Summer Camp | Kids Group Classes

Kids Group Classes | Summer Camp 2012
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Summer Camp FAQ: When is the camp?
First Session: June 25 - July 20
Second Session: July 23 - August 17; Who can attend the camp?
Summer Camp is open to children ages 6 through 10 years. Applicants must be of the appropriate age on the start date of the camp session that they are registering for.; Where does the camp take place?
Summer Camp takes place at our Lincoln Square location: 4544 N. Lincoln Avenue in Chicago, Illinois and our 'home base' is the Mabie Gallery on the first floor on the west side of the building. Camp classes take place throughout the building.; When does camp happen?
Summer Camp hours are 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Your child may attend either a four- or eight-week session. Space in our summer camp program is limited to 60 children per four-week session.; What are the session options?
First Session: June 25 - July 20
Campers explore all areas of fine arts and will present a final performance on July 20th at 6:30 PM.
Second Session: July 23 - August 17
Campers explore all areas of fine arts and will present a final performance on August 17th at 6:30 PM.; What is the cost?
Camp 2012 prices are $1450 for one session or $2800 for both sessions.
We require a non-refundable $725 deposit per camper, per session at the time of registration.
Final payment is due by May 10, 2012, at 5:00 PM.; Are there any special exceptions to the camp schedule this year?
July 20 and August 17 are half-days for ALL campers, with pick-up for all campers at 12:45 PM. A lunch will be provided for all campers on those two half-days, and all campers will need to return to the School for the performance that evening. Also, there will be no camp on Wednesday, July 4th.; How do the camp groups work?
Our sixty campers are divided into six co-ed groups based on age, grade, and gender, and each group is assigned a full time counselor. Due to the fact that there are different amounts of each age group enrolled in camp, many of the groups will contain children of several ages, and we always do our best to group children appropriately. The camp groups remain together during morning classes. The entire camp is together during Morning Meeting and park time.; Who staffs the camp?
Six counselors, 12 instructors and several camp administrators, all with backgrounds in education and the arts, staff our camp.; What are the camp classes like?
Each four-week camp session has six different morning classes. All camp groups rotate through these six classes, and each group is therefore able to experience all classes during the course of each week. Each camp group has an area of concentration called a 'core class' -- that is, one class that they go to first thing every morning. It's in this class that the children work with their instructor and counselor to create a performance piece for the big show on the last day of camp. Core classes are matched to the camp groups by the camp administrators prior to the start of camp.; What kind of classes has the camp offered in the past?
Our camp offers a wide variety of classes every summer, and the line-up always changes from year to year. Some of the classes that we've offered in the past are: songwriting, capoeira, vaudeville, musical laboratory, jugband, tai chi, rhythm, magic, acting and reacting, percussion, yoga, puppetry, sleuth songs, breakdancing, hero machine, Beatles tribute band, Greek mythology, triple threat, food songs, zumba, creature shop, storytelling, sing about dance, world music fusion, planet art, African dance, tap dance, improvisation, American music genres, Mexican folkloric dance, circus arts, massive science, filmmaking, musical theater, Shakespeare, radio theater, pop culture dance, poetry, Little Polynesia, silent theater, harmonica orchestra, claymation, story theatre, parades, sea shanties, scores & soundtracks, Michael Jackson, superheroes, rock opera, performance art, Elvis choreography, living newspaper, dream sounds, rodeo sounds, Hukilau, percussion ensemble, a capella, punk rock, Hokule`a, animorphs, circus theater and actor's toolbox.; It looks like you offer a lot of music and dance classes in the camp. Does my child need to bring any instruments or special shoes?
While many of the classes use instruments and special equipment, all of those materials are provided by the camp, at no additional cost to you. If a dance or movement class requires shoes that tie, we will let you know ahead of time so that your camper can come prepared!; My child is really shy. Is participation in the final performance mandatory?
The purpose of the Old Town School of Folk Music Summer Camp is to allow children to explore many artistic endeavors, and to explore all facets of the performance experience. We strive to introduce the arts in an exciting, productive environment wherein we encourage experimentation and focus on the importance of the learning process. Participation in the final performance is encouraged but not mandatory!; What should my child bring to camp every day?
Each day at our camp is action-packed, so all campers should bring a substantial and nutritious lunch (with drink), as well as a morning snack (with drink). Lunch and snack foods cannot be refrigerated or cooked at our site. In addition, lunches and drinks will not be available for purchase from our cafe by campers.

Please include the appropriate utensils and join us in our efforts to make the camp as green as possible -- pack your camper's lunch in a reusable container, and use smaller reusable containers inside. Remind your child to bring the containers back home at the end of the day!

Additionally, campers should bring a durable, screw-top water bottle that should be filled at home every morning. Backpacks are allowed, as are books (to be read during morning activity time or park time). Please label all of your children's belongings. We are not responsible for anything lost or misplaced.; What should my child NOT bring to camp?
Please do not allow your child to bring any toys, trading cards, dolls, or personal electronic devices to camp. If any of these items accompany your child to camp, they will be set aside and sent home at the end of the day.; Is there a camp orientation?
Yes! There is an orientation for all summer camp parents on the first day of each camp session. More info TBA! Orientation will last 30-40 minutes. Orientation for first camp session is on Monday, June 25th, 2012, and orientation for the second camp session is Monday, July 23rd, 2012.; What kind of medical and emergency information do you need for my child?
We take medical situations and health care very seriously at our camp. Once you register your child for camp and make your deposit, you will receive a packet via email, which will contain a Medical Form that you will fill out and return by May 10th, 2012. No child will be allowed to attend camp without this signed form! If your child needs to receive (or potentially receive) medicine (including an Epi-Pen) while at camp, you will note this on your Emergency Form and provide a signed approval note from your child's physician. Our camp cannot administer any medications without this form.; Do you administer First Aid? How do you handle emergency medical situations?
Minor bruises, bumps, bug bites, and wounds will be taken care of at camp. If anything more serious arises, we will contact you immediately. If emergency care is required, we will call an ambulance, which will go to the closest medical facility. During our staff orientation, all of our counselors will become certified in CPR and First Aid. Our staff also receives professional training in the administration of Epi-Pen.; What do you do to accommodate children with allergies, intolerances, or special medical conditions?
We take life-threatening allergies, intolerances, and special medical conditions very seriously at our summer camp. Parents of campers with serious allergies or serious medical conditions will meet before camp with our staff to discuss all facets of the condition. Together, we will build an Allergy Action Plan or Medical Action Plan with you and your child in order to create an environment wherein your child feels extremely safe at camp. We will discuss strategies for prevention, symptoms, and our order of operations that we would take if a reaction were to occur.

