Summer Camps in Oak Brook, IL: Fun, Learning and Growth for Your Child This Season
In Oak Brook, summer camps offer safe places where children explore interests and build friendships. This page explains camp options, age groups, activities and how to choose the right program. Most programs run from June through August with flexible weekly sessions. Our preschool expertise helps every child learn and play.
Best Ages for Children to Start Summer Camp Programs
Most Oak Brook summer camps welcome children ages 3–12. Programs match each age group’s needs and abilities.
Children ages 3–5 enjoy camps with art, music, outdoor play and time with other kids. These programs help your child practice sharing and following routines. If your child already attends preschool, summer camp keeps those skills sharp over the long Chicago-area break.
Kids ages 6–8 like programs with sports, STEM projects, creative arts and field trips around DuPage County. Your child builds independence and tries new things. This age group loves hands-on activities.
Children ages 9–12 do well in camps with leadership activities and team challenges. Your older child gains confidence through group projects. Many Oakbrook families near Ginger Creek and along Oak Brook Road sign up for our June programs.
Starting camp at age 3 or 4 prepares your child for kindergarten at schools like Brook Forest Elementary. Early camp teaches listening, turn-taking and following directions.
How Summer Camps Support Child Development and Social Skills
Summer camps teach more than Oak Brook families expect. Group activities help children learn sharing, problem-solving and making friends.
Your child grows emotionally as they try new things independently. They learn to manage feelings and celebrate when others succeed. These social-emotional skills help in school and life. Research from the University of Michigan shows that quality early childhood programs strengthen these skills during critical developmental years.
Outdoor play builds physical skills naturally. Running, climbing and dancing strengthen muscles your child needs for sports and playgrounds. Art activities like painting and cutting prepare hands for writing.
Many Oak Brook camps use local parks and Salt Creek trails for outdoor learning. Your child explores nature and watches Illinois wildlife through the seasons. Group games teach cooperation in fun ways.
Summer camp prevents the learning loss that happens during the 10-week break from school. Your child asks questions, tests ideas and connects classroom lessons to real experiences.
What to Pack and Prepare Before Your Child’s First Camp Day
Pack these items for your child each morning:
- Water bottle with your child’s name
- Sunscreen applied before arrival, with extra in bag
- Hat for outdoor play
- Extra clothes, including underwear and socks
- Closed-toe shoes for running
Illinois summer weather changes fast. Morning temperatures in the 60s can jump to the 90s by afternoon. Send a light jacket your child can take off alone. June mornings near Oak Brook can be cool before the humidity starts.
Label everything with a permanent marker. Include your phone number on lunch boxes and backpacks.
Visit the camp location before the first day. Drive by Christ Church at 501 Oak Brook Road near Route 83, so your child recognizes the building. Talk about activities they’ll enjoy.
Practice the morning routine one week early. Wake at camp time, pack the bag together and drive from your home in Hinsdale, Westmont or Downers Grove. This reduces first-day stress.
Talk about pickup with your child. Explain who will get them, where they’ll wait and what happens if you’re running late on I-88. Clear plans help your child feel secure.
Daily Activities and Schedules at Local Summer Programs
Most camps follow schedules that balance active play with quiet time during hot Chicagoland summer days.
Morning sessions feature outdoor play before the heat arrives. Programs near Oakbrook Center schedule playground time, nature walks, or sports between 9:00–11:00 a.m. Your child plays outside before temperatures hit the 90s.
Indoor activities fill midday hours when it’s hottest. Your child does art projects, music, science experiments, and storytelling in air-conditioned classrooms.
Afternoon programs include quiet activities. Rest time gives younger children a break during the hottest part of the day. Older children enjoy puzzles or small group games.
Weekly activities might include cooking projects, drama, STEM challenges, or cultural celebrations.
Snack times teach table manners and conversation. Your child learns to clean up and help others. These moments build friendships within the camp group.
How Camps in Oakbrook Accommodate Children with ADHD and Special Needs
Small group sizes help every child succeed during summer. Oakbrook preschool-based camps employ teachers experienced in behavior support that meet Illinois DCFS standards.
We create quiet spaces where children can take breaks when overwhelmed. Soft seating, fidget tools and calming activities help your child settle down. Staff recognize when children need support. Visual schedules show daily activities with pictures. Your child knows what’s coming next. Clear expectations reduce anxiety throughout the day.
Movement breaks happen often in our programs. Your child with high energy can run, jump and play frequently. We never take away outdoor time as punishment. Staff use positive strategies to redirect challenging behaviors. Teachers stay calm and teach better ways to handle frustration. Your child learns appropriate ways to express feelings. We talk with families about specific needs. Share what works at home or at your child’s school in District 58 or 181. This partnership keeps support consistent.
Your child isn’t forced into activities that cause distress. We offer alternatives that teach the same skills through different methods.
Choosing Between Day Camps and Extended-Hour Programs
Working parents in Oak Brook need summer care that fits their schedules. Extended-hour camps offer early drop-off and late pickup for families commuting to downtown Chicago or the I-88 corridor.
Standard day camps run 9:00 a.m.– 3:00 p.m. These schedules work well for families with flexible jobs or nearby grandparent support in the western suburbs.
Families near Oakbrook Terrace and York Road prefer these options. We also offer Vacation Bible School as part of our summer programming. Early morning care includes quiet activities as children arrive from Elmhurst, Villa Park and Lombard. Your child plays independently until group programming begins. Late afternoon offers activities, not just waiting.
Outdoor play, art projects and games fill the time until you arrive from work. Consider your child’s personality during hot Illinois summers. Some children thrive all day, while others get tired in the heat. Start with shorter days and extend if your child adjusts well. One program with longer hours may cost less than multiple care arrangements and trips along congested Route 83. Extended hours at one location save you time navigating Oak Brook Road during rush hour. We offer half-day and full-day options across the western suburbs. Contact us at 630. 321.3931 to discuss which schedule fits your summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should my child be to join summer camps in Oak Brook?
Most programs accept children starting at age 2. Your child should be potty-trained and able to follow basic instructions. We offer age-specific classrooms so your 2-year-old isn’t grouped with older elementary students.
How do I know if my child is ready for a half-day camp?
Most children adjust well to a half-day camp schedule. Look for signs like separating from you easily and participating in group activities. Shorter morning programs are ideal for younger children or those new to camp, especially during the hot July and August weeks.
Do Oak Brook summer camps provide meals and snacks?
We provide snacks during camp, but we do not provide lunch. Families should send a packed lunch when needed and can include ice packs for hot days. We accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies with advance notice.
Can my child attend camp if they have food allergies or special needs?
Yes, Oakbrook camps create safe plans for dietary restrictions and behavioral support following Illinois DCFS regulations. Provide detailed information during registration about allergies, medications or accommodations your child needs.
What happens if I need to pick up my child early from camp?
Most camps allow flexible pickup with advance notice. Call directly to arrange early departure if you’re stuck in traffic on I-294 or leaving work early. Sign-out procedures confirm that only authorized people can pick up your child.
Are there part-time or drop-in summer camp options in Oakbrook?
Some programs offer 2–3 day weekly schedules or single-week sessions for families needing flexibility around vacations or sports camps. Part-time options cost less than full-week programs. Contact Christ Church Preschool at 630.321.3931 to learn about our flexible summer scheduling.