CHICAGO, IL

Chicago–Lincoln Park Summer Day Camp

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 Summer Pass and send your kid to camp any day you want? Check.
Drop them off and pick them up whenever you want? Yup.
Long camp hours, all included in your camp fee? Totally.
Tasty meals and snacks, also included? You bet.
Get an automatic refund for unused days at summer’s end? For sure.
Do you desire this kind of freedom? Yes, you do.

WHAT IT COST

Activities

The camper’s dilemma.

Coding. Sewing. Baking. Making. Sporting. 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. Every morning, they face a brand new day bristling with terrible trade-offs and tantalizing possibilities.

animation5 — Create animated art in our bustling Media Lab, as you breathe life into your stories via stop-motion “shorts” filmed on our purpose-built animation stages.

Copy of fashion_28 — Use customized patterns and challenges—and a mix of hand and machine sewing—to manufacture bags, clothing and other fashionable, funky creations. This year campers can even use stencils to design their own fabric.

coding_5 — Absorb hands-on coding concepts using curated iPad apps with drag-and-drop platforms that cater to both early and advanced readers. Our approach gamifies the learning process to put power in the hands of new coders.

dance_Perform_stage — Move and groove with motion-based games like Just Dance, or film your own music videos with friends. New this year campers can also make puppets for our custom theater. Want to burst out in song and dance, or act out a gripping dramatic scene? This is your big moment.

robots1 — 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.

maker_boys — Release your inner innovator with crafts, inventor kits, 3D pens, and giant foam blocks. Construct take-home projects or collaborate on large-scale builds such as forts or thrones. Our hand-selected STEAM-based materials fuel your curiosity and inspire exploration.

breadmaking1_web-309 — Bake up a storm in our wildly popular test kitchen. Choose fillings, spices, and add-ons, explore new flavors, and customize confections to satisfy your discerning palate.

piethrowing_7 (2) — 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.

gaga_girl — Run, jump, throw, kick, play. Each site is equipped with go-karts and additional athletic gear optimized for the available fields and play spaces. Team up with peers and staffers to play sports, design games, concoct obstacle courses and more.

5U9A0319 — Every day, experience a special, show- stopping activity. A giant inflatable, a musical performance or guest speaker, a movement class, obstacle course—anything’s possible. We’ll announce our official 2024 specials lineup this spring.

waterslide_6 — On a sweltering summer afternoon, nothing keeps you cooler than games and activities like water tag, inflatable slip n’ slides and giant sprinklers. Wherever space, weather, and local water restrictions allow ‘em, we provide ‘em.

lounge_2 (1) — Enter a pulsating paradise of foosball, marble mazes and other indoor diversions. Retreat to a quiet corner with sensory objects, puzzles and fidget toys. Or immerse yourself in a selection from our library of books curated for all ages and interests.

MORE ACTION

Food

Eat your heart out.

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.

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

DAILY SIDES & SNACKS

VG= Vegetarian , VV= Vegan , GF= Gluten Free , DF= Dairy Free , SF= Soy Free , EF= Egg Free

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 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 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Includes: Lunch, snacks, activities, and all hours, 8am–6pm

Buy any number of Day Passes and use them anytime
Upgrade to a Summer Pass at any time by purchasing 30 Day Passes per a given child
Unused Day Passes are automatically refunded in mid September

Includes: Lunch, snacks, activities, and all hours, 8am–6pm

One fee covers the entire summer–that’s up to 44 days of camp in Lincoln Park!
If you end up using less than 30 days of camp, and thus not enough to justify the cost of a Summer Pass, we’ll calculate what you would have paid at Day Pass rate and refund the difference automatically in mid September

FINANCIAL AID

Does your employer offer back-up care through Bright Horizons? Learn how to use your benefits at Steve & Kate’s Camp, here!

Camp details

Here are the details you were looking for.

DATES

Jun 10 - Aug 9

NOTES

Closed 7/4

HOURS

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

AGES

4-12 | We also offer a Mentorship Program for ages 14-15

ADDRESS

Tubman Elementary
2851 N Seminary Ave
Chicago, IL 60657

DIRECTOR

Hannah

chi.lincolnpark@steveandkate.com

CALL/TEXT

773-219-0332

FOOD

View Weekly Menu

Additional info for denizens of Lincoln Park

Mentorship Program

We’re excited to offer our Mentorship Program at this camp location for Summer 2024!

Intended exclusively for children ages 14-15, our Mentorship Program is an experience where participants can get a taste of what it’s like to be a counselor and develop leadership skills, while upholding our self-directed philosophy.

With the supervision of Steve & Kate’s staff, Mentees (our program participants) will help facilitate camp activities, engage with campers, and help encourage camper connection and participation. The program utilizes self-directed learning to support Mentees in their development into young adults ready to take on more responsibilities.

Mentorship Rates:

Mentorship Day Pass Rate: $90
Mentorship Summer Pass Rate: $2,700
Returning Mentees: $0

Per usual, any unused Mentorship Day Passes will be automatically refunded in full at summer’s end. If you purchase a Mentorship Summer Pass and end up using less than 30 days of camp, then we’ll calculate what you would have paid at the daily rate and refund you the difference automatically.

Mentorship Application

To participate in the Mentorship Program, please submit an application here. Please note that Mentees must attend the camp location they apply for. Once approved, your local director will email you with instructions for completing registration. If you have any questions, please reach out to your local director.

