Taught by Ms. Erin Pleinis

Paleontology is the study of ancient life, including ancient reptiles, plants, and beyond. Learn paleo basics with lessons like Fossil Identification, Adopting a Dinosaur, A History of Paleo Art and Why it Was So Weird, a Dinosaur Timeline, and Fossil Reconstruction.

Taught by Ms. Erin Pleinis

Dig into the world of ancient creatures and uncover the mysteries of Earth's past at our Paleontology Summer Camp! Designed for high school students passionate about science and exploration, this immersive camp offers hands-on experiences in fossil excavation, site analysis, and lab work. Learn from expert paleontologists and discover how fossils tell the story of life millions of years ago. Whether you're interested in dinosaurs, ancient ecosystems, or the science of Earth's history, this camp will fuel your curiosity and inspire your scientific journey.

Taught by Mr. Matt Steadman, Middle School Science and Math Teacher

Does practice really make perfect? Will running in the rain keep you more dry than walking in the rain? Mythbusters camp is a science-focused camp based on debunking or proving myths through hands-on activities. Throughout the camp, we will conduct scientific experiments and analyze the results to find out the truth!

Taught by Mr. Justin Bailey, Teaching Assistant and Extended Day Program Facilitator

Students in this course learn to write many different styles of poetry. They will experiment with and gain an understanding of the technical principles of great poems. The final product will be either a book of several poems to take home, a performance of spoken word poetry, or both!

Taught by Mr. Stanley

Ever wondered what it would be like to have the crowd cheer as you sink a hole-in-one? Ever dreamed of the perfect putt, ricocheting off the spinning will or disc basket around a water hazard? This is an opportunity to master core golfing and disc golfing skills, analysis, strategy, and scorekeeping. Students test their skills at local miniature golf and disc golf courses. This fun and innovative take on design thinking will challenge students to think outside the box, and lunch is even included!

Taught by Mr. Matt Steadman, Middle School Science and Math Teacher

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a different time period? What the conditions were like? What the food was like? What the apparel was like? Every day students will step into a new time period where they will explore that era through games, crafts, food, and activities. Get ready to think like a caveman, be as daring a cowboy, or be as sophisticated as someone from the Renaissance.

Taught by Mr. Brian Cann

Campers will learn the basics of theater, write a short script, and rehearse and perform that script on the last day. This camp is taught by professional actor and director Brian M. Cann, who will bring his expertise from working at Disney to haunted houses, and at the front the classroom to public event planning, to the stage.

Taught by Mr. Howard Stanley

Your young Griffins will explore the world with the help of some of the greatest museums in the world! Dinosaurs, mummies, and prehistory at the Field Museum. U-Boats, trains, and planes at the Museum of Science and Industry. American Gothic, The Bedroom, and more sculptures than you can count at the Art Institute. Add an afternoon at the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Chicago History Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, and perhaps the American Writers Museum, and a fun week will be had!

Taught by Mr. Matt Steadman, Middle School Science and Math Teacher

Are you interested in solving crimes? Do detective shows fascinate you? This summer camp welcomes students interested in the field of criminal investigation, where they can learn hands-on techniques like fingerprint and bite mark analysis, crime scene investigation, evidence collection, and more. This camp allows students to explore the science behind solving real-world crimes through simulated scenarios and practical activities, providing a glimpse into potential careers in forensic science.

Taught by Mr. Andrew Mahlan, Middle School Science Teacher

Explore character building, the hero’s journey, and ultimately world building in this camp based in table top role playing. Campers will create a new character and establish its backstory, create costume or prop for the character, and engage in a game they will never forget, including a live action role play experience.

Taught by Mr. Howard Stanley

There are more than 200 distinct (and distinctive) neighborhoods that make up the 77 community areas in the city of Chicago! Explore five different neighborhoods and learn the history of the communities that built them, and how they are thriving now.

Taught by Ms. Eliese Ronke, Gifted and Enrichment Coordinator

Experience one of the greatest adventures ever written! Together, we’ll read through Watership Down by Richard Adams while we explore a combination of literature, ecology, and team-building. Each day will include activities like a Build-a-Hero Challenge or Rabbit Burrow Capture-the-Flag, read-aloud and discussion time, and a mid-afternoon snacktivity — an edible craft like Foragers Feast Trail Mix or Rabbit Tails. If you love reading, nature, and being creative, come along for our Hero’s Journey!

Taught by Ms. Catrina Hughes

Comfy Improv Camp will offer a fun, calm, easy-going environment to explore improv comedy at your own pace. Discover your authentic self and voice! Let loose with games that support you to connect with others in a safe supportive space! Explore your creativity and build your collaboration skills! Enhance your silly side! Bring cozy chairs, blankets, headphones, fidgets, etc. to stay COMFY while discovering fun with improv comedy games. This is a judgment-free zone, and all different types of learners are encouraged to check out this space if it sounds like a good fit for you.

Comfy Improv Camp is being led by Comfort Table Improv Collective Founder, Catrina Hughes, M.S., CCC-SLP. She is a passionate speech-language pathologist (SLP), current Faculty at Second City (Chicago), and recent alumnus of the Viola Spolin method of non-authoritarian theater/play education.

Taught by Ms. Vanessa Betance

This immersive one-week summer camp is designed to spark the entrepreneurial spirit in young minds aged 13-15. Through a blend of hands-on activities, expert mentorship, and real-world experiences, campers will learn the essential skills to identify opportunities, develop innovative business ideas, and launch their own ventures.

Taught by Mr. Matt Steadman, Middle School Science and Math Teacher

Everyday will explore a different cultural cuisine! At the beginning of the week, we will decide on what culture to highlight each day of the week. Then, we will build our menu focused on that specific culture. Each morning, we will gather the supplies from the local grocery store and then get to cooking. Come hungry, leave happy!