Okay, parents, we juggle a lot. Work, chores, family time – sometimes summer can feel like an extension of the daily grind, just with added sunscreen. Let’s be honest…while summer may be a vacation for your kids, it’s no picnic!
But what if summer could be different? What if it could be a time for your child to explore new interests, make lasting friendships, and discover hidden talents – all while getting them some beneficial screen-free time?
For your well-deserved break, look no further than our new Summer Camps Guide for McHenry County! Summer camp can be that magic ingredient you’re seeking.
And you may be surprised at the summer camp options available in McHenry County. Our summer camps guide is here to help you sort through the numerous choices, from traditional day camps to specialty camps for sports, art, horses, STEM-focused, and yes, even space camp! And more, surprisingly.
With so many options available, choosing the right camp can feel overwhelming.
Start by considering your child’s interests and personality. Do they crave adventure, or are they more drawn to creative pursuits?
Unfortunately, we can’t possibly pull together and maintain all of the details here. But what we can do is at least provide a general overview and a jumping-off point to explore the camps that might fit your needs. A few things to be aware of or think about:
- Many of the summer camp options span all ages, from teen camps to even pre-school age; most placements are based on either their age or the grade they will be entering in the fall.
- Resident or member vs non-resident or non-member fees may vary.
- Days and hours of coverage…not all camps cover all days or span the “entire” day.
- Also, not all camps span the entire summer months.
- And even ones that are may allow registering for individual weeks or 2-week blocks.
- Can you register for specific blocks (times of day, days, weeks, etc.), and if not, will you be paying for times that may overlap with summer vacation or other times when you’ll be away?
- Do they have extended camp time options either before, after, or both?
- Do they offer specific areas of interest, such as swim lessons, field trips, areas of focus like sports, art, education, etc.?
- When are the specific deadlines for registering and are they space-limited?
- In some instances, the actual camp location may differ from what is listed below.
- Check with your tax preparer about whether you can deduct camp costs as a childcare expense.
All information is subject to change and we always recommend contacting the specific providers to verify availability.
Please Help Us
Please help McHenry Life be the best source of summer camp information in McHenry County.
If you manage or are involved with one of these camps, please help us out with updated information or a photo that we can include. We also recommend you add a specific listing for your camp(s) on our Events Calendar. You can do so at no cost and then you’ll be able to add more information, update information whenever and as often as you need to, and add photos and links to your website and social media pages. Add it!
If you don’t manage a camp, you can help by sharing our guides through your social media accounts and with your friends. Please recommend us to camp providers and let them know when you found information about their camp on McHenry Life. Finally, if you have some information about these or other camps, feel free to use the form below to let us know.
Click to Submit Others, Information, or Corrections
Did we miss one or include one that is no longer relevant? Or maybe you have information to add or we need to correct our information? We greatly appreciate any help that others can provide. Please provide as much information, including links to other sources, as you can in the form below. Thanks!
Algonquin
Life Time Summer Camp
Provider: Life Time Algonquin
While Life Time camps do require Life Time membership, this may be a unique offering for those who have or are considering a membership. They offer various camps based on age groups.
Address: 451 Rolls Rd, Algonquin, IL 60102
Phone: 847-458-6200
Information: Details
Cary
Camp ECHO, ECHO Extreme, & ECHO Flex
Provider: Cary Park District
The Cary Park District summer camps are open to Cary residents and non-residents. Camp ECHO is for those in grades K – 5, while ECHO Extreme is for grades 6 – 8. These camps run Monday through Friday, but they also offer ECHO Flex, which is a Monday & Wednesday camp.
Address: 255 Briargate Rd, Cary, IL 60013
Phone: 847-639-6100
Information: Details
Sunshine Camp & Sunshine Flex Camp
Provider: Cary Park District
The Cary Park District also offers a separate camp for the younger campers, both resident and non-resident. The main camp runs Monday through Friday, while the Flex camp provides a twice-a-week option of either Mondays & Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Address: 100 Cary Algonquin Rd, Cary, IL 60013
Phone: 847-639-7448
Information: Details
Cary-Grove Performing Arts Centre Summer Classes
Provider: Cary-Grove Performing Arts Centre
Not a typical camp offering, but CGPAC features various summer classes in performing arts for your up-and-coming star!
Address: 21 Jandus Rd, Cary, IL 60013
Phone: 847-639-3800
Information: Details
Today’s summer camps offer a diverse range of experiences designed to ignite young minds and bodies.
From coding and robotics to nature exploration and sportsmanship, there’s a camp out there for every child’s unique personality.
