Summer Programs

For more information, dates, times and pricing and to register CLICK HERE

For ACES 2023 Summer Bucket List CLICK HERE

'ACES Annex' Monday-Thursday Camps 9:15am-12:15pm

Nature Investigations Camp -Week 1 (06/05/2023-06/08/2023) – AGES 4 to 10

**Campers may register for the full week of camp (M-Th) or register for individual topics during the week.**

Kids have their own way of investigating, experimenting, and exploring nature. Students ages 4-10 can join us for a morning to meet new friends, explore a new daily topic related to nature and learn in a fun and relaxed environment.

Marvels of Science (06/12/2023-06/15/2023) – AGES 4 to 10

**Campers may register for the full week of camp (M-Th) or register for individual topics during the week.**

Looking for a way to squeeze in some summer learning? Students ages 4-10 can join us for 3 hours each morning (bring a snack!) to meet new friends, explore the topic for the day and learn in a fun and relaxed environment. Sign up for one day or join us for all sessions!

Nature Investigations Camp -Week 2 (06/19/2023-06/22/2023) – AGES 4 to 10

**Campers may register for the full week of camp (M-Th) or register for individual topics during the week.**

Kids have their own way of investigating, experimenting, and exploring nature. Students ages 4-10 can join us for a morning to meet new friends, explore a new daily topic related to nature and learn in a fun and relaxed environment.

Marvels of History (06/26/2023-06/29/2023) – AGES 4 to 10

**Campers may register for the full week of camp (M-Th) or register for individual topics during the week.**

Looking for a way to squeeze in some summer learning? Students ages 4-10 can join us for 3 hours each morning (bring a snack!) to meet new friends, explore the topic for the day and learn in a fun and relaxed environment. Sign up for one day or join us for all sessions!

'ACES Downtown-15 West' Monday-Thursday Camps 10am-12pm

Teen Drama Camp (06/05/2023-06/08/2023) – AGES 12 to 17

Junior Drama Camp (06/26/2023-06/29/2023) – AGES 6 to 11

Students will explore what it’s like to be an actor or actress. Throughout the week, they will: – learn stage directions
– have script reading and writing 
– learn tips for monologues and dialogues
– do stage movements 
– stay “in character”
– learn to react to another actor or action in the scene.

On the last day, Thursday at noon, parents and friends are invited to see the students perform.

'ACES Downtown' Monday-Thursday Camps 9am-12pm

Harry Potter Camp (06/05/2023-06/08/2023) – AGES 6 to 12

Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff or Slytherin…In which House do YOU belong? Make your own wand, create potions, conduct experiments. Compete in daily challenges, compete in House games and scavenger hunts. Camp open to wizards and muggles alike!

Green Thumbs: How Does Your Garden Grow? (06/12/2023-06/15/2023) – AGES 6 to 12

Kids dig in to an immersive garden experience, learning about the planting and growing of fruits, vegetables and plants, during this camp. Learn about gardening from seeds to soil, compost and harvesting and what a garden needs to thrive!

Art Escapades (06/19/2023-06/22/2023) – AGES 6 to 12

A confidence-boosting STEM summer camp where kids build creative inventions and lasting friendships. Blending learning and fun, campers will exercise critical thinking as they collaborate, communicate and create solutions to several different challenges throughout the week!

Gone Squatchin’ A Bigfoot Mystery Camp (06/26/2023-06/29/2023) – AGES 6 to 12

Something strange has been happening at an old mansion not far from ACES. A safe found open and the contents missing. Unusual noises and footprints have been reported from the scene. Legend has it a big hairy creature suspected to be Bigfoot was recently spotted in the area. You haven’t seen anything out of the ordinary, have you? 

We need need the help of keen and curious young sleuths to help solve the case. 

Mysteries of Science Camp (07/10/2023-07/13/2023) – AGES 6 to 12

Chemistry and Physics are the amazing science themes that we will explore in this camp for both beginning and more experienced scientists. The thinkers, explorers, and nature lovers will find a home in this camp!

Mysteries of History (07/17/2023-07/20/2023) – AGES 6 to 12

Try your hand at solving four true unsolved mysteries from history. Using Jane Yolen’s series, campers will uncover the clues surrounding these long unsolved historical mysteries: The Mary Celeste, The Lost Colony of Roanoke, The Wolf Girls and The Salem Witch Trials. Current theories will be shared and campers will develop their own theories based on historical facts.

An intriguing camp for history (and mystery!) buffs alike!

“321 Blast Off” Space Camp (07/24/2023-07/27/2023) – AGES 5-12

Space Camp participants will learn and experience many different aspects of life as an astronaut, working in the space program and exploring places beyond Earth! Ask big questions about the universe and get your hands dirty with crater models as you become a top notch astronomer. From building rockets to exploring astronaut life, this camp will be out-of-this world!

Freshwater Science: Creek Life! (07/31/2023-08/03/2022) – AGES 4 to 12

Dig deep into the ecology and conservation of the Waubonsee Creek Watershed! Campers will be immersed in nature, from our basecamp at ACES, to Hudson Crossing Park  and the surrounding woodland area. We’ll learn all about the local plants and animals. Get ready to get your hands dirty as we work with natural materials, investigate the health of our waterways, and join the effort to keep our creek beautiful!

'ACES Downtown' One-Day Camps 9am-2pm

In this one-day camp, students will learn about animal, plant and insect life cycles through a series of fun projects and activities.

Every place on earth–from the hottest desert to the coldest tundra–is home to a wide range of living creatures. Join us as we explore the amazing variety of animal homes around the world!

In this one-day camp, budding geologists will learn about Illinois’ natural history. Campers will search for common Illinois rock specimens in and around Waubonsee Creek. We will learn about the rock cycle and the glacial history of our area. Campers will also enjoy learning map, compass and GPS skills and will explore a local geocache! 

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