Frequently Asked Questions
This page is updated frequently with additional information about Summer 2022.
Registration
How do I register?
Summer Adventures in Learning uses an online registration and account management system called CampBrain. New families should create an account in order to register. Returning families can sign-in with their existing accounts.
We strongly recommend accessing the registration system on a computer, as there may be some compatibility issues on phones and tablets. Please email Sara Stanke if you need any assistance.
Summer Adventures in Learning uses an online registration and account management system called CampBrain. New families should create an account in order to register. Returning families can sign-in with their existing accounts.
We strongly recommend accessing the registration system on a computer, as there may be some compatibility issues on phones and tablets. Please email Sara Stanke if you need any assistance.
Are there any admission requirements?
Summer Adventures in Learning is open to the community, regardless of the school your child attends during the academic year or their achievement level. The admission process involves receipt of the online registration, accompanying medical forms, and payment. Eligibility is based on the grade in which your child is entering in the fall of 2022.
Summer Adventures in Learning is open to the community, regardless of the school your child attends during the academic year or their achievement level. The admission process involves receipt of the online registration, accompanying medical forms, and payment. Eligibility is based on the grade in which your child is entering in the fall of 2022.
When does registration open and close?
Early bird registration typically opens in February. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until spots are filled. Registrations are accepted up until the first day of the session, but new registrations submitted within 3 business days of the session start date may incur a small administrative fee.
Early bird registration typically opens in February. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until spots are filled. Registrations are accepted up until the first day of the session, but new registrations submitted within 3 business days of the session start date may incur a small administrative fee.
What registration forms are required?
Most of the required enrollment information is collected during the online registration process. Additionally, we must have on file a copy of the child’s Certificate of Child Health Examinations (or comparable form) with up to date immunizations. The physical exam must have been completed within one calendar year prior to the session start date. Additional forms may be required for children with allergy action plans or who need medication during the camp day. We dispose of all records at the end of each summer season, and must recollect new information before each summer begins.
Most of the required enrollment information is collected during the online registration process. Additionally, we must have on file a copy of the child’s Certificate of Child Health Examinations (or comparable form) with up to date immunizations. The physical exam must have been completed within one calendar year prior to the session start date. Additional forms may be required for children with allergy action plans or who need medication during the camp day. We dispose of all records at the end of each summer season, and must recollect new information before each summer begins.
Can I register for an additional session after camp begins?
Yes, we accept registrations up until the start of the session. However, program options do fill on a first come, first served basis and many options do reach capacity. To register for an additional session, log into your online account and access your existing registration by clicking “View registration details” under the Summer Adventures in Learning 2022 heading. On the next screen, click “add sessions” and follow the on-screen instructions.
Yes, we accept registrations up until the start of the session. However, program options do fill on a first come, first served basis and many options do reach capacity. To register for an additional session, log into your online account and access your existing registration by clicking “View registration details” under the Summer Adventures in Learning 2022 heading. On the next screen, click “add sessions” and follow the on-screen instructions.
When are payments due?
Final account balances for Summer 2022 are due b y June 3, 2022. Please login to your account to review final balance due date and refund policies. SAA reserves the right to cancel unpaid registrations after the set forth deadline. Visit Dates and Rates for more details.
Final account balances for Summer 2022 are due b y June 3, 2022. Please login to your account to review final balance due date and refund policies. SAA reserves the right to cancel unpaid registrations after the set forth deadline. Visit Dates and Rates for more details.
Do you require a deposit to hold a spot?
Yes, a $100 enrollment deposit for each child is required at the time of registration (or within 7 business days if by check/cash) in order to secure their spot. Please login to your account and refer to our website for an up-to-date deposit amount and policies regarding refunding deposits.
Yes, a $100 enrollment deposit for each child is required at the time of registration (or within 7 business days if by check/cash) in order to secure their spot. Please login to your account and refer to our website for an up-to-date deposit amount and policies regarding refunding deposits.
Do you offer any discounts?
