All year long, kids find themselves encased in rigid structure.
When summer comes, we give them what they desperately need — freedom to expand and evolve. At Steve & Kate’s, campers choose which activities they do, whom they do it with and for how long. For kids, this experience is pure joy. It’s also a kind of training ground for life, where they’ll need to be empowered and independent and resilient and responsible for their own decisions. Happy human-ing starts here.
Grown-ups adore freedom, too.
We’ve described the magical gift you give your kids when you empower them to make their own decisions. Now let’s talk hardcore convenience for you:
Buy a any number of days and send your kid to camp any day you want? Check.
Drop the kiddos off and pick them up whenever you want? Yup.
Long camp hours, all included? Totally.
Tasty meals and snacks, also included? You bet.
Get an automatic refund for unused days at summer’s end? For sure.
As we get closer to summer, we’ll email registered families a link to our virtual, camp orientation. This will provide important information such as our local camp drop-off & pick-up procedures, how to check-in and check-out of camp each day, what to bring (and not bring), and a few more camp details.
Campus & Accessibility Details
Burr Elementary is not ADA accessible.
Learn more about our host school: https://www.burrschool.org/
Activities
Choosing activities: the daily dilemma.
Coding. Sewing. Baking. Making. Sporting. Filming. Lounging. Every day, campers face the excruciating task of choosing from these and many more engrossing activities. Some select a mix of many. Others burrow deep into one or two. Either way, each day they face new experiences bristling with trade-offs and tantalizing possibilities.
In the early morning and late afternoon, campers ramp up and wind down with recreational choices. For the bulk of the day, children will choose from the activities listed below.
STOP-MOTION ANIMATION
Learn the craft of stop-motion animation as you create unique characters and stories to produce your own short films on our custom-built animation stages. Available within the Media Lab.
SEWING SALON
Discover or deepen your love for sewing with colorful custom fabric patterns and exciting sewing challenges. Use hand-sewing and machine sewing techniques to design and create garments, accessories, and other cloth creations!
CODING
Practice hands-on coding with our carefully selected iPad apps, designed for both early and advanced readers. These interactive programs gamify learning, making coding fun and accessible for all skill levels.
MEDIA LAB
Alongside film, coding, and robotics, you can unleash your digital creativity in the Media Lab. Explore 3D worlds with an interactive virtual reality experience or dive into interactive art apps to bring your vision to life
ROBOTICS
Leverage leading-edge robotic technology to empower your learning and problem-solving. Choose from guided activities and self-directed games, plus tools like robot landscapes and custom mazes.
BAKERY
Explore new baked creations with fillings, spices, and add-ons, as you customize your confections to satisfy your sweet and savory palate.
TINKER LAB
Tinker endlessly with a thoughtful supply of arts and crafts, custom ‘maker packs’ made to spur innovation, and even 3D pens for the coolest collaborative and take-home projects.
S&K TRADITIONS
Participate in decades-old Steve & Kate’s traditions like Find Chuckie—our beloved, elusive, rubber chicken—and Friday Pie-Day—where you can cap off a productive week by treating friends and camp staffers to a refreshing pie in the face.
SPORTS & REC
Run, jump, throw, kick, play. Get the go-kart experience or unleash with athletic equipment essentials chosen especially for your site’s unique fields and rec spaces. Team up with peers and staff to play classic sports and even make up new games!
WEEKLY SPECIALS
Jump into a new special experience every day! Whether it’s a new giant inflatable, a musical performance, a movement workshop, or a popup petting zoo, you can count on this boredom-busting daily activity to switch things up! We’ll announce our official 2026 specials lineup this spring.
WATER PLAY
There’s nothing like water play on a hot summer day! Stay cool with activities like water tag, inflatable slip n’ slides, and some giant sprinkler action. Wherever space, weather, and local water restrictions allow them, we bring it!
GAMEROOM & LOUNGE
Join friends for some get-your-wiggles-out fun playing tabletop games, building marble mazes and forts, or retreat to a quiet corner filled with satisfying sensory objects and a thoughtfully stocked bookshelf to engage all ages and interests.
At Steve & Kate’s, enough is never enough. So every week we supplement our main offering of activities with thrill-inducing weekly specials. Here’s what’s coming this summer to your location:
Jun 8–12
Monday
Disco Dome
Campers can jam out while jumping in an inflatable disco dome!
