Summer Camp: Helping your kids have the best summer EVER in Champaign-Urbana
Are you interested in highlighting your summer camp? Email us to find out more information about listing your camp in our 2025 summer camp guide.
Welcome to the 2025 Champaign-Urbana Area Summer Camps guide. If you are looking for quality experiences for your child this summer, you’ve come to the right place. Registration for summer camps is already up and running at many organizations, although some may not have information ready yet.
This guide is continually receiving updates, as camps share their information with us. Please check back frequently.
Editor’s Note: We will keep adding and making updates to this list, so come back often. Camps listed below may be finalizing details.
Thank you to Champaign Park District and Indian Acres Swim Club for presenting this comprehensive guide.
Activity-filled days for kids, worry-free days for parents. Participants will enjoy a variety of activities such as sport activities, games, weekly pool days, and field trips at three convenient locations.
Read more about their camp at Champaign Park District in the “creative” section below and visit its website.
Indian Acres Swim Day Camp is the longest standing day camp in the C-U area, known for its excellence in swim instruction. They meet your child in their current skills and work with them at their level to increase confidence and ability in the water. Now offering a full day option in addition to their very popular 1/2 day option! Indian Acres Swim Day Camp is a traditional outdoor camp that focuses on physical activity and fun!
Read more about camp at Indian Acres in the “outdoor” section below and visit its website.
ACTIVE | CREATIVE | EDUCATIONAL | OUTDOOR
We have created this menu and legend to help you sort through the different camps in the Champaign-Urbana area. Camps with featured listings are paid sponsors with chambanamoms.com. The lists included at the bottom of each section are to help you sort through other available options in the community. Chambanamoms.com does not endorse any camp over another and we encourage you to do your own research to find the best fit for your family this summer.
- ACTIVE – While nearly all camps are inherently active, these camps include sports, swim, martial arts, play-based day camps to reach a broad audience of participants and much more.
- CREATIVE – These camps focus on the arts, including but not limited to drama, music, maker camps and more.
- EDUCATIONAL – These include STEM camps, academic enrichment and other camps with an educational focus.
- OUTDOOR – Many camps (including most of our “active” camps) are held outdoors, but the camps in this category focus on experiencing nature as part of the camp experience. This is also where you’ll find most of our overnight camps (which are almost entirely outdoors, excluding some sports camps) a short drive from Champaign-Urbana.
LEGEND
😎 – BIG KID, includes camps for kids over 12 years of age
🖍 – PRESCHOOL, camps for kids not yet entering kindergarten
💦. – SWIM, camps that include swimming daily or weekly as part of the schedule (not necessarily a swimming camp)
💲. – CCRS accepted at this camp
🕗. – EXTENDED DAY, before/after care available for a fee
Jump to camps by name: Active Illini Day Camp | Academy High | Allerton Park Summer Day Camp | Amara Yoga & Arts | Camp Countryside | Camp Kiwanis | Campus Cooperative Preschool | Champaign County Forest Preserve District | Champaign Park District | Class Act | D-BAT Champaign Baseball/Softball Camp | I-Power Gymnastics and Ninja | Illinois Makerlab | Illinois Volleyball Camps | Indian Acres | Parkland College for Kids & DiscoverU | Stephens Family YMCA | University High School Summer Enrichment Camp | Urbana Fine Arts Center | Urbana Park District | Words on Fire Writing Camp for Teens
ACTIVE
ACTIVE CAMPS may include sports camps, swim camps, martial arts and play-based day camps
Many summer camps include physical activity; these stand out as having the most physical activity as part of their day-to-day schedule.
Illinois Volleyball Camps 😎
Head to Historic Huff Hall for another summer of Illinois Volleyball Camps! The Illinois Volleyball staff and its student-athletes will help you learn and fine-tune all the skills to becoming an elite volleyball player!
Dates: June 7, 8, 13, 14, 21, 22; July 12, 13, 19, 20.
Each day, session I runs from 10 a.m. – noon and session II runs 1 – 3 p.m.
Ages served: 10-18 years old
Location: Huff Hall, 1206 S 4th St, Champaign
For more information: Website
Active Illini Day Camp
Active Illini Day Camp engages participants in active and collaborative programming, including recreational sports, swimming, rock-climbing, independent and organized crafts, board games/puzzles, and instructional cooking/nutrition exercises. In addition to daily activities, Active Illini Day Camp also takes weekly field trips around the Urbana campus, giving campers the opportunity to experience the many amenities the university has to offer.