Crystal Lake
Creative Arts Inc Summer Camp
Provider: Creative Arts Inc
Looking for a camp for your young artist? These mini-camps vary by week and are often 3 or 4 days a week, and typically not full days in length. However, for those with more flexible needs looking for an art focus, this may be a unique offering of interest.
Address: 400 Highland Ave, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-219-9243
Information: Details
Crystal Lake Summer Day Camp
Provider: Crystal Lake Park District
The Crystal Lake Park District provides a traditional day camp experience that begins each day at Main Beach. Open to both Crystal Lake residents and non-residents, their camps are broken out into sub-camps (Pee Wee Camp for K & 1st, Junior Camp for 2nd & 3rd, Senior Camp for 4th & 5th, Teen Camp for 6th thru 9th, Junior Leaders for 7th thru 9th, and a Counselors in Training for 10th thru 12th grades) and run Monday through Friday.
Address: 300 Lakeshore Dr, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-459-0680
Information: Details
Kids and College
Provider: McHenry County College
Kids and College with MCC offers immersive STEM camps (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Manufacturing) for young minds. Campers explore exciting career paths, gain new skills, and broaden their knowledge through engaging activities and projects. Similar to college, “classes” are broken out by topic as well as grade level.
Address: 8900 US Hwy 14, Crystal Lake, Illinois 60012
Phone: 815-455-8588
Information: Details
NISRA Summer Camps
Provider: Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association
Looking for an unforgettable summer experience for your child? Look no further than NISRA camps! They offer a vibrant mix of activities like games, storytelling, sports, arts & crafts, singing, skits, and even water fun—all designed to create lasting memories and help your child thrive.
* They hold camps at various locations around the county.
Address: 285 Memorial Dr, Crystal Lake, IL 60014815-459-0737
Phone: 815-459-0737
Information: Details
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North Wall Summer Camp
Provider: North Wall Rock Climbing Gym
North Wall’s summer camps are the perfect launching pad for budding athletes. They’ll ignite a passion for climbing while laying a solid foundation for athletic development, whether they stick with climbing or branch out to other sports. They offer discounted rates for club members, but their camps are open to all.
Address: 824 S Main St #106, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-356-6855
Information: Details
Mean Girls High School Edition
Provider: Raue Center School for the Arts
Looking for a summer camp for your aspiring performer, aged 13 – 18? Let them answer the call for this musical number. Auditions begin June 3 for this production of “Mean Girls.”
Address: 210 McHenry Ave, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-356-9010
Information: Details
Moana Jr.
Provider: Raue Center School for the Arts
Have a performer who’s 7 – 13 years old? The RCSA has a summer camp for them too. Auditions begin June 10 for this production of “Moana Jr.”
Address: 210 McHenry Ave, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-356-9010
Information: Details
Sage YMCA Day Camp
Provider: Sage YMCA
Forget ordinary summer experiences. At Sage YMCA Day Camp, imaginations soar, creativity explodes, and new skills are conquered daily. More than just a “camp,” their offerings span ages across more traditional camp settings to specialty camps as well.
Address: 701 Manor Rd, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-459-4455
Information: Details
Summer Camps at Prairieview Education Center
Provider: McHenry County Conservation District
The MCCD offers summer camps with a strong emphasis on exploring nature. Prairieview Education Center is one of two locations that features a variety of camp options.
Address: 2112 Behan Rd, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-338-6223
Information: Details
The MAC Sports Complex Summer Camp
Provider: The MAC Sports Complex
Active Kids Summer Camp at The MAC is more than just a day camp, it’s an adventure zone for energetic kids! Their program is a sport and activity-focused camp that keeps the kids constantly moving, exploring, and having a blast all summer long.
Address: 1310 Ridgefield Rd, Crystal Lake, IL 60012
Phone: 815-455-6634
Information: Details
Summer camp is a chance for your child to step outside their comfort zone and try new things. Embrace this opportunity for growth!
Trust that experienced counselors will provide a safe and nurturing environment, and encourage your child to participate in activities they might not initially gravitate towards.
Huntley
Huntley Park District Summer Camp
Provider: Huntley Park District
Escape the ordinary and dive into epic adventures with Huntley Park District’s summer camp! Their full-day program blends outdoor exploration, exciting activities, and teamwork, creating unforgettable memories for kids of all ages. They offer some camps broken out by grade level and have a swim program option as well.
