 12 to 15. This canoeing program is for all skill levels. Children learn to be safe and skilled paddlers. They also learn about the aquatic environment and the conservation district’s role in preserving this environment and providing recreational opportunities. Monday’s camp activities include learning paddling strokes, steering and canoe rescue on Lake Atwood in the Hollows in Cary. Tuesday and Wednesday bring exploration on the Fox River.
Conservation Day Camp is a five-day, noncompetitive program in which campers canoe the Nippersink Creek and hike Glacial Park’s trails, exploring prairie, woodland and wetland environments. Campers play Predator-Prey, a popular game about food chains, take part in a conservation work project, enjoy a cookout lunch, decorate T-shirts and more.
Time Travelers Camp is for campers 10 to 12. The five-day, noncompetitive program allows campers to experience a different era of history each day, from early Native American life through French exploration, pioneer life and farm life. All facets of our heritage are explored through hikes, crafts and visits to historical sites. Campers will canoe the Nippersink Creek as early explorers, enjoy a harvest lunch as farmers and more.
Expeditions with the Experts camp is for children 13 to 16. Campers will meet experts in environmental professions and get hands-on experience, testing water while canoeing, hiking the forest with a forester and learning how to fish with the best. Camp concludes with a wilderness camp out including backcountry camp food.
Arts and Nature camp is for kids 8 to 9. Campers will learn about our natural environment through the arts, making music out of veggies, creating sculptures from the earth and more. Kids will use their senses and creativity to connect with nature from their artistic side.
Science Explorers are ages 10 to 12 who are interested in science and nature. They will find out what entomologists and ornithologists do, meet these and other science professionals and assist a plant biologist with prairie restoration. Campers will also meet wildlife and learn about the work of wildlife biologists. Games and hands-on activities will help campers explore and learn.
Earth Encounters camp is for children 6 to 7. This half-day camp gives kids a chance to explore the pond, fields and forest of either Pleasant Valley or Marengo Ridge while learning about these habitats and the animals that live there.
Marty Dello Basketball School
The Marty Dello Basketball School provides players of all skill levels an opportunity to learn proper technique and become the best players they can be. Camps are held at Regional Sports Center (1310 Ridgefield Rd. in Crystal Lake). Register online at www.martydelloball.net or call 815-482-9453.
Spring Skill Training camp’s goal is to develop the strengths of each player. Athletes will practice skills such as ball-handling, shooting, footwork, defense, conditioning and game situations. Campers will learn the practice techniques used by NBA, college and high school players.
Elementary Hoops Camp teaches basketball fundamentals. Camp activities include shooting techniques, individual offense and defense, games, 3-on-3 contests, passing, dribbling, ball-handling skills, rebounding techniques and a shooting contest. This is a two-week, progressive camp, but you may sign up for one week only. Team and individual awards will be handed out at the end of the second week, and each camper will receive a T-shirt.
Shooting Camp will focus on learning proper techniques for shooting. Skill training and development is the focus of this camp. Coach Dello and his staff will work to develop proper footwork, balance, accuracy and form used by high school players and the Illinois Magic program. Each camper will complete a series of drills and teaching stations to work on fundamentals. Activities will include a shooting contest, shooting games and practice. This is a two-week, progressive camp, but you may sign up for one week only. Team and individual awards will be handed out at the end of the second week, and each camper will receive a T-shirt.
Skills, Drills and Games Camp is a great opportunity to learn basketball fundamentals from Coach Dello and his staff. Activities will include shooting techniques, individual offense and defense, 12-game season, 3-on-3 contest, passing, dribbling and ball-handling, rebounding techniques and a shooting contest. This is a two-week, progressive camp, but you may sign up for one week only. Team and individual awards will be handed out at the end of the second week, and each camper will receive a T-shirt.
Back to School Camp is designed to teach boys and girls the basic fundamentals of basketball. Campers will learn the proper way to dribble, pass, shoot and play defense. Each camper will receive a camp T-shirt.
YMCA Day Camp
There is no shortage of fun at YMCA Day Camp. Campers will swim daily in the YMCA indoor pool, play sports and games, join a club of their choice, hike and explore in the outdoors, participate in character development activities, do arts and crafts, and more. Fridays are a special day to recognize campers for their efforts and celebrate; the whole camp participates in a special event based on the week’s theme. Each Wednesday, campers will take a field trip or have a special activity at the YMCA.
At YMCA Day Camp, kids engage in activities with their age group and in camp-wide activities and special events. Ten one-week sessions will be held June 15 through August 21. Campers may enroll for any number of sessions, each with a unique theme and complimentary activities. Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Early and Late Care is available for no additional fee. Extended care begins at 6:30 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m. Pre-Camp Days will be the week of June 8, from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The registration deadline for Pre-Camp Days is June 5. For younger kids, 3 to 5 years old, Discovery Camp is a great option. Campers can choose a full day, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or half day, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., of fun. All children must be potty trained—no pull-ups. These campers will participate in age-appropriate activities similar to other campers. Full-day campers will have rest time daily.