Dates: Monday, June 2 – Friday, August 1
No camp Monday, June 30 – Friday, July 4
Operating hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Drop off: 7:30-8 a.m., pick up: 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Ages served: Rising 1st graders – rising 6th graders
Location: Campus Recreation Center East (CRCE), 1102 W Gregory Dr, Urbana
For more information: Website, Facebook or Instagram
I-Power Gymnastics and Ninja 😎 🖍 🕗 💦
I-Power Gymnastics & Ninja camps keep your camper active & engaged, enjoying fitness & friends all summer! Each day, campers work on gymnastics & play active group games. Their days include themed games & activities, crafts, movie/rest time, and playtime both indoor & out. Preschool camp includes gymnastics, ninja, group activities, creative learning, theme activities including music, games, water fun, and crafts.
Dates
School Age Camp for ages 5-13, runs 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., (early drop off & late pick up available)
Preschool Camp for ages 3-5, runs 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Ages served: 3-13
Location: I-Power School of Gymnastics, 215 S. Staley Rd., Champaign
For more information: Website
Stephens Family YMCA 💦 🕗 😎 💲
As the warmer days approach, it’s time to ignite the spark of excitement in your child’s summer! Imagine their laughter echoing outdoors, new friendships blossoming, and unforgettable experiences waiting to unfold.
Stephens Family YMCA summer camp registration is not just about signing up for a program; it’s an investment in your child’s growth, resilience, and joy.
Camp information and the camp program guide will be released in January/February.
Financial assistance is available through the Stephens Family YMCA and CCRS.
The Y also offers scholarships for those who may need financial assistance.
Ages Served: K – 8th grade
Location: Stephens Family YMCA, 2501 Fields South Dr., Champaign
For more information: Website, Facebook or call (217) 359-9622
Urbana Park District 🖍 💦 🕗 😎
The Urbana Park District is offering a wide range of summer camps, including creative, nature, sports and more. Find details on all camp offerings in the program guide here. Registration for camps is already open, with Super Early Bird Prices in effect through April 1.
Dates: June 9 – August 8. Camp hours vary between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., with full and part day options available.
Ages Served: 3-15
Location: Urbana Park District
For More Information: Website or Facebook
Academy High 😎
At Academy High’s Summer Camps, rising middle school students entering grades 6 through 8 in fall 2025 can experience a dynamic blend of fun and learning. These hands-on camps are taught by experienced Academy High faculty and talented instructors from the local community, offering an engaging environment where curiosity meets creativity. Academy High provides a range of half-day programs, which can be combined to create a full-day experience, allowing students to explore their interests while building new skills and friendships.
Dates: June 9 – 13
Full Day: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Half Day Options: 9 a.m. – noon or 1 – 4 p.m.
Students may combine multiple half-day options to create a full-day experience. Full-day participants will have an hour lunch break from noon to 1 p.m., during which quiet activities will be available. Students may be dropped off up to 15 minutes before camp begins and must be picked up within 15 minutes of the camp’s conclusion.
Ages served: Rising 6th-8th graders
Location: Academy High, 2001 Fox Drive, Champaign
For more information: Website, Facebook or Instagram
Campus Cooperative Preschool 🖍
Campus Cooperative Preschool Summer Camp is a play-based half-day program for children ages 3-6 years old (may have availability for 2 yo some weeks). Each week is focused around an exciting theme with daily crafts, music, story time, outdoor play, water play (weather permitting) and fun with friends! Camp runs for 6 weeks, campers can come for one, some or all weeks! CCP is staffed with experienced teachers who are trained in the Conscious Discipline Approach.