Address: 12015 Mill St, Huntley, IL 60142
Phone: 847-669-3180
Information: Details
Lake in the Hills
FuntastiCAMP
Provider: Lake in the Hills Parks & Rec
Is your child itching for outdoor adventures? Look no further than FuntastiCAMP! LITH’s Parks & Rec FuntasticCAMP creates unforgettable summer memories with exciting activities with mini-camps broken out by grade groups.
Address: 600 Harvest Gate, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
Phone: 847-960-7400
Information: Details
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McHenry
McHenry Summer Day Camp
Provider: McHenry Parks & Rec
Looking for an action-packed summer experience for your child? Look no further than the McHenry Parks & Rec’s Summer Day Camp held at Knox Park! Their program offers a fun and adventurous escape into the great outdoors, filled with exciting activities and lasting memories.
Address: 330 Knox Dr, McHenry, IL 60050
Phone: 815-363-2160
Information: Details
Shepherd of the Hills Summer Camp
Provider: Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church
Unleash an epic summer for your 5 to 11-year-old at SOTH’s incredible camp! Packed with adventures, laughter, and memories that last a lifetime, it’s the perfect escape from the ordinary that also includes lunch and morning and afternoon snacks.
Address: 404 N Green St, McHenry, IL 60050
Phone: 815-276-6829
Information: Details
Snapology Summer Camp
Provider: Snapology of McHenry
Snapology brings a specialized, STEAM focus to the summer camp experience. Give your child the perfect summer fit with Snapology camps! They offer both flexible half-day programs and immersive full-day experiences. Choose what works best for you and your child’s needs. Their camps are held at the McHenry Public Library or the McHenry Recreation Center.
Address: McHenry, IL 60050
Phone: 815-708-1200
Information: Details
While fun is certainly a priority, the benefits of summer camp go far beyond amusement. Camp fosters independence, confidence, and social skills.
It teaches children problem-solving, teamwork, and resilience in a safe and supportive environment. It can even be a springboard for lifelong passions or future career paths
Richmond
Krussel Stables Horse Discovery Camp
Provider: Krussell Stables
Looking for a summer adventure that neighs like no other? Look no further than Horse Discovery Camp! While this is a specialty camp, no previous riding or equine experience is required. This camp is all about creating lasting memories, while also fostering a love for horses, and building confidence, all in a safe and friendly environment.
Address: 7105 E. Tryon Grove Road Richmond, IL 60071
Phone: 815-678-6808
Information: Details
Ringwood
Summer Camps at Lost Valley Visitor’s Center
Provider: McHenry County Conservation District
The MCCD offers summer camps with a strong emphasis on exploring nature. Located within the Glacial Park Conservation Area, Lost Valley Visitor’s Center is one of two locations that features a variety of camp options.
Address: 6705 Rte 31, Ringwood, IL 60072
Phone: 815-338-6223
Information: Details
Spring Grove
Meadowsweet Ranch Equine Camps
Provider: Meadowsweet Ranch
Meadowsweet Ranch Equine Camps strive to foster a warm and welcoming atmosphere where every child feels safe and encouraged. They offer different camps, including their Pony Camps for ages 4 to 6 as well as two Summer Horsemanship Camps, one for ages 7 to 12 and their Teen Camp for ages 13 to 17. Spaces are very limited.
Address: 8118 Wilmot Rd, Spring Grove, IL 60081
Phone: 815-675-1177
Information: Details
Summer camp is more than just childcare; it’s an investment in your child’s happiness, development, and future memories.
So, this summer, give your child the gift of adventure and give yourself the gift of some well-deserved time off. After all, happy kids make happy parents!
Woodstock
Challenger Learning Center Summer Camps
Provider: Challenger Learning Center
Ready for an adventure that’s out of this world? Look no further than Challenger Learning Center’s summer camps! They offer themed camps dealing with space, robotics, STEM, survival, and more.
Address: 720 W Judd St, Woodstock, IL 60098
Phone: 815-338-7722
Information: Details
House of Children Academy Summer Camp
Provider: House of Children Academy
HOC Academy is a State Licensed and Silver Quality Certified, childcare, preschool, and kindergarten that also offers a variety of summer camps that span from early preschool ages up to school-aged children.
Address: 2521 Harding Ln, Woodstock, IL 60098
Phone: 815-337-4663
Information: Details
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President and Founder of Identity Developments, LLC, the parent company of the McHenry Life website. My hope for McHenry Life is to create a resource and destination for the residents and businesses of McHenry County alike. A place where residents can discover new places to explore, fun events and ways to spend time, and then share those experiences with others. A place where businesses can connect with existing and potential customers, and not simply market their businesses, but share their own unique stories.