For more information, call 815-459-4455 or visit www.ymcaofmchenrycounty.org.
Triple R Day Camp
The YMCA’s Triple R Day Camp, the largest in McHenry County, is held on the McHenry County Conservation District’s 225-acre Fel-Pro RRR Preserve in Cary. This area includes 90 acres of recreational area for day camp activities, a swimming pool and shower house, three spring-fed lakes, a soccer field, baseball diamond, archery range, disc golf course, volleyball and basketball courts, hiking trails and several pavilions and shelters. It is a true outdoor day camp.
Five camp groups, ranging from first to eighth grade, will be formed. Campers will participate in age-appropriate activities as well as all-camp events. Sign up for summer days filled with swimming, sports, games, clubs, disc golf, outdoor exploration and more.
If you are a McHenry resident, transportation and extended care are available for one low cost. Campers may be dropped off at Duker Elementary between 6:30 and 8 a.m. and picked up at the same location between 4:30 and 6 p.m.
For more information, call 815-459-4455 or visit www.ymcaofmchenrycounty.org.
Regional Sports Center Camps
Regional Sports Center (1310 Ridgefield Rd. in Crystal Lake) is McHenry County’s ultimate sports complex. The facility provides training space for lacrosse, basketball, wrestling, soccer and more. They also offer sport camps. Register online at www.regionalsportscenter.com or call 815-455-6634.
Striker Camp for Travel Players is for players looking to score, assist and be productive in front of the net. This camp concentrates on serving and finishing. Camp runs July 21 through 24 from 2 to 4:30 p.m.
Soccer Camp for Recreational Players is for players looking to improve individual skills such as dribbling, shooting, passing and trapping. Coach Paul runs this fun and exciting camp July 21 through 24 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Little Pints Sports Camp is for every kid looking for confidence and fun. Campers will learn four sports in four days—soccer, baseball, basketball and backyard games. Coach Paul will keep the kids moving and having fun July 21 through 24 from 11 a.m. to noon.
Woodstock Recreation Department
This summer, the Woodstock Recreation Department will offer a variety of programs for kids. The Playground Program is a summer day camp for kids 4 to 12 years old. 4- to 7-year-olds meet from 9 a.m. to noon, and 7- to 12-year-olds meet from 1 to 4 p.m. Tennis lessons will be offered for participants from second grade to adult. Sports Camp and Art Camp will be held for kids 5 to 12. American Red Cross Swim Lessons start at 4 years old and continue through Level 6. Tae Kwon Do and golf are available for ages 5 and up. T-ball is offered for 5- to 7-year-olds. For more information about these programs and more, check out “Woodstock’s City Scene,” which will be mailed at the end of April, or contact the Woodstock Recreation Department at 815-338-4363.
McHenry Parks and Recreation Department
The McHenry Parks and Recreation Department offers summer athletic, fitness, early childhood, youth and adult programs. Instructional athletic programs include archery, baseball, basketball, bowling, football, golf, gymnastics, tumbling, tennis, pom pons, soccer, swimming, T-ball and more. Early childhood and youth programs include day camps, art camps, science camps, theater camps, dance, arts and crafts, and music. Adult programs include arts and crafts, music, athletics, fitness, yoga and leagues. The department also offers a variety of summer special events and field trips, which include Pool and Beach Parties, Big Wheels Race, River Run and Open Track Meet. Popular summer field trips include the 3-Day Casino trip and Chicago Cubs games. Register for programs in person, by mail or by fax. Visit www.ci.mchenry.il.us for more detailed information.
Martial Arts Summer Program at Aikido Shimboku Dojo
Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art. Classes for children ages 5 to 12 are available at Aikido Shimboku Dojo (9225 Trinity Dr., Unit E in Lake in the Hills). Children will learn effective ways to deal with conflict while enjoying a traditional martial arts experience and getting exercise. Participants will practice Aikido techniques, falling and tumbling skills, and taking action that is centered and confident. Other Aikido-related activities and games that encourage awareness, respect and cooperation with circumstances are included in the curriculum. Parents can participate in classes or drop off children. Classes run on an ongoing basis year-round. For more information, visit www.aikidoshimbokudojo.com or call 847-458-9309.
Crystal Lake Park District Summer Day Camps
The Crystal Lake Park District’s Young Explorers Summer Day Camp is an American Camping Association Accredited camp. It is not just a time for entertainment and relaxation; it builds confidence, independence and a sense of responsibility, community and an awareness of nature. Campers will meet new friends, develop social skills and patience, and learn water safety. They will also attend field trips and play games they can play in their neighborhoods. Five sessions are available. Contact 815-459-PARK or visit www.cystallakeparks.org for more information.
Cary Park District Summer Day Camps
Play, grow, create, explore and discover at Cary Park District’s summer day camps. Campers will play, exercise, gain independence, learn life skills, make friends and have a memorable summer. Camp counselors provide a noncompetitive environment for children to relax, have fun and be themselves. Register children for the grade level they will be entering in the fall. Visit www.carypark.com or call 847-639-6100 for more information.
