Patch Picks: Five Local Summer Camps

There's no shortage of summer activities for kids in our area. Here are five of Patch's favorite local summer camps.

1. Multi-Arts Camp at 

HCA's two-week long day camp, which gives campers a glimpse of life in far-off lands and cultures, is for children ages 6 to 12. During this arts immersion camp, children will learn from HCA's music, theater, art, and dance staff, and each two week session will culminate in a performance for friends and family. Interested kids can choose to "Travel East to India," make their "Destination Spain," or visit the "Native Americans of the Northwest." For more information on session dates and camp registration, visit HCA's website.

2. Summer Day Camps at the 

The Burr Ridge Park District offers a unique opportunity for kids and parents alike. Their 2011 Summer Day Camps, for campers ages 5 to 12, will run Monday through Friday from June 6 to Aug. 19. Each week, the camp will have a different theme, from "America the Beautiful" to "Sports-A-Rama." However, busy kids don't have to commit to coming to camp for the whole summer; they can choose to attend every week, for just one week, or anywhere in between. The camp, which runs from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., even offers extended hours (7 a.m.- 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.) to accommodate kids' family schedules and other conflicts. Camp activities include weekly trips to swim at the Woods Pool, board games, daily crafts, sports at Harvester Park, and mini field trips. For more information, click here or call 630.920.1969; registration begins April 1. 

3. Summer Drama Workshop at the 

Every summer, the Children's Theatre of Western Springs offers four two-week session of their Summer Drama Workshop, each of which culminates in a theatrical performance for family and friends. This year, campers in grades 2 through 8 will put on a production of the Broadway musical "A Year With Frog and Toad: Kids." Leading up to the final performance, campers will learn the ropes of singing, dancing, and acting for musical theatre. Each day of camp begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m., with camp meeting Monday through Friday. For more information on session dates, tuition costs, and registration, click here. But hurry - registration takes place on March 10 and 12!

4. Vacation Bible School at the 

This week-long camp is for pre-school age kids through fifth graders. Campers will learn about Bible stories through activities featuring music, art, games, snack, worship, and drama exercises. The kids will also get to participate in a special VBS mission project, and on the last day of camp they get to share what they've learned with their families. Camp takes place at the end of June, from 12:45 p.m. - 3 p.m. each afternoon. For more information on Vacation Bible School, contact Penny Johnson at 630.323.4303 or pjohnson@uchinsdale.org. 

5. Summer Camps at the 

The park district's camps run from June 20 to July 28, and different activities are offered for campers of different ages. Camp Discovery, for 3-4 year olds, is perfect for kids looking for their first camp experience. Camp Discovery features theme days, and meets Monday-Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Summer Camp is for campers ages 4 to 10, and teaches campers crafts, games, and more. Summer Camp takes place Monday-Thursday from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Sports Camp, also for kids ages 4-10, gives campers experiences with a wide variety of sports and games. This camp also meets Monday-Thursday, from 1 -3 p.m. Registration for all Clarendon Hills Park District camps begins in April; click here for more information.