Introduction to Chicago Park District Summer Camps
Registration for Chicago Park District’s popular summer camps opens this week, but some parents are feeling some sticker shock. Online registration opened Monday morning for the Chicago Park District summer camps west of California Avenue and all virtual programs. At 9 a.m. Tuesday, online registration for camps east of California opens. Registration for gymnastics programs will open at noon.
Program Details and Pricing
The district’s programs include sports, fitness and arts, which were made available for viewing on the park district’s website on April 7. Day camp runs from June 23 to Aug. 1, with most other summer programs taking place from June 16 to Aug. 10. Last fall, the district said a “modest” price increase for summer day camps would be included in this year’s budget. But for Johanna Paul, a mother of two in Lincoln Park, that modest increase was a 40% jump.
Impact on Families
Her two sons, ages 7 and 9, attended camp last summer at Wrightwood Park. The boys had a blast, especially because they got to swim and play soccer. “We always heard great things about park district camps, but we didn’t get a chance to try till last summer,” Paul said. “And they loved it. They are well-run and offer great activities at a great value. Plus lunch was included.” So they decided to sign up again for this summer. But last week when the district offered previews for this year’s programming, the price for the six-week camp at Wrightwood was $460 per kid, up from last year’s per-kid rate of $330.
Park District Response
The park district defended the price increase in a statement to the Sun-Times. A spokesperson said the registration costs for camps were cut in half in 2020 “to provide relief to families facing financial uncertainties.” “To bring fees back up to pre-Covid levels and to address rising operational costs, fees are being raised for this summer,” the spokesperson said in the statement. “Even with these adjustments, day camp fees remain below pre-pandemic, 2019 levels at 97% of Chicago parks.” The highest camp cost this year will be $4 per hour and the average cost across all camps is $1.39 an hour.
Financial Assistance and Registration
The district does offer help for families that need it, including a payment plan and financial assistance for qualifying families. “The Chicago Park District remains committed to delivering exceptional summer camp experiences at an accessible price,” the statement said. Those wanting to sign up for the programs need to have an active account to register. The park district suggests double-checking your email and password, creating a wish list of programs, updating your account details and using a desktop or laptop for an optimal registration experience. In-person registration takes place Saturday and April 21 and varies by the park.
Conclusion
The price increase for Chicago Park District summer camps may come as a shock to some parents, but the district remains committed to providing accessible and affordable summer camp experiences. While some families may need to explore alternative options, the park district’s programs are still a great value compared to private camps in the city.
FAQs
- Q: When does online registration for Chicago Park District summer camps open?
- A: Online registration opened Monday morning for camps west of California Avenue and all virtual programs, with registration for camps east of California opening at 9 a.m. Tuesday.
- Q: What is the price range for the summer camps?
- A: The highest camp cost this year will be $4 per hour, with an average cost across all camps of $1.39 an hour.
- Q: Does the park district offer financial assistance?
- A: Yes, the district offers a payment plan and financial assistance for qualifying families.
- Q: How can I register for the summer camps?
- A: You can register online with an active account or in-person on designated days, which vary by park.
