Summer day camps

Campers ages 3-6 acquire knowledge and play in ways that are significantly different from the way older children learn. Staff at Camp Lil’ Stars organize camp keeping in mind younger children learn best through direct sensory encounters with their world and learn through playing by manipulating, exploring and experimenting. A consistent schedule is followed from day to day, allowing campers to build trust in the environment as they learn a basic sense of time; recognizing what comes first in the day, second, next and last. Summer Day Camp activities include a combination of both passive and active activities in group and individual play settings. Arts and crafts, creative drama, games, music, sports and swimming are all part of the Summer Day Camp experience designed to promote use of—and growth of—cognitive, physical, communication and social skills. Community outings and special guests are planned to enrich community awareness and experience new recreation opportunities.

Camp Rising Stars (for South Elgin, St. Charles, Geneva and Batavia residents) and Camp Shining Stars (for Oswegoland, Sugar Grove and Fox Valley residents) offer opportunities for campers to become more independent while building self-esteem and confidence in their abilities. Each camper will be scheduled to participate in a diverse set of age-appropriate activities that offer opportunities to learn leisure skills and build skills in developing areas. Staff will encourage each camper to participate in every planned activity and will creatively motivate and instruct the group through fun and rewarding games. Campers will fulfill certain rotating group responsibilities such as line leaders, lunch clean-up and team leaders. Staff will focus on positive reinforcement in a non-competitive environment, leading activities that are intrinsically rewarding including: creative arts, dance and movement, and sports skill building. A focus on team building and collaboration skills will be implemented during team sports and games at the camp site, and while at the pool. Overall safety and community awareness skills will be taught through a variety of special guests and group outings.

Camp Shining Stars (for Oswegoland, Sugar Grove and Fox Valley residents) and Camp Rising Stars (for South Elgin, St. Charles, Geneva and Batavia residents) offer opportunities for campers to become more independent while building self-esteem and confidence in their abilities. Each camper will be scheduled to participate in a diverse set of age-appropriate activities that offer opportunities to learn leisure skills and build skills in developing areas. Staff will encourage each camper to participate in every planned activity and will creatively motivate and instruct the group through fun and rewarding games. Campers will fulfill certain rotating group responsibilities such as line leaders, lunch clean-up and team leaders. Staff will focus on positive reinforcement in a non-competitive environment, leading activities that are intrinsically rewarding including: creative arts, dance and movement, and sports skill building. A focus on team building and collaboration skills will be implemented during team sports and games at the camp site, and while at the pool. Overall safety and community awareness skills will be taught through a variety of special guests and group outings.

Camp All Stars (for South Elgin, St. Charles, Geneva and Batavia residents) and Camp Rock Stars (for Oswegoland, Sugar Grove and Fox Valley residents) encourage each camper to learn to thrive in a group environment and community. This offers an environment where campers can make friends, lower social anxiety and develop peer relationships. Activities are planned to encourage each camper to challenge themselves by attempting new things and gaining new skills. Campers will participate in group decisions during group choice periods, and will have input on activities and outings planned during the course of camp. These activities include: adventure exploration, environmental awareness and the promotion of problem solving and physical skills. Playing an active role in the community through outings offers a chance to learn new skills and opportunities to make a difference. Swimming safety and skill-based games make trips to the pool safe and successful for everyone!

Camp Rock Stars (for Oswegoland, Sugar Grove and Fox Valley residents) and Camp All Stars (for South Elgin, St. Charles, Geneva and Batavia residents) encourage each camper to learn to thrive in a group environment and community. This offers an environment where campers can make friends, lower social anxiety and develop peer relationships. Activities are planned to encourage each camper to challenge themselves by attempting new things and gaining new skills. Campers will participate in group decisions during group choice periods, and will have input on activities and outings planned during the course of camp. These activities include: adventure exploration, environmental awareness and the promotion of problem solving and physical skills. Playing an active role in the community through outings offers a chance to learn new skills and opportunities to make a difference. Swimming safety and skill-based games make trips to the pool safe and successful for everyone!

Beyond the Stars (for residents of all member agencies) provides purposeful activities, independent living skills and continuing education within the traditional summer day camp setting for campers ages 22-30. Campers will develop new skills in cooking and nutrition, money handling, safety and problem solving through programming specifically designed for young adults. Each day offers campers opportunities to socialize through peer interaction; maintaining language and communication skills while developing new friendships. Beyond the Stars offers exposure to new recreation, leisure and fitness opportunities including sports skills, motor development, recreation and leisure choices, fitness exercises, arts and crafts, music, games and community leisure awareness while accessing FVSRA member agency park and recreation resources. Activities include swim outings, special guests and group projects. Campers are sure to stay engaged, active and involved in the community all summer long with weekly outings and volunteer projects!