Dates:
June 2-6: CCP Goes Camping
June 9-13: CCP in Outer Space
June 16-20: Ocean Weak
June 23-27: Summer Fun
June 30: July 3: America’s Birthday
July 7-11: Pirate Week
Times: 8 a.m. – noon
Ages served: 3-6 year olds (may have some availability for 2 year olds)
Location: Wesley United Methodist Church, 1203 W Green St, Urbana
For more information: Website or Facebook
D-BAT Champaign Baseball/Softball Camp
D-BAT Champaign is your ultimate destination for everything baseball and softball. Their summer camp for boys and girls ages 6-12 will run every weekday from the first week of June through the middle of August from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Every camp will include fun, games, competitions and instruction in all areas of baseball and softball. Their instructors are the best in the area and will keep players actively engaged. Sign up for a single day, for a week or for the whole summer! Membership discounts apply.
Dates: Anticipated dates are June 2 – August 8, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Ages served: 6 – 12 years old
Location: D-BAT Baseball and Softball Academy, 1912 Glenn Park Drive, Champaign
For more information: Website, Facebook or Instagram
CREATIVE
CREATIVE CAMPS may include camps that focus on drama, music, the arts and more
While many camps incorporate creative activities into their day, these camps feature it as a key component of their programming.
Champaign Park District 💦 💲 🕗 😎
Champaign Park District offers camps at three convenient locations for ages 6-12.
Participant packets must be completed and submitted by the first day at drop off before a child can attend. Packets are both online and at the facilities for pickup. Scholarships are available.
Summer Youth Program information and pricing for 2025 is coming soon! Registration is opening earlier than ever before on February 10.
Adventure Explorers Camp at Douglass Community Center and Leonhard Recreation Center
Each week Champaign Park District offers daily activities like sports, arts and crafts, fitness, outdoor activities, swimming, field trips, and so much more! Each child should bring a water bottle, swimsuit, and towel daily. Children need to bring their own lunch, please no peanuts/nut products.
Creative Kids at Springer Cultural Center
Put your creative hands and minds to work and join the fun. Along with traditional activities, swimming, and field trips, this exciting camp offers children an introduction to the arts, crafts, dance, and performing arts by specialized instructors. Each participant should bring a water bottle daily, a nut-free snack for morning and afternoon, and lunch. Swimming will be held at Sholem Aquatic Center.
Champaign Park District also offers camps to preschool-age kids at Springer Cultural Center. Part-time or all day, build the summer preschool camp that works best for you! Preschoolers can enjoy indoor and outdoor activities, music, arts, crafts, story time, and snacks. Different activities will be provided daily.
Champaign Park District even has a unique camp for teens! Teen Trailblazers Camp (meet at Leonhard Recreation Center) Two weekly summer camps with different themes! “Pedal & Explore” and “Trips & Travel” camps will have your teen active and engaged all summer long.
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Ages served: 6-12
Location: Champaign Park District
For more information: Website
Amara Yoga & Arts
Kids Camp at Amara will be a blend of art and yoga in a fun and relaxed environment. Activities will be open–ended and provide an opportunity for the kids to feel empowered and be themselves. Kids will learn basic yoga elements through focused breathing, play, storytelling, balance, meditation, and creative visualization. At Amara, they want the kids to have a stress free, magical, safe environment where they can grow and flourish.
Each week will have a theme that will inspire exploration through art making activities using all kinds of materials and will be loosely directed by the teachers so kids can have ownership of their own creative process. Projects will include elements of drawing, painting, sculpture, knitting, weaving, sewing and mutimedia design and construction. Children will be introduced to the practice of long term art projects that need to be accomplished in stages and take many days to complete. Dates
Camp hours 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Week 1 – June 2 – 6 – Marvelous Monsters and Super Heroes
Week 2 – June 9 – 13 – Blast off to Inner and Outer Space
Week 3 – June 16 – 20 – Bubbles, Orbs and Buddha Paintings
Week 4 – June 23 – 27 – Public Art and Famous Paintings
Week 5 – July 7 – 11 – All Kinds of Self Portraits 2D, 3D, 4D!
Week 6 – July 14 – 18 – Magical Mandalas & Wands Plus a Dragon or 2
Week 7 – July 21 – 25 – Treasure Boxes and Treasures – Maps and Hunts Included
Week 8 – July 28 – Aug 1 – Sewing, Weaving and Yarn Art
Week 9 – Aug 4 – 8 – Magical Mystical Creatures and their Homes
Ages served: 5-12
Location: Amara Yoga & Arts – Vine St. side of Lincoln Square entrance on the outside of the mall, Urbana
For more information: Website, Facebook, Instagram or call (217) 417-2591
Class Act 😎
Class Act performing arts school offers camps and year-round classes that help young people develop confidence and creativity through theatre! Camp themes include: Musical Theatre, Acting, Improvisation & Theatre Games, Circus Arts, Skit City, Audition Technique, and more!