Tuesday
Keychain Workshop
Campers are invited to learn how to create various styles of keychains such as animal shaped, braided, beaded & more!
Wednesday
Water Play Games
Campers stay cool while diving into water-filled activities like balloon tosses, sprinkler runs, and splash games.
Please bring a labeled swimsuit, towel, and water shoes/sandals to participate.
Thursday
Butterfly Garden
Campers are invited to learn about Painted Lady Caterpillars then watch them grow into butterflies in our Butterfly Garden!
Friday
Slime Day!
Campers dive into sensory science as they mix, stretch, & create their own slime.
Friday
Friday, Pie Day
Since 1980 Steve & Kate’s has celebrated the end of the week with an optional whipped cream pie to the face.
Jun 15–19
Monday
Go-Kart Cruise
Campers take the driver’s seat as they cruise around in our kid-friendly, electric/pedal go-karts.
We’ll have helmets on-hand for campers to use. Alternatively families can bring a labeled helmet to use from home.
Tuesday
Junk to Art
In our Junk to Art class, campers of all ages design and create their own pieces of artwork by recycling and upcycling discarded items. Participants have hands-on guidance from Future Hearts, Minds, Dreamers’ professional Teacher Artists who inspire creative exploration, observation skills, and artistic design. You can expect your camper to practice problem solving and clear communication as well.
Wednesday
Water Play Challenges
Campers stay cool while diving into water-filled activities like balloon tosses, sprinkler runs, and splash games.
Please bring a labeled swimsuit, towel, and water shoes/sandals to participate.
Thursday
Brain to Belly Yoga
An introduction to yoga where campers stretch, breathe, and move through kid-friendly poses.
Friday
Board Game-Mania
From timeless classics to new favorites, campers join in friendly board game tournaments that focus on strategy and collaboration.
Friday
Friday, Pie Day
Since 1980 Steve & Kate’s has celebrated the end of the week with an optional whipped cream pie to the face.
Jun 22–26
Monday
Fossil Dig
Campers dig for their own “fossils” while learning about prehistoric life and the processes that preserve it.
Tuesday
Tie Dye Day
Campers roll up their sleeves to make wearable art through bright, bold designs that are uniquely theirs.
Wednesday
Derby Race
Campers are invited to saddle up on bouncing horses for a race
Thursday
Field Games
A collection of spirited outdoor challenges, from relay races to team-based competitions, designed to encourage teamwork, strategy, & team spirit.
Friday
Camp Talent Show
A camp showcase for creativity and self-expression. Campers are invited to take the stage and share their unique talents–whether that’s singing, dancing, acting, joking, juggling, or anything else.
Friday
Friday, Pie Day
Since 1980 Steve & Kate’s has celebrated the end of the week with an optional whipped cream pie to the face.
Jun 29–Jul 2
Monday
Friendship Bracelet Workshop
Learn how to make different bracelet designs to take-home and trade with your friends.
Tuesday
Slam Dunk
Campers step into a world of sports as they slam dunk and play on this sports-themed inflatable.
Wednesday
Origami Workshop
Campers fold, crease, and transform paper into animals, shapes, and creative surprises through the Japanese art of origami.
Thursday
Butterfly Garden
Campers will revisit their Butterfly Garden to feed the butterflies while learning about their habitat & diet.
Jul 6–10
Monday
Bulk Birdmaking
Our team of hero sewists make simple 4- to 5-inch bird bases with recycled fabric. These bird bases become canvases for bird conservation artworks handcrafted by people across the country.
Tuesday
Cow Milking Contest
Two campers sit on the “milking stools” and race against each other to fill their pails.
Wednesday
Make-Your-Own Lava Lamp
Campers will be able to create their own mini lava lamps [using baby oil and food coloring].
Thursday
Red Clay Dance
Campers can learn some base-level dance skills from Chicago’s own Red Clay Dance Company
Friday
Double Gameshow
What better way to get through the week than a double game show? Double the chances to win, double the fun.
Jul 13–17
Monday
Slackline Chicago
Campers can learn about balance through the art of slacklining!
