Great time, well spent, super staff!
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Join us for Summer Camp 2025
At Ivy League Kids Summer Camp, children have the opportunity to explore, grow, and thrive in an environment that celebrates the joy of nature, the power of friendships, and the excitement of discovering new interests. Our program is more than just a camp—it’s a vibrant community where lifelong memories are made.
With a mission to enrich the lives of children, we are dedicated to providing an exceptional summer experience that inspires healthy emotional and social growth. Our camp empowers children with the skills and confidence they need to become future leaders.
We believe in the unique potential of every child who joins us—they are the heart of everything we do. By fostering positive child development and building strong partnerships with parents, we encourage kids to embrace their individuality and shine.
Led by our enthusiastic and caring camp counselors, your child will engage in a variety of enriching activities designed to build self-esteem, character, courage, responsibility, creativity, and teamwork. From exciting field trips and hands-on learning experiences to team challenges and creative arts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and grow from.
Join us this summer for an adventure filled with fun, learning, and connection. Let’s make it a season to remember!
Why Ivy League?
Safety: We are committed to providing an uplifting and positive atmosphere for our campers and staff in a secure and safe environment.
Integrity: We do what we say we are going to do, and are truthful.
Passion: We are committing in all that we do.
Fun: We want everyone we meet to laugh, smile, and have a good time. We take fun seriously!
Caring: We are sensitive and nurturing.
Our Staff
It is no secret that the key to running a great program is by having a remarkable staff. We work with individuals that have the purpose and heart to provide a safe, stimulating environment for campers to learn, grow and have an awesome summer experience.
Your child’s health & safety is our top priority
- Strict hand washing and sanitary policies
- All camp counselors are CPR/First Aid certified & background checked
- Secure areas that keep children constantly within sight, indoors and out
- Careful transition attendance procedure for moving children from place to place
- Maintain an adequate ratio of staff to children to ensure safety
Locations
Mokena
Ivy League Rec Center
8500 W. 191st St.
Mokena, IL 60448
6:00AM – 6:30PM
Homewood/Flossmoor
Faith Lutheran Church
18645 Dixie Hwy, Homewood, IL 60430
6:30am – 6:30pm
Chicago Ridge/Oak Lawn
Freedom Activity Center
6252 Birmingham St.
Chicago Ridge, IL 60415
6:30am-6:00pm
Shorewood
Hope Lutheran Church
305 W. Black Road
Shorewood, IL 60404
7:00AM – 6:00PM
*Discounted Pricing
Manteno, IL
Manteno Elementary
555 W. Cook St.
Manteno, IL 60950
7:00am-6:00pm
*Discounted Pricing
Pioneer Summer Program (PreK – K)
*3-4 year olds only offered at Mokena Rec
Imagination awaits with Ivy League’s summer program geared especially for 3-6 year olds. This summer program includes a range of fun and stimulating sessions in physical activities, arts, and outdoor fun. Each week has scheduled field trips, pool days at the splash and activities that nurture your child’s development. Pioneers take part in modified clubs just for their age group such as art, STEM, story-time, cooking and music. *All campers must be fully potty trained.*
Adventurers (1st – 5th)
Turn your child’s ordinary summer into a summer of exciting exploration! Ivy League’s summer camp is filled with indoor and outdoor activities, plus opportunities for fun and friendships. Our program groups campers by grade and encourage their growing ability to make choices, work with others, and assume responsibili-ties. Enjoy weekly field trips, swimming, team build-ing activities, enrichment clubs and so much more. We have a ton of fun in store for you that will give you an unforgettable summer!
X-TEAM (6th – 8th)
You’re never too old for the Ivy League Summer Camp! If you’re in 6th-8th grade, you can apply to be on theX-TEAM.The X-Team is a group of kids that help the younger campers in arts & crafts, lunch, clean up and more. We also focus on giving back to the community. The most important role that the X-Team members play is being a positive role model for the other campers. You will also gain volunteer and community service experience. Don’t worry, you will be rewarded for all your hard work! The X-TEAMer’s will also be going on dedicated field trips!