“Put on a Musical” camp (by audition) takes place June 16-27 at Countryside School.
Each camp meets for one or two weeks, 9 a.m.-noon or 1-4 p.m. Some full-day camps will be offered for ages 8+.
Dates
June 9 – August 1
Full schedule coming soon! Each camp meets for one or two weeks, with half and full-day options.
Ages served: 4-17
Location: Academy High, 2001 Fox Drive, Champaign
For more information: Website or Facebook
Urbana Fine Arts Center 🕗
The Urbana Fine Arts Center offers classes and activities in dance and art, taught by experienced teachers and professional artists. They provide high quality ballet instructions, focused on the needs of each student, in a warm and safe environment.
Dates
June 2 to July 25, Mondays to Fridays (no activities on July 4)
Full days: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Half day mornings: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Half days afternoons: 1 to 4 p.m.
Early drop 0ff at 8 a.m., late pick up at 5:30 p.m.
Ages served: 6 to 12 years old
Location: 2860 Philo Road, Suite H, Urbana
For more information: Website, Facebook or Instagram
Words on Fire Writing Camp for Teens 😎
At Words on Fire, teens retreat to a beautiful natural setting for a week to learn the art of writing stories. Each day, author Alice McGinty leads interactive sessions teaching character development, plot, and voice, along with mystery writing, fantasy, and more. This year’s theme is “Inner Journey: Crafting Your Character’s Path. Evening bonfires, hikes and play in the creek, and tie dying fill the week with fun.
Dates
Session 1 – Monday June 9 – Friday, June 13, girls entering grades 6-8
Session 2 – Monday, June 16 – Friday, June 20, girls entering grades 7–9
Session 3 – Monday, June 23 – Friday, June 27, girls entering grades 10-12, and boy day campers
Session 4 – Monday, August 4 – Friday, August 8, girls dntering grades 7-10, and boy day campers
Overnight and day camper spots available. Day camp runs 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. with a bonfire Thursday night.
Ages served: Entering grades 6-12
Location: McGinty Cabin, 7119 E. 1450 North, Fairmount
For more information: Website or Facebook
EDUCATIONAL
EDUCATIONAL CAMPS may include STEM/STEAM camps, programs with an academic emphasis and camps that focus on certain professions, trades or skills
Education can happen in a number of ways (including spending time outside and in creative, unstructured moments); the camps in this category have more of an emphasis on curriculum/instruction as part of their camp programming.
Camp Countryside 😎
Camp Countryside is open to ANY student from ANY school. Choose from enrichment camps in STEM, fantasy, performance, fitness, art, global cultures, journalism, sports, and much more – including Scavenger Hunt, Put on a Musical, Art Exploration, Adventure Theater, Mythical Creatures, Basketball, Tennis, The Art of Falling, and the exceptionally popular Footprints (local exploration/field trips).
Dates
Week-long camps: June 2 to July 3 (no camp June 19 or July 4), Monday through Friday
Ages served: Entering Kindergarten – 9th grade.
Location: Countryside School, 4301 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign,
For more information: Website, Facebook or Instagram or call (217) 355-1253
Illinois Makerlab At Gies College of Business 😎
At the Illinois Makerlab, they help turn ideas into objects using 3D printing. Campers learn how to 3D model, 3D print and even build in minecraft and print real life objects. New this year is a camp on using GenerativeAI to create 3D models. Just say it and the AI tool makes the model!
Dates
First week of June until end of July.
Multiple dates. Five days a week, 3 hours a day for one camp. Early bird discounts available!
Ages served: 9-16 years old
Location: Business Instructional Facility, Room 3030, 515 E. Gregory, Champaign
For more information: Website or Instagram
Parkland College for Kids & DiscoverU 😎
Parkland College presents exciting youth and teen camps to fill the summer days! College for Kids are two-week half-day camps for ages 6–13 that offer fun and engaging STEAM classes in coding, technology, visual and performing arts, culinary, math, science, and much more. DiscoverU, the teen programming, offers students 12-18 the opportunity to explore camps that may lead to potential careers and help develop and build key skills for the future in Parkland’s state-of-the art facilities. Registration opens February 14 with Early Bird Discount through March 13. Scholarships available. See camp website for over 70 camps!
