Frequently Asked Questions

(Please note these answers apply to the 2008 summer)

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 8:30 am unless accompanied by an adult who must wait with them until 8:30 am.

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. At 3:30 your child will be waiting outside with their group for dismissal.

Can my child leave at the end of the day by his or herself?
It's up to you. Some of our older campers take the metra or 'L' 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 5 children to 1 adult. Children are divided into groups based on grade. Each group has about 18 campers and 2 counselors who attend classes taught by a teaching team. In addition we have floating counselors who go where needed.

What if my child has to miss a few days?
Our teachers 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. All of our work leads up to an end of session performance and gallery show.

Can my child attend for just a week or two?
Its best to attend the entire session, for our projects build upon one another to culminate in a final performance and exhibit. We are unable to prorate fees for partial attendance.

Is there camp on the 4th of July?
No, the Columbia College campus is closed in honor of Independence day.

What happens in After Camp?
After Camp is an extended care program for parents who cannot pick their children up at the usual dismissal of 3:30pm. After Camp runs from 3:30-5:30pm. All children must be picked up no later than 5:30 pm for the building closes shortly thereafter. Kids are provided with a snack and we usually play outside (next door in the sculpture garden) for a bit, followed by an activity of the day. Activities vary from games to small art projects and a once a week movie. After Camp costs $400 for the 6-week session or $14 per day if used on a per-day basis.

Is there a sibling discount?
If you are signing up more than one child, we offer a 15% discount off the total tuition cost.

How and when do I register?
You can register by calling us at 312 344 7574. We are on a first-come, first-served basis and begin to accept registrations in December until we are at capacity. Though it is impossible to predict when we will fill, as a guide, we were fully enrolled last year by February. We do keep a waiting list as people occasionally make last minute changes. A $300 deposit (per child) is required at the time of registration, payable by credit card or check. Cancellations after May 5, 2008 are non-refundable.

Am I eligible for financial aid?
Limited financial aid is available for families whose annual income does not exceed $50,000 and who meet certain eligibility requirements. Financial aid applications are available from January 2 through March 3, 2008. Call or email for more information.