This year, X-TEAM prospects will be hand picked by their counselor by showing responsibility, teamwork and cooperation. Each applicant must get one letter of recommendation and complete an interview to make sure they are up for the challenge.
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Thank you for a great summer! My son had a great time this year and is hoping to come back as a junior counselor!
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My children had a blast this summer going to the field trips and the Minecraft club.
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My stepdaughter started out at Ivy League in the summer of 2016. This was the first camp program she had attended. From day one, she loved it. Camp was full of learning, field trips and fun!
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I recommend Ivy League to everyone! Everyone there is amazing and always is happy to see my little guy (Dominic). Not to mention he LOVES attending the summer camp program! The field trips/activities/clubs, etc. are great – something for everyone.
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My girls love this summer camp!! So many fun and educational experiences! The before and after school program at Kruse is excellent. Ms. Ryan is awesome! So glad we found this program!
Extraordinary Summer Experience!
Ivy League’s summer program incorporates sports games, team-building activities and arts & crafts to nurture a non-competitive environment that focuses on individual skill and personal achievement. The counselors and program directors engage and encourage each small group during activities that focus on developing individual skills, coordination and self-esteem. Campers also have the option to join clubs. Clubs are a great way to learn new things and discover new interests!
Sports & Team Building
Ivy League’s summer program incorporates sports games and team-building activities to nurture a non-competitive environment that focuses on individual skill and personal achievement.
*Clubs vary by summer camp location. Clubs are available to Adventurer and XTEAM campers. Pioneer campers participate in modified clubs within their age group.
Fun Fridays
We like to celebrate everything accomplished throughout the week. We have a fun day at the park where we play sports, water play, chalk and more. Lunch on Fridays will consist of pizza, hot dogs or hamburgers.
Swimming
Pool days are optional! Your camper can stay back if they don’t want to swim. Don’t forget your swimsuit, towel and sunscreen! We sunscreen campers every hour when outdoors.
Chicago Ridge, Shorewood, and Manteno will enjoy pool days on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Homewood and Mokena Rec will enjoy pool days on Mondays and Thursdays.
Pioneer Campers will head to the Splash Pad on Mondays and Thursdays for some fun in the sun.
Swim lessons will not be offered this summer.
Art Club
Unleash your creativity in our fun Art Club! Each week is packed with exciting projects designed for kids to explore, create, and have fun with art. We will offer hands on activities such as painting, drawing, crafting, tie dye, and more. Art club encourages self-expression, improves fine motor skills, and builds confidence. With hands-on guidance and plenty of room for imagination, kids will create unique masterpieces while making new friends.
What to Expect:
- Hands-On Art Projects
- Themed Weeks
- Collaborative Fun
- Art Exploration
Join us to explore the wonderful world of art! 🎨✨
STEM Club
Ignite curiosity and inspire innovation in the STEM Club! This exciting program introduces kids to the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and math through fun, hands-on activities and experiments.
🌟 What to Expect:
- Creative Challenges: Build bridges, design rockets, and solve real-world problems.
- Interactive Experiments: Make slime, explore chemical reactions, and dive into coding.
- Teamwork and Collaboration: Work together on exciting group projects.
- Exploration and Discovery: Learn how things work through engaging, curiosity-driven activities.
Join us in the STEM Explorers Club and take part in an exciting journey of discovery and invention. Let’s build, experiment, and dream big together! 💡🌟
Cooking Club Young Chefs
Join Ivy League’s Cooking Club and have fun creating delicious dishes! This hands-on club is perfect for young chefs who want to learn basic cooking skills, try new recipes, and explore the joy of cooking.
🌟 What’s Included?
- Easy and tasty recipes.
- Learning kitchen safety and cooking basics.
- Fun themed snacks.
- Healthy snack ideas and creative food activities.