Dates
College for Kids
June 16-26; 12:45 – 2:45 p.m. and 3 – 5 p.m.
July 7-17; 12:45 – 2:45 p.m. and 3 – 5 p.m.
DiscoverU Teen Programming Week-long STEAM camps
Various weeks, June 2-July 25
Ages served: 6 – 18 years old
Location: Parkland College, 2400 W. Bradley, Champaign
For more information: Website, Facebook or Instagram
University High School Summer Enrichment Camp
Uni Summer Camp classes are taught on a wide variety of subjects by school faculty and students, as well as community experts. It is open to students entering 5th, 6th, and 7th grades. Uni Summer Camp welcomes students from all backgrounds and ethnicities, including those from populations that are typically underrepresented at the university/college level.
Dates
Camp held Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Week 1: Jun 2 – 6
Week 2: Jun 9 – 13
Students can register for one or both weeks.
Ages served: Students entering 5th, 6th or 7th grades
Location: University of Illinois Laboratory High School, 1212 W. Springfield Ave., Urbana
For more information: Website
OUTDOOR
OUTDOOR CAMPS conduct nearly all of their camp activities outdoors (weather permitting) during the summer
It may seem like nearly all of the camps in this post have outdoor activities and that may in fact be true; the camps on this list identify as “outdoor camps” in that nearly all of the camp activities (weather permitting) are held outside.
Indian Acres Swim Club 😎 🖍 💦 🕗
Indian Acres Swim Day Camp is the longest standing day camp in the C-U area, known for its excellence in swim instruction. They meet your child in their current skills and work with them at their level to increase confidence and ability in the water. Now offering a full day option in addition to their very popular 1/2 day option! Indian Acres Swim Day Camp is a traditional outdoor camp that focuses on physical activity and fun!
Dates: 10 weeks, beginning June 2 and continuing through August 8
Ages served: 3-13
Location: Indian Acres Swim Club, 1 Arrow Road, Champaign
For more information: Website or call (217) 352-9538; Facebook and Instagram
Allerton Park Summer Day Camp 💦 🕗
Allerton Summer Day Camps get campers ages 5-7 years (Acorns) and 8-11 years (Adventurers) outside all day to discover art, nature, and science through hands-on exploration. Campers will spend their time doing whole-group and small-group, structured and camper-led exploration activities in the great outdoors. The Adventurers age group will also spend two afternoons per week at the Monticello Family Aquatic Center. Allerton Park’s Summer Day Camp will provide campers opportunities to learn new skills, exercise responsibility, and understand their place the natural world – in addition to playing games, making new friends, and having a whole lot of fun!
Dates: June 9 through August 8, no camp the week of June 30 – July 4.
Camp is 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Extended Day available from 7-8 a.m. and 3-5:30 p.m. for an additional cost.
Ages served: 5-11 years old
Location: Allerton Park and Retreat Center, 515 Old Timber Rd, Monticello
For more information: Website
Camp Kiwanis 💲 🕗
Head to Camp Kiwanis for summer day camp as you explore create arts, canoeing, archery, hiking and much more! They offer weeks filled with diverse themes and enriching experiences. Girls will spend their days learning and having fun among nature’s beauty, creating memories and life long friends. They prioritize accessibility, offering flexible pricing and camp scholarships to ensure all girls can participate in the magic of summer camp.
Dates: June 9 through August 1
Ages served: 1st through 5th grade
Location: Camp Kiwanis, 301 Sugar Ln, Mahomet
For more information: Website, Facebook or Instagram
Champaign County Forest Preserve District 😎 🖍
Champaign County Forest Preserves offers summer camp programs for kids ages 3-12 centering around nature, cultural history, and golf.
Dates: Various camps will take place weekly through June and July.
Ages served: 3-12 years old; golf camps are 8-17 years old
Location: Lake of the Woods, Mahomet, Homer Lake, Homer and Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, Penfield
For more information: Website, Facebook or Instagram
Get ready for summer in Champaign-Urbana:
