Future of city summer camps uncertain

Summer camp officials have been compelled to make difficult decisions about how to handle children’s programming this year. 

Some camps have cancelled their summer programs, some plan to start when restrictions loosen and others are transitioning their curriculum to an entirely virtual platform. 

In prior years, Chicago Park District’s six-week-long summer camp program has been so popular that community members camped out overnight in the pedway to secure a spot. This year, CPD has adjusted the summer registration and program dates in response to the modified stay-at-home order. 

Details are still in the works. 

“Things are fluid and ever-changing,” Maggie Daley Park supervisor Jackie Guthrie said. Starting June 1, you can view programming online and registration will begin on June 11. Camp dates would be July 6-31. 

Camp GEMS, located in Lakeshore East Park, plans to open June 15. According to its website, officials are continuing to monitor the situation and follow recommendations made by the World Health Organization. 

Lookingglass Theater, 821 N. Michigan Ave., will move its summer programming to a virtual platform consisting of live Zoom classes, pre-recorded videos and offline guided projects. The plan is to include writing and art activities, visits from guest artists, playwriting, costume design and workshops in movement and puppetry. 

There will be significant changes to how kids attend and parents are considering their options. 

“Even if summer camps were happening, I wouldn’t be sending him,” Chicago resident Kathleen Hayes said, regarding her 10-year-old son, Henry. “I’d consider something virtual and creative that works with the interests of the kids but no in-person camps. We intend to stay 100% coronavirus free.”

New Eastside resident Elizabeth Johnston expressed concerns about her 8-year-old daughter getting headaches and bloodshot eyes from so much screen time. “I can’t imagine having virtual camp all day. It’s too much screen time.”

When asked about virtual summer camp for her children, New Eastside resident Alexis Jones said, “I don’t plan to do it, but it could be a good way for them to see friends a bit. The social aspect of summer being taken away is hard to imagine.”