Let’s make cooking fun and delicious! 🍕🍓🎉
Horse Camp Lil’ Ranchers
Don’t miss out on this fun and hands-on experience to learn about horses and other farm animals such has goats, chickens, pigs and much more! The Ivy League Summer Camp partnered with Nova Quarter Horses to provide horseback riding lessons. Lessons can consist of grooming, bathing, feeding, cleaning a stall, riding, turning out horses and watching them play. This program is offered every Friday for a two-hour lesson. Students must wear closed toed shoes and long pants.
*Must pre-register. Cancellation deadline is 7 days prior to your scheduled lesson. No refunds will be given after the deadline. Must have waiver signed to participate. Sign waiver here.
$44 per lesson
Calling all builders, adventurers, and creative minds! The Minecraft Club is the perfect place for kids to explore, build, and share their love for the world of Minecraft. Whether they’re crafting their first house or conquering epic quests, there’s something for every young gamer to enjoy. The Minecraft Club is open to kids aged 7–12, whether they’re beginners or experienced players. Our safe, friendly environment encourages teamwork, creativity, and imagination.
What to Expect:
- Creative Building: Collaborate with friends to design amazing structures, cities, and worlds.
- Survival Challenges: Team up to tackle exciting survival mode adventures and overcome obstacles together.
- Mini-Games and Competitions: Participate in fun games like parkour, treasure hunts, and build battles.
- Learn and Share: Discover new building techniques, redstone tricks, and game strategies from fellow players.
- Children will need to bring their own devices (devices will not be provided)
Who Can Join:
The Minecraft Club is open to kids aged 7–12, whether they’re beginners or experienced players. Our safe, friendly environment encourages teamwork, creativity, and imagination.
Join us to dig deep, build big, and explore endless possibilities in the world of Minecraft! ⛏️🌟
Welcome to the Pokémon Club, where kids can dive into the exciting world of Pokémon! Pokémon Club is perfect for kids aged 6–12 who want to meet new friends and share their love of Pokémon in a fun and creative environment. No prior experience is needed—just a love for Pokémon and a sense of adventure!
What to Expect:
- Pokémon Battles: Friendly card game and video game battles to sharpen their trainer skills.
- Trading Fun: Safely trade Pokémon cards and Pokémon in games with other club members.
- Children will need to bring their own Pokémon cards (cards will not be provided). *Please do not bring cards of value*
Come catch ’em all with us and be part of the ultimate Pokémon trainer community! 🌟
The InspireHER Club is a creative and supportive space designed to inspire confidence and self-expression in young girls through hands-on activities and meaningful discussions. InspireHER club will bring young girls together for laughter, creativity, and unforgettable experiences. It’s a space where friendships are built, imaginations soar, and every girl feels free to express herself.
What to Expect:
- Focus on a specific topic, such as self-confidence, kindness, teamwork, or resilience.
- Exciting activities, games, and projects that inspire joy and creativity, fostering a sense of belonging and teamwork.
- Creative activities such as hands-on crafts, DIY projects, and fun artistic challenges
- Active Play with group games, scavenger hunts, and dance parties
InspireHER Club is a fantastic way to keep kids engaged, excited, and inspired! 🌈
The Media Club is a place where creativity and fun come together! Kids will explore the exciting world of media by experimenting with photography, video-making, drawing, and storytelling. Whether it’s creating a mini-movie, designing posters, or snapping cool photos, the club is all about helping kids bring their ideas to life.
What to Expect:
- Video Creation: Learn how to plan, shoot, and edit their very own short videos.
- Photography: Explore the art of photography, capturing moments and telling stories through pictures.
- Digital Design: Create posters, memes, and digital artwork using kid-friendly tools.
- Fun projects that showcase each child’s talent while building confidence and making friends.
Who Can Join:
The Media Club is perfect for kids aged 8–13 who are curious about technology, storytelling, or simply want to have fun creating content. No experience is needed—just bring your imagination and enthusiasm!
Join us to explore, create, and share in the Media Club—a space where young storytellers and creators shine! 🎥🎙️📸