We do! There is an early registration discount. All eligible discounts are applied at registration, either as a credit to the account balance or refund. Visit Dates and Rates for more details.
We do! There is an early registration discount. All eligible discounts are applied at registration, either as a credit to the account balance or refund. Visit Dates and Rates for more details.
Do you offer financial assistance?
There are limited need-based scholarship funds available. Interested families must complete an application that can be accessed during the online registration process. The deadline for financial assistance is Wednesday, March 16. We are also happy to work with families on interest-free payment plan options.
There are limited need-based scholarship funds available. Interested families must complete an application that can be accessed during the online registration process. The deadline for financial assistance is Wednesday, March 16. We are also happy to work with families on interest-free payment plan options.
Camp Schedule
What are camp hours?
Camp programming begins promptly at 9:00am and ends at 12:00pm for half day campers and 3:00pm for full day campers. The summer office is open from 8:00am to 4:00pm. We are always closed on July 4 in observance of the national holiday. This year, there will be no camp on Monday, July 5 in observance of Independence Day.
Camp programming begins promptly at 9:00am and ends at 12:00pm for half day campers and 3:00pm for full day campers. The summer office is open from 8:00am to 4:00pm. We are always closed on July 4 in observance of the national holiday. This year, there will be no camp on Monday, July 5 in observance of Independence Day.
What happens on the first day of each session?
We ask that campers arrive 15-20 minutes early on the first day of each session and join our friendly staff under the tent near the main entrance. We will have information tables available under our large white tents on the west side of our front entrance. Please accompany your child to the table. After the first day, we offer a valet car line for both drop off and pick up.
We ask that campers arrive 15-20 minutes early on the first day of each session and join our friendly staff under the tent near the main entrance. We will have information tables available under our large white tents on the west side of our front entrance. Please accompany your child to the table. After the first day, we offer a valet car line for both drop off and pick up.
Is there an early drop-off and late pick-up option?
For 2022, our Before Camp and After Camp extended care options will be offered daily starting at 7:30m and ending at 6:00pm. *Before Camp and After Camp extended care offered on all days except the first morning of each session.
For 2022, our Before Camp and After Camp extended care options will be offered daily starting at 7:30m and ending at 6:00pm. *Before Camp and After Camp extended care offered on all days except the first morning of each session.
Do you offer lunch?
We do! Full-day campers (i.e. participants enrolled in the Full Day Young Learners Program or in the 1st-8th Recreation Program) may order in advance through our school lunch provider, Gourmet Gorilla. This summer all Gourmet Gorilla options will be individually packaged. Families receive ordering information prior to the summer.
We do! Full-day campers (i.e. participants enrolled in the Full Day Young Learners Program or in the 1st-8th Recreation Program) may order in advance through our school lunch provider, Gourmet Gorilla. This summer all Gourmet Gorilla options will be individually packaged. Families receive ordering information prior to the summer.
What is the Enrichment Showcase?
Unfortunately, we have decided to eliminate the showcases for our SAIL 2022 program in order to adhere to the most recent health and safety guidelines.
Unfortunately, we have decided to eliminate the showcases for our SAIL 2022 program in order to adhere to the most recent health and safety guidelines.
What days do campers go to the waterpark?
In a typical summer full day campers walk to Mystic Waters twice a week. Campers are swim tested by Mystic Waters lifeguards on their first visit of the summer and receive a colored wristband based on their swimming level and ability to access certain areas of the waterpark. Generally, the Pre-k, K, and 1st-4th grade age groups will attend on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The 5th-8th grade group will attend on Wednesdays and Fridays. All visits are weather dependent.
In a typical summer full day campers walk to Mystic Waters twice a week. Campers are swim tested by Mystic Waters lifeguards on their first visit of the summer and receive a colored wristband based on their swimming level and ability to access certain areas of the waterpark. Generally, the Pre-k, K, and 1st-4th grade age groups will attend on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The 5th-8th grade group will attend on Wednesdays and Fridays. All visits are weather dependent.
