Urbana Park District Summer Camp Review

As the weather warms up and the end of the school year inches closer, our thoughts inevitably turn to summer. Perhaps even more exciting, with vaccinations being administered at a steady pace, it feels like this summer will be much safer, particularly with it comes to socializing and getting out amongst other people. That is why we are taking a look at the upcoming Urbana Park District Summer Camps in this month’s blog.

Camps will kick off on June 7, running for 9 weeks, through August 6. Camps are available for kids as young as three and all the way up to 14, with a variety of themes from sports and arts to nature. Safety is at the forefront of everyone’s mind, and all camps will operate following public health guidelines to keep campers and camp counselors healthy and happy this summer. Let’s explore this year’s lineup. 

Nature Camps

This summer the UPD is offering two different camps that focus on giving children opportunities to discover, connect with, and ask questions about nature.

Designed for ages 6-12, Nature Camp will get kids out in the fresh air, spending their days exploring the great outdoors through hands-on investigations, field trips and more. Divided into 9 weekly themes, campers will learn all about different landscapes, like woodlands, wetlands, and prairie. They will explore Urbana’s ecology, learning about trees & soil, creeks & streams, and the different plants that grow in and around our community. They will also get to learn about bugs, critters, and other wildlife. The name of the game is: dress for a mess. Campers are going to get out and get their hands in the dirt as they foster a healthy appreciation for nature.

Kids will also get to experience traditional summer camp activities like songs, games, crafts, and swimming. Nature Camp runs Mondays through Fridays from 7:30am-3pm, including an extended Nature Camp option for those who want to continue on until 5:30pm with additional supervised recreational activities. 

For the older kids, and those who are more interested in conservation and the environment, the UPD is offering Camp FRESH, open to ages 11-14. The FRESH stands for Future Responsible Environmental Stewardship Heroes, and campers will enjoy a variety of hands-on experiences throughout the summer, in partnership with several different organizations from the Urbana-Champaign community.

For more info on Nature Camp, call Savannah at 217-384-4062, ext. 359. To learn more about Camp FRESH, call Chelsea at 217-384-4062, ext. 360

Sports Camp

For the athletes in your family (or the kids who just need to burn off a whole lotta energy), the UPD is offering Sports Camp for ages 6-12. Campers will explore a variety of sports and games, while making new friends in an active environment. They will learn new sports and show off their skills in competitions. The camp also incorporates field trips two afternoons in the pool every week at the Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center or Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center. 

Sports Camp runs from 7:30am-3pm, with an extended camp offering where campers can keep the athletic fun going from 3-5:30 pm.

For more info on Sports Camp, call Greg at 217-255-8601, ext. 305.

Arts Camps

Campers looking to develop their artistic sides will also have plenty of fun ahead of them this summer. The UPD is offering a Preschool Arts Camp for ages 3-5 and a Summer Arts Camp for ages 6-12, both running from 7:30am-3pm.

The little ones will get a chance to develop their visual and performing arts skills in this exciting camp created just for them. They will enjoy hands-on art exploration plus all kinds of activities to learn through play in a small group setting. Designed for children who no longer require a nap during the day, this camp will give kids a summer full of fun to unleash their imagination and creativity.

Campers aged 6-12 will get the chance to learn a variety of new art terms and techniques, while building valuable friendships. They are also encouraged to dress for a mess, so they can dive into these new techniques and materials to bring their artistic visions to life. Both the preschool and regular arts camps will offer an extended option from 3-5:30pm where campers can enjoy activities like games, sports, movies, and crafts or enjoy some quiet time to play with their new friends.

For more info on Arts Camps, call Niki at 217-367-1544, ext. 276.

Paying for Summer Camps:

If your family has more than one child attending any Urbana Park District camp during the same session, you are eligible for a discount of $14 per session for each additional child. For more information on the discount, call 217-367-1544, ext. 271.

An installment payment option is also available to help you fit camp fees into your budget more comfortably. To join the installment plan, you’ll first pay a $25 per camper non-refundable registration deposit, which is applied towards the full payment of the camp fee. The remainder of the fee will then be paid by pre-authorized automated credit card payment or checking account withdrawals. For more details, contact the Phillips Recreation Center Office Manager at 217-367-1544. 

Note: All camps run June 7-August 6 (with no camp on Monday, July 5 in observance of Independence Day)

Youth Scholarships

When it comes to kids and families registering for camps, classes and programs at Urbana Park District, money will not be a barrier. Through the Youth Scholarship Program, UPD helps families with financial needs cover fees for summer camps, swim lessons, dance classes and other enriching activities. Keeping all youth engaged with park programs is so important to the Urbana Parks Foundation and Urbana Park District. Introducing young people to the benefits of the parks and park programs improves physical, social, and mental health. It’s a positive impact on the child, as well as on the entire community. The youth scholarship program allows all children to participate in park district programs. 

Requests for assistance have always exceeded available funds, but recently, requests have spiked even further. Total scholarships have more than doubled over the past five years. Now, more than ever, it is important to reduce financial barriers and help youth from all families to participate in programs and services available from the Urbana Park District. Whether you live in Urbana or a surrounding community, you can make a positive impact on the youth in our community now, and in the future, by donating to the Urbana Park District Youth Scholarship Program. Make a donation today by clicking here with a note indicating your request to support the Youth Scholarship Program.

We hope this little review gets you excited about what the Urbana Park District  has to offer this summer. For more information and a link to register visit the UPD website at: https://www.urbanaparks.org/programs/summer-camps/.