2013 Summer Youth Programs | Boone County, Illinois

 

2013 BOONE COUNTY SUMMER PROGRAMS

Have a Safe & Fun Summer!

Belvidere Park District

The Belvidere Park District is offering a variety of affordable, safe, and fun activities for Summer 2013!  Our summer activities include Boone County Arts Council Sunday Concert Series at the Baltic Mill Stage, open swim at William Grady Pool, swimming lessons for all ages and abilities, Flick ‘n Float events at the pool, summer camps, leaders in training (designed to help young teens develop self-esteem and confidence and the ability to assume responsibilities), youth t-ball and bantam ball, tennis, archery, golf, disc golf, rock climbing at Rivers Edge, running programs, a Kids Triathlon and Triathlon Training Program (ages 6-13), neighborhood picnics, Family Kite Fly, and other programs and special events geared towards youth, teens, and families of the Belvidere community.  For a detailed list of offerings, pick up a copy of “The Go Guide” at the Belvidere Park District at 1006 W. Lincoln Avenue; Rivers Edge Recreation Center at 1151 W. Locust; or visit www.belviderepark.org for more details.

Belvidere YMCA

The Belvidere YMCA youth camps offer a fun, safe, and nurturing environment. Open to children from 5 to 17 years old, the Belvidere YMCA offers an assortment of activities from sport camps and swimming to field trips through Camplotsofun.  View a guide at www.belviderefamilyymca.org or at the YMCA on 220 W. Locust.   

Boone County Conservation District

The Boone County Conservation District is hosting environmentally oriented camps.  Each week offers a new theme and activities, such as fishing, crafts, swimming, and a field trip. Contact (815) 547-7935 or by e-mail at Tcraig@boonecountyconservationdistrict.org for more information.

Program: Camp Redwing (ages: 6 to 11)

Dates: Monday through Friday for 5 weeks.  June 24 - Aug 2.  No camp the week of July 4th.

Attend 1 week or all 5 weeks.  Times:  9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.    Location:  Spencer Park

$100 per week for residents; $120 per week for non-residents. 

Program: Camp Duck Tails (ages: 4 and 5)

Dates: Thursdays, June 27 - August 1.  No camp the week of July 4th.

Each week a new nature theme is introduced.  Includes story time, snack time, family night, a field trip, and of course, play time.  Attend 1 session or all 5 sessions.

Times: 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.    Location: Spencer Park

$60 per week for residents; $70 per week for non-residents.    

Boone County 4-H Robotics

Boone County 4-H Robotics (a/k/a Flaming Monkeys) is offering a NXT Lego Mindstorms robotics camp.  Campers will build, design and program a robot to compete in the final day’s sumo wrestling competition. The campers will also learn about the field of robotics and the team’s current Frisbee throwing robot and other related activities.  This is a half-day camp.  Enrolled campers who are also Boy Scouts will have the opportunity to earn their Robotic Merit Badge.  The additional requirements will be covered in an additional half hour after camp completion on three of the camp days at no additional cost. The Flaming Monkeys are a 4-H club composed of area high-school-aged youth that work with engineers to design, build, program, and compete in the First Robotic Competition (FRC).  Proceeds of the camp will go towards the team’s competition budget.  Visit www.FMOB3352.com for more details.

Dates: June 24-28, Times: 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for grades 4-6; 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. for grades 6-8 Location:  Belvidere Township Meeting Room, 8200 Fairgrounds Road   Cost: $75    

Boys & Girls Club of Rockford

Boys & Girls Club offers many programs for youth in the Rockford area including Character and Leadership Development, Education and Career Development, Health and Life Skills, The Arts, and Sports, Fitness and Recreation. Affordable to all youth.  Please contact the individual club locations for additional information, or call the administration office at (815) 972-5973or visit  www.rockfordboysandgirlsclub.org for program updates.

Boy Scouts of America—Blackhawk Area Council

It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America to prepare young people to make ethical choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the timeless values of the Scout Oath and Law.  Call (815) 397-0210 or visit www.blackhawkscouting.org for more information.