What if my child can only attend one week of a session?
Our camp is intentionally structured in two-week sessions to maximize learning opportunities while providing families with scheduling flexibility. Generally speaking, we don’t recommend partial attendance as it introduces challenges around having missed important expectations and material. Because each program day builds on the previous, the delivered value to the child is diminished with missed time. Additionally, due to the demand of our program, we must first allot spots to those who can attend an entire session. We handle partial attendance requests on a case by case basis, but please understand that we are typically not able to offer a proration.
Our camp is intentionally structured in two-week sessions to maximize learning opportunities while providing families with scheduling flexibility. Generally speaking, we don’t recommend partial attendance as it introduces challenges around having missed important expectations and material. Because each program day builds on the previous, the delivered value to the child is diminished with missed time. Additionally, due to the demand of our program, we must first allot spots to those who can attend an entire session. We handle partial attendance requests on a case by case basis, but please understand that we are typically not able to offer a proration.
Can my child enroll in the same class multiple times a summer?
We strongly encourage Young Learners campers to participate in as many sessions as possible as there is the opportunity to build upon their progress from the previous session. Additionally, certain 1st-8th grade enrichment classes are offered multiple times over the course of the summer and lend themselves to being repeated. If your child is interested in repeating a class and you would like some guidance, please email us.
We strongly encourage Young Learners campers to participate in as many sessions as possible as there is the opportunity to build upon their progress from the previous session. Additionally, certain 1st-8th grade enrichment classes are offered multiple times over the course of the summer and lend themselves to being repeated. If your child is interested in repeating a class and you would like some guidance, please email us.
Why don’t you offer more than three sessions?
In general, the model of three consecutive sessions from mid-June to the end of July has been well received by our families and staff. In planning for the summer, we must take into account scheduling constraints, most importantly the time in between the academic year and summer camp. With limited time to transform the campus into our summer program site and return it to form for the school year, we have found a 6-week sweet spot that aligns with staff availability and building maintenance needs.
In general, the model of three consecutive sessions from mid-June to the end of July has been well received by our families and staff. In planning for the summer, we must take into account scheduling constraints, most importantly the time in between the academic year and summer camp. With limited time to transform the campus into our summer program site and return it to form for the school year, we have found a 6-week sweet spot that aligns with staff availability and building maintenance needs.
Enrollment Changes and Cancellations
What happens if I go to register and a program option is full?
Because of our commitment to high quality programming and small class sizes, and the additional capacity restrictions due to COVID-19, many options do fill quickly. In these cases you may join a waitlist at no cost. However, we strongly recommend enrolling in a backup choice in case no spots open in the waitlisted option.
Because of our commitment to high quality programming and small class sizes, and the additional capacity restrictions due to COVID-19, many options do fill quickly. In these cases you may join a waitlist at no cost. However, we strongly recommend enrolling in a backup choice in case no spots open in the waitlisted option.
If I want to cancel, can I receive a refund?
Summer Adventures in Learning will continue to offer reasonable, flexible payment and refund policies for Summer 2022. At the same time, we ask that families understand the current financial challenges and risks associated with operating in 2022 and to notify us immediately about any anticipated changes to enrollment status. All refunds must be requested by emailing us and are granted on a case-by-case basis. Visit Dates and Rates for more details.
Summer Adventures in Learning will continue to offer reasonable, flexible payment and refund policies for Summer 2022. At the same time, we ask that families understand the current financial challenges and risks associated with operating in 2022 and to notify us immediately about any anticipated changes to enrollment status. All refunds must be requested by emailing us and are granted on a case-by-case basis. Visit Dates and Rates for more details.
Can I make changes to my enrollment?
Yes, but we must be notified of requested changes by phone or in writing. Do not attempt to make changes online. Depending on availability, we are happy to accommodate most changes at no cost when requests are made at least one week prior to the session start date. A small administrative fee may be applied to changes requested within this time frame.
