Week Seven Update

This summer has flown by and the last week of camp is already here! The beginning of the week included a trip to Independence Grove in Libertyville. On Wednesday the campers had a "Beach Bash" here at the Center, full of beach volleyball, a dance party, and barbecue. This week was quite hectic as the campers readied for their shows and finally displayed their talents for their families and friends on Thursday. Horseback Riding Camp demonstrated their hard work for their audience of friends and family at Horsefeathers. Everyone joined together for the singing of the national anthem and the performance ended with the distribution of awards to each camper. Drama Camp took a trip to Camp Henry Horner in Round Lake this week as a final activity with their JCYS friends. On Thursday they all performed together on stage here at the Center. Creative Arts Camp rearranged the lounge to create their art gallery. They showcased a variety of pieces they have worked on throughout the summer. Dance Camp perfected their dance and prepared for the debut of their dance video. The dancers all matched in pink attire and wore their decorated hats as they took the stage for their final performance.

Thanks for a great summer everyone!

Week Six Update

This week the campers headed to the Wheeling Water Park on Monday but were faced with a bit of rain. Luckily, we were able to get a lot of swimming time in before the clouds came. On Wednesday, the campers participated in a community scavenger hunt throughout Highland Park, competing in three different groups. They used clues to find several locations and then searched for specific items within each store. Every camper received a prize at the end and even an extra treat of vanilla ice cream to cool off! Horseback Riding Camp perfected their riding skills in preparation for their show that will take place Thursday, July 29, from 3:30 to 4:30pm at Horsefeathers Therapeutic Riding Center in Lake Forest. Drama Camp created the backdrop for their stage as well as part of their costumes for their show that will take place Thursday, July 29, from 4:30 to 5pm here at the Center. Creative Arts Camp finished up their numerous art projects that they will showcase at their open house art show which will take place Thursday, July 29, from 3:30 to 5pm here at the Center. Dance Camp made invitations for their final show and worked with Lookingglass members to prepare for this performance that will take place Thursday, July 29, from 3:30 to 4:30pm here at the Center.

We hope to see you at our shows next week!

Week Five Update

This hot week began with a trip to the Deerfield Water Park on Monday. Wednesday we braved the heat again to spend the early afternoon at Twin Creeks, a 100% accessible park and baseball field in Buffalo Grove. The campers enjoyed a variety of games, even lava tag, before we headed back to the cool Center to relax and watch Planet Earth. We ended the week back at Mitchell Pool to cool off on another hot day. Horseback Riding Camp braved the heat to ride at Horsefeathers on Tuesday and Thursday this week. They had a great time working on their skills and continuing to prepare for their show. Drama Camp continued their work with Lookingglass friends and played a variety of games this week. A favorite was the tricky "Who am I?" exercise where everyone had a sticker on their back of a famous person's name and through yes or no questions they tried to discover who they were. Creative Arts Camp worked on painting a variety of wooden pieces, including a bench for the garden, and created an underwater scene using a variety of materials. Campers also found time to make the invitations for their upcoming art show. Dance Camp is bringing their dance close to perfection as their performance nears. This week they painted the background for the stage and made invitations for their performance.

Week Four Update

This week we had Monday off due to the holiday but we jumped right into specialty camps on Tuesday. Wednesday the campers got a chance to visit a local farmer's market in Highwood where they browsed numerous locally grown fruits and vegetables, and even purchased one for a snack. Horseback Riding Camp continued to ride and enjoy activities outside this week even in the heat. The guys love to play bags and the Horsefeathers staff proclaimed that Lauren has made the most improvement on her riding grip. Drama Camp began our 2nd annual collaboration with the Lookingglass Theatre and Camp Henry Horner this week. Last year was an amazing success and we are really looking forward to the new skills and friendships all the campers will develop. Creative Arts Camp worked on their Decoupage a Bench project to refurbish a bench that sits in the hallway of the Center. Dance Camp focused on meditation this week and discussed their favorite quiet place to relax.

Week Three Update

Campers headed to Deerspring Water Park in Deerfield this week. We got the 4th of July holiday started early by making snow cones and even banana hotdogs for snack as a twist on the holiday favorite. The campers created and decorated flags that they displayed proudly for the building staff during their parade around the Center. Horseback Riding Camp has the opportunity to groom horses every time they visit Horsefeathers, but this week they also got to paint a horse! Tia, a beautiful black Arabian horse, is extremely gentle and easygoing and has no problem with the campers covering her in paint. Drama Camp held a great talent show for the other campers and the Center staff. They displayed a variety of talents from singing, acting out skits, puppetry, and dancing. Creative Arts Camp worked on making a quilt by collaborating and working as a team. Dance Camp performed their routine in progress in the Drama Camp's talent show and were a huge hit! They also discussed the video that they are making in camp throughout the summer.

Week Two Update

This week our Monday splashtastic adventure took us to the Hidden Creek Aqua Park in Highland Park. The campers also had the opportunity to take a field trip to Petco that was titled Fur, Feathers, and Friends. The group got a chance to learn about and see many animals, what they eat, and where they live. Horseback Riding Camp is having a great time not only riding, but also playing a variety of games and creating art projects under the newly built outdoor canopy. Drama Camp played games that promoted listening, responding, and working together in their performances. They also worked on tricks to memorize their lines for performing. Creative Arts Camp headed to the Highland Park Art Exhibit to learn about the history of art. They also made their very own memory collages. Dance Camp continued to work with Debbie on their dance routine this week. They also added yoga and fitness to the mix.

Week One Update

We kicked off the start of Summer Adventure Camp by tie dying towels for our pool days, decorating our camp banner, and playing games to get to know one another. This week we also turned up the fun for our Color Olympics. The campers competed in a variety of games that included Tug of War, Egg Relay, and Cucumber Boat Races, just to name a few. Friday we began the Teen Talk series with our social worker, Chris, and then headed to Mitchell Pool to cool off for the afternoon. Our specialty camps all dove right into their activities this week. Horseback Riding Camp headed to Horsefeathers Therapeutic Riding Center in Lake Forest for the first time this year. The campers and our staff are very excited about this great new location. Drama Camp worked on several different activities like tongue twisters to loosen up and prepare for performing. Creative Arts Camp discussed projects they will be completing over the next 7 weeks and learned about many different types of art materials. Dance Camp learned about the history of urban street dance and worked with their choreographer, Debbie Giunta, of Design Dance in Chicago, to begin developing a routine that they will perform at the end of the summer.