Coon Creek Casters

Coon Creek Casters has a rod and real loaner program.  Kids who do not having fishing equipment can borrow a rod and reel from the Conservation District office and fish at the Conservation District ponds.  Coon Creek Casters also has a number of summer events for kids ages 5 to 15.  Visit www.cooncreekcasters.org.

Program:  Annual Coon Creek Carp-A-Thon Fishing

Date:  August 3rd   Location:  UAW Hall on Chrysler Drive       Cost: $3.00

Every kid will receive a fishing equipment prize plus awards.  Open to adults.

Program: Hooked on Fishing Clinic

Date: June 8th    Location:  Conservation District Pond, register at Boone County Conservation Office

It is free, and every kid will receive a fishing equipment prize and lunch.  Ages 15 and under.

4-H-University of Illinois Extension

4-H is a program for youth to learn life skills.  Youth learn how to run their own club, make their own decisions, follow through on responsibilities, and plan and carry out events.  4-H is a voluntary, informal education program for young people ages 8-18. Contact (815) 544-3710or visit http://web.extension.illinois.edu/bdo for more information.  Cost: $20 program fee.

Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois

Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois offers a wide range of summer programs that incorporate the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to engage girls in discovering themselves and their values; connecting with others in their communities and globally; and taking action to make the world a better place.  Summer programs are geared for girls entering grades 1-12.  A Girl Scout registration fee of $12 provides membership through September 30.  Financial assistance is available for the membership fee and partial program fees. For more information on all summer programs, visit www.girlscoutsni.org or call Jennifer Kingsbury at (815) 962-5591 , Ext. 7171.

•          Resident and family camp programs at Camp Dean in Big Rock, Camp McCormick in Stillman Valley, and Camp Far Horizons in Hanover, June 23-August 2

•          Boone County Day Camp, Dates TBD, Poplar Grove

•          One-day events and workshops

Immanuel Lutheran Church Summer Programs 2013

Immanuel Lutheran Church provides a safe and fun learning experience where children can grow in body, mind, and spirit.

Program:  “Let’s Rock” Music Camp

During camp, kids will learn about the Bible and have a chance to sing, dance, and act while preparing for their final performance on Saturday, June 15 at 6:00 p.m. 

Dates: June 10-14, Times: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Location: Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1225 E. 2nd St.

Cost: $15 per student (includes camp T-shirt and daily snack).  For kids entering grades 1-6.  Contact Diane Cleland at (815)544-8058 or dcleland@immanuelbelvidere.org.

Program:  The “Go Fish Guys” Gotta Move! Vacation Bible School 

During VBS, kids will get up and move while learning to keep in step with the Holy Spirit.  Provides fun and games, snacks, music, crafts, and Bible time.

Dates: July 15-18, Times: 9:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Location:  Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1225 E. 2nd St.  No Charge.  For kids 4 years old through 6th grade.  Contact Renea Grasshorn at (815) 544-5472 or fourplusmore@frontier.com. 

Immanuel North Vacation Bible School 

During VBS, kids will learn about Jesus through fun and games, snacks, music, crafts, and Bible time. 

Dates:  June 24-28, Times: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Location:  Candlewick Lake Outpost.  No charge.

For kids 4 years old through 6th grade.  Contact Nichole Gaines at (815)544-8058  or ngaines@immanuelbelvidere.org.

North Boone School District

In partnership with Invent Now, North Boone School District is pleased to offer the nationally-acclaimed Camp Invention program. This exciting, weeklong adventure in creativity immerses children in imaginative play that reinforces and supplements school-year learning in the subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). Children will work together to seek innovative solutions to real-world challenges and sharpen critical 21st century learning skills such as teamwork and creative problem solving as they rotate through four modules each day that disguise learning as fun. Working in teams, children become expedition trainees, navigating their way to special treasure-filled caches and creating solutions to challenges posed by youth from around the world.  Local educators will facilitate program modules, and enthusiastic high school and college students will serve as Leadership Interns – ensuring that one staff member is in place for every eight children.

