Camps at Blazing Star are a great way for children to make new friends, unleash their creativity, explore the outdoors, and have new adventures!

Blazing Star summer camps are open to students ages 4* (and fully potty trained) through 12.

Campers can sign up by the week, and each week will have a different theme. Campers will work on open-ended, student-driven art and science projects at our home base that relate to that week’s theme. Anticipated weekly themes for 2025 include: Light and Dark, Circus, Music, Puppets, Things That Go, Forts, Human Body, Myths and Legends, and a return of our popular Renaissance Festival theme from last year!

We will go on adventures near and far (walking field trips in the neighborhood as well as by CTA). We will also play group games and have plenty of time for free play.

Summer programs will be based outside, with an inside space available in cases of extreme heat or other inclement weather. In general, students should be prepared to spend all or most of the day outside, with shade and water play available to help keep cool.

*4 year old spots will be limited, as our camps require children to be more independent than most daycare or preschool environments. We have found that 4 year olds have different developmental needs than our older campers, requiring more adult help, and we want to ensure that our staff are able to meet the needs of all campers. If you are enrolling a 4 year old, please call or email to ensure we have space available.

Hours: All camps run Monday - Friday, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm, with no camp on July 4th.

There are limited spots available for before care from 8:30 - 9:30, and aftercare from 3:30 - 4:30.

Cost: Each week of camp is $350. Sign up for our newsletter for our early bird discount next year!

Before care and after care are $11/hr each.

Sibling Discount: Siblings will each receive a 10% discount. Use the code SIBLINGS at checkout.

Food: Campers should provide their own hearty lunch and a snack.

Location: 4042 N Springfield Ave, Apt 2, Chicago, IL 60618. We are conveniently located to 90/94 and have a parking lot and plentiful street parking for drop off, as well as conveniently located to the Blue line, the Metra NW line, and several bus lines.

Group size: We will have a maximum ratio of 8 kids per staff member, with at least two staff members each day. We anticipate a group of about 15-20 kids per week, with a maximum of 24 kids with 3 staff members.

Refunds: In the event that a family needs to cancel their child’s summer camp, refunds will be given if the cancellation is made more than 14 days in advance of the start of camp.  A $25 cancellation fee per week of camp will apply to cover the cost of administration and credit card processing fees.  Because we will have already hired appropriate staff, purchased supplies, and potentially turned other campers away if camps are full, refunds cannot be given with less than 14 days’ notice.  If a camper becomes sick or has another emergency situation less than 14 days from the start of camp, every effort will be made to reschedule the camper into a future session of camp. 

Enrollment dates for 2025:
January 1: Priority Enrollment opens for returning campers, with early bird pricing.
Feb 15: General enrollment opens with early bird pricing.
March 15: Last day for early bird pricing.