Big City Day Camp
Big City Day Camp
Check back in early 2020 for information on Summer 2020 programming.
For children who thrive on adventure, Big City Day Camp offers a summer full of discovery and exploration. We take advantage of everything Chicago has to offer, from water parks to canoe trips to cooking classes – and of course, plenty of trips to the beach for sandcastles and splashing around.
Campers at Big City Day Camp also enjoy regular swim lessons with American Red Cross certified instructors. Our own camp counselors assist small groups of campers in the water, under the guidance of the lead swim instructor. We evaluate each camper’s level of comfort in the water on the first day of camp and provide tailored instruction to make sure every child has a positive experience.
When they’re not out and about, Big City Day Campers spend time at the Center on Halsted telling stories, crafting art projects, learning yoga poses, singing songs, and more! We also host workshops where children learn about sports, arts and crafts, and more from top-notch experts. In past years, we’ve worked with BrainArts Productions, Design Dance, Knuckleball Comedy, First Tee, Runaway Circus, and more. On Fridays, campers enjoy an inclusive Shabbat celebration and a cookout to end the week with a bang. Children come home from Big City Day Camp excited, happy, and ready to talk your ear off about all the adventures they had.
Our fantastic staff members all bring their own special interests and talents to share with Big City Day Campers for a one-of-a-kind experience. Big City Day Camp at JCYS is staffed by experienced counselors from all different backgrounds, including music, acting, athletics, and dance. With our highly qualified staff and small group sizes, parents can rest assured that their child is in good hands.
Campers in Big City Day Camp are divided into groups by age:
Trekkers, our youngest campers, entering kindergarten in Fall
Wheelers, entering grades 1–2 in Fall
Fliers, entering grades 3–4 in Fall
Rovers, entering grades 5–8 in Fall
Location and Transportation
Big City Day Camp is based at the Center on Halsted (3656 N. Halsted). Before-camp care is available at the Center on Halsted starting at 7:45 a.m. After-camp care is available at nearby Gill Park, just a short walk from the Center on Halsted with no major street crossings, from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Before- and after-camp care is provided for an additional fee.
A Camp for the Whole Family
Big City Day Camp is truly a family camp – parents are welcome to join the JCYS community and get involved in the life of the camp. We do our best to accommodate all parents’ schedules, with before- and after-camp care options. A highlight of the summer is Family Night, where kids put on a show with music and dancing for their parents
Camp Options
| Summer 2019 Rates | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Program Type | Weekly Payment | Full Program Payment |
| June 17 – August 16 | Regular Camp Session (K–8) | $475 | $4,275 |
| June 17 – August 16 (M/W/F) | Kindergarten Camp | $285 | $2,565 |
Customize your Camp Experience
| Summer 2019 Rates | ||
|---|---|---|
| PROGRAM TYPE | WEEKLY PAYMENT | FULL PROGRAM PAYMENT |
| Before Camp (7:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.) | $35 | $315 |
| After Camp (3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.) | $130 | $1,170 |
| Kindergarten Before Camp (7:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.) | $20 | $180 |
| Kindergarten After Camp (3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.) | $80 | $720 |