Tuesday
Sun Prints / Cyanotypes
Campers use sunlight and special materials to create unique, photo-like prints—exploring creativity through a hands-on art and science experience.
Wednesday
Bubble Pop Party
Create millions of bubbles with wands, blowers, and special bubble tools for an amazing outdoor party.
Thursday
Inflatable Twister
Campers can enjoy the classic game of Twister on an inflatable gameboard!
Friday
Camper Showcase
Campers will have an opportunity to show-off all of the amazing projects they’ve made while at camp.
Jul 20–24
Monday
Glow Dance Party
Campers light up the dance floor with music, movement, and glow-themed fun in this high-energy dance party experience.
Monday–Thursday
Slip N Slide
Campers stay cool as they race & slide down our inflatable slip ‘n slide–weather permitting.
Tuesday
Archery
Campers take aim at creative targets on the archery range, building focus, coordination, & confidence in a spirited environment.
Thursday
Birding with Audubon
Join Audubon to learn about birding in your own backyard through crafts projects.
Friday
Foam Guy
Join Chicago’s Foam Guy for a foam party!
Jul 27–31
Monday
Mini Golf
A portable mini golf experience where campers practice coordination and enjoy friendly competition in a fun, interactive setting.
Monday–Thursday
Slip N Slide
Campers stay cool as they race & slide down our inflatable slip ‘n slide–weather permitting.
Please bring a labeled swimsuit, towel, and water shoes/sandals to participate.
Tuesday
Julian the Magician
Campers can join Julian at 2pm for a Magic Show!
Wednesday
Slime Workshop
Campers dive into sensory science as they mix, stretch, & create their own slime.
Friday
Friday, Pie Day
Since 1980 Steve & Kate’s has celebrated the end of the week with an optional whipped cream pie to the face.
Aug 3–7
Monday
Glitter Tattoos
Campers can visit our pretend tattoo parlor for a temporary glitter tattoo.
Monday–Wednesday
Slip N Slide
Campers stay cool as they race & slide down our inflatable slip ‘n slide–weather permitting.
Tuesday
Rock Art
A simple, hands-on craft where kids paint and decorate rocks—turning ordinary stones into camp-themed keepsakes.
Wednesday
Double Gameshow!
What better way to get through the week than a double game show? Double the chances to win, double the fun.
Friday
Carnival Day
On the last day of camp we’ll trade in our traditional activities for a giant, end-of-summer celebration! Get excited for carnival games, extra treats, and plenty of chances to win prizes.
Youngest campers fly solo, but there’s a net.
Most kids take to life at Steve & Kate’s like the naturally hardy individuals they are. For some, especially our younger campers, it can take a little longer to get their wings. That’s why each camp has staff dedicated specifically to supporting our youngest campers. Helping these campers discover their camp magic is the whole point of our Youngest Camper Support Staff, and every time it’s exhilarating to behold.
Food
Eat your heart out. (It’s included.)
Life without delicious food sucks. That’s why our cuisine de camp features a mouth-watering array of tasty, nourishing grub. In partnership with fan favorite restaurants, we keep kids fired up with food they love — from piping hot pizza to salubrious Caesar salads to tangy tomato soup, and much more. Our menus include rotating specials as well as healthy snacks and sides kids can grab whenever their fuel gauge dips into the red. Chomp, chomp. Munch, munch.
What’s on the menu.
MONDAY
Beef Chili
(GF)(DF)(EF)(SF)
Caesar Salad
Cheese Pizza
(VG)
Creamy Tomato Soup
(VG)(GF)(EF)(SF)
Plain Bagel with Cream Cheese
(VG)(EF)(SF)
Turkey & Cheese Sandwich
(EF)
TUESDAY
Beef Chili
(GF)(DF)(EF)(SF)
Caesar Salad
Cheese Pizza
(VG)
Creamy Tomato Soup
(VG)(GF)(EF)(SF)
Plain Bagel with Cream Cheese
(VG)(EF)(SF)
Turkey & Cheese Sandwich
(EF)
WEDNESDAY
Beef Chili
(GF)(DF)(EF)(SF)
Caesar Salad
Cheese Pizza
(VG)
Creamy Tomato Soup
(VG)(GF)(EF)(SF)
Plain Bagel with Cream Cheese
(VG)(EF)(SF)
Turkey & Cheese Sandwich
(EF)
THURSDAY
Beef Chili
(GF)(DF)(EF)(SF)
Caesar Salad
Cheese Pizza
(VG)
Creamy Tomato Soup
(VG)(GF)(EF)(SF)
Plain Bagel with Cream Cheese
(VG)(EF)(SF)
Turkey & Cheese Sandwich
(EF)
FRIDAY
Beef Chili
(GF)(DF)(EF)(SF)
Caesar Salad
Cheese Pizza
(VG)
Creamy Tomato Soup
(VG)(GF)(EF)(SF)
Plain Bagel with Cream Cheese
(VG)(EF)(SF)
Turkey & Cheese Sandwich
(EF)
DAILY SIDES & SNACKS
Banana
Yogurt
Graham crackers
Clementine
Pretzels
Snack Bars
Smartfood popcorn
Apple Sauce
String Cheese
Kettle Chips
*Items subject to daily availability
Fees
What camp costs.