Dates:  June 10-14, Times:  8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Location:  Poplar Grove Elementary                                          

Cost:  $220 ($215 online). Every registration includes a free Camp Invention t-shirt. For children entering grades 1-6. Availability is limited, so visit www.campinvention.org or call (800) 968-4332 to reserve your child’s spot today! 

Rockford Park District

The Rockford Park District offers a variety of free or low cost, safe, and fun activities.  Summer activities and events include playground programs, camps, swimming, and other activities for youths.  For a detailed list of offerings, visit www.rockfordparkdistrict.org.

St. John’s United Church of Christ

Bible school is available for all elementary school ages. The theme this year is “Hip-Hop Hope.” There will be games, activities, snacks, Bible stories, crafts and of course music and dancing.  Contact Reverend Muriel Morley Jahn at (815) 544-3773 or stjohnsucc401@gmail.com.

Dates:  June 3-6, Times: 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Location: 401 N. Main Street.  No charge.

The Poplar Grove Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum

The Poplar Grove Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum is dedicated to sharing their passion and knowledge of history with everyone, especially young children and students. They offer two different camps this summer. Students are strongly encouraged to attend both camps. Contact Nathan Fuller at (815) 547-3115  or Nathan.vìntagemuseum@gmail.com. All summer camps will be located at the Museum, 5151 Orth Rd., Suite A1, Poplar Grove.

Camp #1: “I Dig History”

This year’s summer camp will teach kids what it takes to be an archaeologist. Students will become familiar with mummies, learn about ancient cultures and artifacts, and will learn about Poplar Grove Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum’s own unique artifacts. The activities will range from artifact analysis and mummification to Chinese calligraphy and castle building. This camp is highly interactive and will offer kids the chance to step into the past and learn all about archaeology and the importance of preserving historical artifacts. This camp is ideal for students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades, but younger students are welcome too.  Limit 20-25 students   Dates:  June 18 and June 20    Times:  9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Cost: $10 per day per child ($16 for both sessions).

Camp #2: “American Wilderness Adventure”

This camp will take kids on a journey to our National Parks while learning all about conservation. The students will learn about the natural world through fun and interactive activities which will teach them to be good stewards of nature and why it is important to protect our nation’s wild places. Additionally, students will learn about our National Park Service and why conservation is so important to the environment.  Activities will range from learning about ecosystems and habitats, to camping activities and dealing with wild animals.  If your child is interested in nature this camp is definitely the one for them! This camp is ideal for students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades, but younger students are welcome too.  Limit 20-25 students.  Dates:  June 25 and June 27.  Times: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The cost is $14 per day per child ($20 for both sessions).

The Grange

The Grange is a family community service organization with 7 local chapters in Boone County.  The Grange provides a state youth program that includes leadership training and a state convention each year.  The Grange is very active in the community with its biggest project being the Boone County Fair, which runs from August 6-11. Children between the ages of 5 to 14 can become junior members.  Full Grange membership begins at 14.  Local Chapters also have a wide range of programs and projects.  Flora Grange is holding its 12th annual Safety Town Day Camp for children 5-8 years of age, June 11-14, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Boone County Fairgrounds.  Safety topics on biking, fire, weather, and water will be covered. The event is free. Visit www.Illinoisgrange.org to learn more about the Grange.

The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls

The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls teaches girls leadership, confidence, and citizenship through fun events and challenging workshops.  Membership is open to girls, ages 11-20. Visit http://www.gorainbow.org.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army of Belvidere provides a fun way for children to learn through its Vacation Bible School.  For more information, call Lieutenants Martha and Tomas Valladares at (815) 544-3892 . 

Dates: July 29-August 2, Location:  Salvation Army, 422 S. Main.  No charge but registration is required.   For children ages 6-12. 

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