Shared Campus Notice

This summer, our outdoor space will be divided between Steve & Kate’s Camp and LaSalle’s summer program. Each program’s space will be clearly delineated and physically blocked off so Steve & Kate’s campers will be able to transition freely around the outdoor space without crossing areas utilized by LaSalle’s program.

Youngest Camper Lunch Period Notice

Please note that our youngest camper lunch period will be from held 11:30am-noon daily. The rest of camp will begin lunch at noon.

Virtual Camp Orientation & Drop-off/Pick-Up Procedures

Check out our virtual camp orientation for everything you need to know before your first day of camp, coming this spring. Once we get closer to summer, we’ll email registered families a link to our virtual, camp orientation. This will provide important information such as 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.

Testimonials

These people are very smart. You should listen to them.

We have sent our kids to Steve & Kate’s Camp for the past few years, and we can’t say enough good things about the program! While the variety of activities are wonderful, what makes this camp what it is, is the incredible staff. The have provided a safe and loving environment for my kids to go to daily – one where the kids have a blast and one where I feel comfortable sending them each day. I know they care about each of the kids and treat them as if they were their own. I only wish Steve & Kate’s camp was around when I was a kid!

Tara B.

(S&K parent)

It was my son’s first time experiencing summer camp and it could not have been a more memorable experience. From a parent perspective, I could not have asked for a more caring and passionate group of people. It was obvious from day one that every single camp counselor and staff member truly cares about all of the kids and making their camp experience the best and most memorable possible. I cannot wait for him to participate again next summer, we’re counting down the days.

Michelle S.

(S&K parent)

My 6-year old went to Steve & Kate's in Oakland this summer and I don't know who loved it more, me or her! She loved seeing many familiar faces from school and other camps she's been to (unplanned), the food (!), the activities (like making her own video with friends, learning to knit, baking bread) and the freedom to roam and make decisions for herself.

Jessica G.

(S&K parent)

Staff

So much more than
a job.

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.

Mentorship Program

This camp location also participates in a Mentorship Program (or junior counselor program) for teens who might want to work at camp some day or who just aren’t quite ready to give up that sweet camper life. This program guides children ages 14-15 through camp experiences aimed to develop their leadership skills, all while honoring our approach to self-directed learning. Learn more, here.

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.

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.

Local Events

Weekly specials

Extra action.

At Steve & Kate’s, enough is never enough. So every week we supplement our main offering of awesome activities with thrill-inducing weekly specials. Here’s what’s coming this summer to your location:

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES

Additional activity schedule coming soon!

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!

Your camp director

Meet your illustrious camp director.

Our camp directors are year-round employees. That means you are free to contact them anytime with your questions about life at Steve & Kate’s, or questions about life in general.

Hannah Potts — HANNAH

She/Her

This is Hannah’s 7th summer with Steve & Kate’s Camp! During Hannah’s 1st summer working at S&K, she taught herself how to knit. She’d spend every night learning new techniques on YouTube just to keep up with the craftiest kids at camp!

This summer Hannah is most excited to meet her new community of camp families!

EMAIL US
CALL/TEXT

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AND DOZENS MORE!

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Chicago–Lincoln Park Summer Camp

CHICAGO, IL

Chicago–Lincoln Park Summer Day Camp

All year long, kids find themselves encased in rigid structure.

Grown-ups adore freedom, too.

The camper’s dilemma.

STOP-MOTION ANIMATION

SEWING SALON

CODING

THE STAGE

ROBOTICS

TINKER LAB

BAKERY

S&K TRADITIONS

SPORTS & REC

WEEKLY SPECIALS

WATER PLAY

LOUNGE

Eat your heart out.

What’s on the menu.

What those little letters mean

We’d be nuts not to tell you this

What camp costs.

Includes: Lunch, snacks, activities, and all hours, 8am–6pm

Includes: Lunch, snacks, activities, and all hours, 8am–6pm

Here are the details you were looking for.

Additional info for denizens of Lincoln Park

These people are very smart. You should listen to them.

So much more than
a job.

Mentorship Program

Youngest campers fly solo, but there’s a net.

Steve & Kate's Events

Local Events

Extra action.

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES

CARNIVAL DAY

Meet your illustrious camp director.

HANNAH

She/Her

Stay In The Know

Chicago–Lincoln Park Summer Camp

CHICAGO, IL

Chicago–Lincoln Park Summer Day Camp

All year long, kids find themselves encased in rigid structure.

Grown-ups adore freedom, too.

The camper’s dilemma.

STOP-MOTION ANIMATION

SEWING SALON

CODING

THE STAGE

ROBOTICS

TINKER LAB

BAKERY

S&K TRADITIONS

SPORTS & REC

WEEKLY SPECIALS

WATER PLAY

LOUNGE

Eat your heart out.

What’s on the menu.

What those little letters mean

We’d be nuts not to tell you this

What camp costs.

Includes: Lunch, snacks, activities, and all hours, 8am–6pm

Includes: Lunch, snacks, activities, and all hours, 8am–6pm

Here are the details you were looking for.

Additional info for denizens of Lincoln Park

These people are very smart. You should listen to them.

So much more thana job.

Mentorship Program

Youngest campers fly solo, but there’s a net.

Steve & Kate's Events

Local Events

Extra action.

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES

CARNIVAL DAY

Meet your illustrious camp director.

HANNAH

She/Her

Stay In The Know

So much more than
a job.