Frequently Asked Questions
- Where are you located?
- What's the earliest I can drop my child off in the morning?
- Do I need to park in order to drop off or pick up my child?
- Can my child leave at the end of the day by his or herself?
- What's the camper to adult ratio?
- What if my child has to miss a few days?
- Can my child attend for just a few weeks?
- Is there time off for the 4th of July Holiday?
- What happens in After Camp?
- Is there a sibling discount?
- How and when do I register?
- Do you offer financial aid?
- How old does my child have to be to enroll in The Summer Arts Camp?
Where are you located?
The Summer Arts Camp takes place in the Columbia College Theater building at 72 East 11th Street (between Michigan and Wabash) in Chicago's South Loop neighborhood. We are across the street from Grant Park. The CTA 's red, green and orange lines are a few blocks away as well as the Metra Roosevelt stop.
What's the earliest I can drop my child off in the morning?
Our day begins at 9am but you may drop your child off anytime between 8:30-9:00am. Children are not allowed in the building before 8:30am unless accompanied by an adult who must wait with them until 8:30am.
Do I need to park in order to drop off or pick up my child?
No. In the morning we have counselors waiting outside from 8:30 to 9:00 to greet and escort your child into the building. Just pull up and drop off! If you arrive late (after 9am) you will need to double park for a moment and escort your child inside.
Can my child leave at the end of the day by his or herself?
Yes, with your permission. Some of our older campers take the CTA home by themselves; others walk to their parent's office in the loop. Before the session begins you will receive a form to tell us your dismissal arrangements.
What's the camper to adult ratio?
In most instances, it's 6 children to 1 adult. Children are divided into groups based on birth date. Each group has 20 campers and 2 counselors. Classes are taught by 1 or 2 instructors. In addition we have floating counselors who offer assistance where it is needed.
What if my child has to miss a few days?
Our staff will do their best to accommodate campers who have missed projects, but keep in mind that certain projects cannot be made up due to facilities and schedule restrictions.
Can my child attend for just a few weeks?
It's best to attend the entire session, since our projects build upon one another and culminate in a final performance and exhibit. From time to time we do have children who only attend part of the session, however, we are unable to prorate fees for partial attendance.
Is there time off for the 4th of July Holiday?
The Camp along with the entire campus will be closed on Thursday, July 4 and Friday, July 5, 2013.
What happens in After Camp?
After Camp is our extended care program that runs daily, Monday through Friday, from 3:30-5:30pm. We provide juice and a snack and usually play outdoors (in the Sculpture Garden at the corner of 11th and Wabash) or work on small art projects. Occasionally we'll watch a movie. After Camp costs $450 for the six-week session OR $16 on a per day basis.
Is there a sibling discount?
Families with more than one child attending are offered a $250 discount for each additional child.
How and when do I register?
Online registrations will be accepted on a first come, first served basis and will open up to the public in February 1, 2013. Phone and in-person registrations will not be accepted.
A $400 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration per each camper registered.
Tuition must be paid in full by June 1st, 2013. Failure to pay the full balance by June 1st, 2013 will result in the termination of your registration. A full refund of all funds paid (deposit not included) will be granted for cancellations submitted to the Program Manager before May 1st, 2013.
Please note that each age group has a limited capacity and will remain open until the capacity has been met. If an age-group fills after you've submitted your registration, you will be immediately notified and issued a full refund of your deposit. Your child's name will be placed on a waiting list if you and we will notify families of openings, in order, up until the time the program begins.
Do you offer financial aid?
Yes, but please note that there is only a limited amount available. Download the 2013 financial aid application. Applications are due March 15, 2013.
How old does my child have to be to enroll in The Summer Arts Camp?
The Summer Arts Camp accepts children entering grades 3-9 in the Fall of 2013.