Yes, but we must be notified of requested changes by phone or in writing. Do not attempt to make changes online. Depending on availability, we are happy to accommodate most changes at no cost when requests are made at least one week prior to the session start date. A small administrative fee may be applied to changes requested within this time frame.
Are programs ever cancelled due to low enrollment?
While we do everything possible to run all scheduled classes, there are times when we are forced to cancel a class due to low enrollment. Typically, this circumstance is limited to 1st-8th grade enrichment classes, and does not impact the Young Learners Program or the Recreation Program. In the event a class is cancelled, we notify families immediately and offer a full refund if no viable alternative is found.
While we do everything possible to run all scheduled classes, there are times when we are forced to cancel a class due to low enrollment. Typically, this circumstance is limited to 1st-8th grade enrichment classes, and does not impact the Young Learners Program or the Recreation Program. In the event a class is cancelled, we notify families immediately and offer a full refund if no viable alternative is found.
Operations and Safety
How is SAA creating a safe environment during COVID-19?
SAA implements specific health and safety measures as part of our multi-layered approach to reducing the exposure and spread of illness within our community. Summer Adventures in Learning offers an onsite Health Services Center staffed by a full-time nurse, as well as preparations and case response protocols. All of our health and safety decisions are informed by the latest public health guidance for schools and camps. A list of some of our mitigation strategies for Summer 2022 are available on our main summer page and enrolled families will receive a comprehensive guide leading up to the summer.
We make health and safety a top priority. Please see the COVID-19 Health & Safety Guide for more information. This guide is updated regularly and is subject to change.
SAA implements specific health and safety measures as part of our multi-layered approach to reducing the exposure and spread of illness within our community. Summer Adventures in Learning offers an onsite Health Services Center staffed by a full-time nurse, as well as preparations and case response protocols. All of our health and safety decisions are informed by the latest public health guidance for schools and camps. A list of some of our mitigation strategies for Summer 2022 are available on our main summer page and enrolled families will receive a comprehensive guide leading up to the summer.
We make health and safety a top priority. Please see the COVID-19 Health & Safety Guide for more information. This guide is updated regularly and is subject to change.
How does the drop-off and pick-up process work?
SAA uses a contactless carline system for camp drop-off and pick-up. Vehicles are directed to queue up in a line alongside the school building as staff assist campers in and out of the building. For morning drop off, our staff will be on hand to greet and help direct your child to their proper classroom. You should enter the car line from Miner Street. For pick up, we ask that you have your car identification tag in the passenger's side windshield of your car. The car line operates from 8:45-9:00am for drop-off, from 12-12:15pm for half-day dismissal, and 3-3:15pm for full day dismissal.
SAA uses a contactless carline system for camp drop-off and pick-up. Vehicles are directed to queue up in a line alongside the school building as staff assist campers in and out of the building. For morning drop off, our staff will be on hand to greet and help direct your child to their proper classroom. You should enter the car line from Miner Street. For pick up, we ask that you have your car identification tag in the passenger's side windshield of your car. The car line operates from 8:45-9:00am for drop-off, from 12-12:15pm for half-day dismissal, and 3-3:15pm for full day dismissal.
What if I need to pick up my child early one day?
We understand that doctor’s appointments, vacations, and other scheduling challenges arise during the summer, and are happy to accommodate early pick-ups. We request advance notice for all early pick-ups so that we can coordinate with our staff and your child. In the event of an early pickup during afternoon hours when a camper is off site, the school must be notified so that we can communicate your arrival to staff supervising at the offsite location. We do not have the staff capacity to escort children back to SAA for an early pick up.
We understand that doctor’s appointments, vacations, and other scheduling challenges arise during the summer, and are happy to accommodate early pick-ups. We request advance notice for all early pick-ups so that we can coordinate with our staff and your child. In the event of an early pickup during afternoon hours when a camper is off site, the school must be notified so that we can communicate your arrival to staff supervising at the offsite location. We do not have the staff capacity to escort children back to SAA for an early pick up.
Is transportation service offered?
At this time, we do not offer a transportation service for our summer program participants.