Once your child is registered for camp, you will receive a copy of our full Allergy Guidelines. If your child has a severe and/or life-threatening allergy or medical condition, the Camp Program Director will ask to meet with you (and if possible, your child) before camp begins.; Do you allow peanut, tree-nut, or dairy products at your camp?
Campers may bring peanut, tree-nut, and/or dairy products in their lunches, although we do encourage parents to limit the use of peanuts or tree-nuts in their children's lunches. While the Old Town School Summer Camp is committed to monitoring foods and responsibly limiting potential food allergens, the school can, in no way, guarantee a 100% nut-free or allergen-free environment, and therefore cannot be labeled as an allergen-free or nut-free school or camp. We ask that all camp parents discuss allergies with their camper beforehand, and explain to their child the importance of washing hands before AND after eating, not sharing/trading food, and respecting the needs of campers with severe and/or life-threatening allergies. Our staff works with all campers to reinforce the importance of hand washing, not sharing foods, and respecting the needs of campers with severe and/or life-threatening allergies.; May I send treats with my camper to share with the other children?
We're sorry, but treats, including birthday treats, are not allowed at camp.; Is there a uniform?
No, the children do not wear a uniform. We do ask that all children dress comfortably -- keep in mind that the campers will be moving about a great deal, so it's best if they wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and shorts underneath all dresses or skirts. It's also best for everyone if your camper leaves distracting jewelry and accessories at home.; Do you take field trips?
We do not travel off-site for field trips; all of our "field trips" happen on site in our very own concert hall! These in-house field trips take place on Fridays at 11:45 AM. These field trips are included in the cost of camp. The full field trip brochure will be available at the parent orientations on the first day of each camp.; I'm concerned about sun exposure. Do the children wear sunscreen when they go to the park?
Yes! We are really invested in sun protection at our camp. Our staff will apply sunscreen to all children before going to the park. Additionally, if the children go outside for any other reason (art project, science experiment, etc.), the camp staff will designate a time for sunscreen application prior to outdoor exposure. If your child is allergic to a particular sunscreen or sunscreen ingredient, please let us know ahead of time so that we can help your child avoid the allergen.; Does your camp offer an extended hours program?
Extended hours are available at our camp in order to offer students a safe, supervised space in which to relax, learn, and play before and after the regular camp hours. Extended hours (8:00-9:00 AM, plus 3:00-5:00 PM) are available for 20 campers per session on a first-come, first-served basis. This option will only be offered to you once your child has been admitted to the camp program. There are no extended hours on the mornings of June 25th or July 23rd, and there are no extended hours on the afternoons of July 20th or August 17th. Extended hours drop-off is no earlier than 8:00 am, and extended hours pick-up is no later than 5:00pm. Afternoon extended hours activities may include story time, games, art projects, yoga instruction, experiments, and weekly movies. A light snack will be provided. If your extended hours camper has a food allergy or intolerance, you will be asked to provide a snack for your child to eat during this time.
Extended hours cost: $400 per camp session; What are your drop-off and pick-up policies?
We are very strict about our pick-up and drop-off policies! Campers are to be dropped off between 8:45 and 9:05am or, if attending the extended hours program, no earlier than 8:00 AM. Campers are to be picked up from summer camp between 2:55pm and 3:10pm or by 5:00pm if attending the extended hours program. If your child is picked up after the appropriate time, you will be charged a $20 fee for every 5 minutes that your child is picked up late. All late fees will be automatically charged to your credit card or debit card account (which you will provide on the Parent Contract prior to the start of camp).; What are your drop-off and pick-up procedures?
In the mornings, we will have a staff member stationed outside the front entrance of the school from 8:45-9:05 am. You may simply pull up in your car (or on foot!) and drop off your camper with the 'morning host'; s/he will see your child safely into the building and sign in your child for you. If you choose to walk your child into the school in the morning, there will be a sign-in & sign-out sheet on the table near the doors of the Mabie Gallery. Please sign your name next to your child's name on these sheets. Counselors will be waiting to supervise the children as they arrive.

At the end of the day, all campers will meet back in the Mabie Gallery by 2:50 PM. Your child will be available for pick-up at 2:55 PM. In the afternoon, you MUST come into the Gallery to sign out your child before your child leaves the premises, no matter what!; What if my child has a doctor's appointment or a baseball game? Can I pick up my child early from camp?
If you need to pick up your child before 3:00 PM, please do so at the School at 12:30pm only. The only camper pick-up times are at the start of lunch (12:30 PM) and at the end of the camp day (3:00 PM). Additionally, we leave for the park at 1:45 PM and, for your child's safety, we do not allow any pick-ups at the park. No exceptions will be made to these policies. We will have an 'Absences and Updates' sheet posted next to the sign-in sheet in the Mabie Gallery where you can make a note about when you will be picking up your child. Please also notify your child's counselor.