Perhaps you are a grown-up who loves to plan. Or maybe you’re an expert of the fine art of logistical improvisation. Miraculously, our camp fees are designed to scratch both of your respective itches. Buy any number of Day Passes or a Summer Pass, and use them whenever you want during the summer. Don’t even bother to let us know when you’re coming — just roll up. If your plans change, don’t sweat it. We’ll automatically refund your unused Passes in full at summer’s end. How many other summer camps can offer you that level of flexibility?*
*Not one that we know of.
Day Pass and Summer Pass fees cover the entire Steve & Kate’s experience, including lunch, snacks, activities and the entire day from 8:00am – 6:00pm.
Fee includes lunch, snacks, activities and all hours 8:00am – 6:00pm.
Buy any number of Day Passes and use them any day at any open location.
Add more Day Passes to your account at any time.
All unused passes are automatically refunded back at the rate you paid, by September 18, 2026.
Fee includes lunch, snacks, activities and all hours 8:00am – 6:00pm.
Buy 15+ Day Passes per child and receive our 15-day rate.
Add more Day Passes to your account at any time at the 15-day rate of $114/day.
All unused passes are automatically refunded back at the rate you paid, by September 18, 2026.
Fee includes lunch, snacks, activities and all hours 8:00am – 6:00pm.
One fee covers the entire summer–That’s up to 44 days of camp in Chicago – Bucktown!
If you purchase a Summer Pass and use less than 30 days of camp, we’ll calculate what you would have paid at the 15-Day Pass rate and refund you the difference automatically by September 18, 2026.
These people are very smart. You should listen to them.
I really like that you've carved out something truly unique - a completely low-stress experience for parents. No pre-planning, no need to make lunch, no need to decide which days to attend, automatic refunds. It took some stress out of planning our summer.
Dan C.
(S&K parent)
Want to see more reviews or add your own kudos? Check us out
on Google, Yelp, or Facebook!
Even though there are so many kids, she was able to put a personal touch to it by remembering every kid’s name, being open to suggestions as well as remembering to remind my 4 year old daughter to go to the bathroom! My daughter had so much fun making a dress for her bear, making bread, dancing, playing with the weekly specials and the list goes on and on.
Elaine C.
(S&K parent)
Want to see more reviews or add your own kudos? Check us out
on Google, Yelp, or Facebook!
It's great to pick up your kid from camp with a smile and excited about the day they spent doing various activities. Staff was wonderful and not having to think about food was such a relief.
Christian K.
(S&K parent)
Want to see more reviews or add your own kudos? Check us out
on Google, Yelp, or Facebook!
Staff
Our dedicated camp team.
For our team members, giving kids the space to liberate their true potential becomes a kind of calling. Think of them as a high-energy, warm-hearted crew of child advocates who deftly balance two invaluable skills — that of providing structure and guidance, and that of staying the heck out of campers’ ways. If that’s not enough, they’re all background-checked and trained in CPR and first-aid. Say “hi” to them at camp — they’d love to meet you.
Events
Steve & Kate's Events
Join us at an upcoming virtual Information Session to learn all the camp basics. We’ll give a quick presentation and overview on our program, and then answer any questions you have. Please note that Information Sessions are open to all Steve & Kate’s Camps, and are not specific to any given location. All Information Sessions are listed in ET.