SAA is conveniently located three blocks east of the Des Plaines Metra Station which services Chicago and many northwest suburbs, and a PACE route 250 bus stop is adjacent to the school.
At this time, we do not offer a transportation service for our summer program participants.
SAA is conveniently located three blocks east of the Des Plaines Metra Station which services Chicago and many northwest suburbs, and a PACE route 250 bus stop is adjacent to the school.
What’s your sick policy?
If your child has a fever of 100.4 or higher, they must be kept home. If your child becomes ill during camp and has a temperature of 100.4, we will require them to go home, and your camper will remain in the office until picked up. We have a 24-hour fever free policy, so your child may only return to camp after 24 hours without a fever or having taken fever reducing medication.
Please see the COVID-19 Health & Safety Guide for more information.
If your child has a fever of 100.4 or higher, they must be kept home. If your child becomes ill during camp and has a temperature of 100.4, we will require them to go home, and your camper will remain in the office until picked up. We have a 24-hour fever free policy, so your child may only return to camp after 24 hours without a fever or having taken fever reducing medication.
Please see the COVID-19 Health & Safety Guide for more information.
How are families notified of an emergency?
In general, we have a “call-first” approach to dealing with any situation involving the health and safety of a child, so our immediate action is to call parents and/or emergency contacts. In the event of a building wide emergency, an emergency alert system will automatically call and email to contact information on file. Additional information about our health and wellness protocols is available in the Family Handbook.
In general, we have a “call-first” approach to dealing with any situation involving the health and safety of a child, so our immediate action is to call parents and/or emergency contacts. In the event of a building wide emergency, an emergency alert system will automatically call and email to contact information on file. Additional information about our health and wellness protocols is available in the Family Handbook.
Additional Information
What should my child bring to camp each day?
We recommend every child bring a small backpack or bag to hold personal items, including a water bottle and nut-free snack and/or for full day participants, a healthy lunch from home. All items must be labeled with your child’s name. Please review the packing list that includes prohibited items.
There will be a lost & found area in the lunchroom for missing items. The school donates all unclaimed items after the summer.
We recommend every child bring a small backpack or bag to hold personal items, including a water bottle and nut-free snack and/or for full day participants, a healthy lunch from home. All items must be labeled with your child’s name. Please review the packing list that includes prohibited items.
There will be a lost & found area in the lunchroom for missing items. The school donates all unclaimed items after the summer.
Can my child be grouped with friends?
Buddy requests may be submitted during the online registration process for 1st-8th grade participants in the Recreation Program. While we try our best to honor these requests, we’re unable to guarantee all requests will be granted. Multiple groups participate together in many of the afternoon activities, so even if your child is not buddied with a friend, they will spend significant time with each other.
Buddy requests may be submitted during the online registration process for 1st-8th grade participants in the Recreation Program. While we try our best to honor these requests, we’re unable to guarantee all requests will be granted. Multiple groups participate together in many of the afternoon activities, so even if your child is not buddied with a friend, they will spend significant time with each other.
Will children receive a camp t-shirt?
2022 campers will receive a camp t-shirt.
2022 campers will receive a camp t-shirt.
Can children with special needs participate?
While Summer Adventures in Learning isn’t equipped to meet the special needs of every child, there are children with a wide range of special needs who participate and thrive. Please feel free to contact us and tell us more about your child to see if our summer program is the right fit for your family.
While Summer Adventures in Learning isn’t equipped to meet the special needs of every child, there are children with a wide range of special needs who participate and thrive. Please feel free to contact us and tell us more about your child to see if our summer program is the right fit for your family.
After 8th grade, where can my child have an enriching summer experience?
While rising 8th graders are the oldest eligible campers, there are several quality options in the area for high school aged children. Please contact the Des Plaines Park District for information.
While rising 8th graders are the oldest eligible campers, there are several quality options in the area for high school aged children. Please contact the Des Plaines Park District for information.
What’s your Tax ID number?
36.3838771
36.3838771
