The Summer They'll Talk About All Year

Camp Play at Spark Academy is a play-based summer day camp for ages 3–11. Eight weeks of science, art, cooking, LEGOs, dramatic play, and outdoor adventures — in small groups, led by the same credentialed team that runs Spark's school-year programs. Mornings only. Designed for happy, tired kids at pickup.

Spots fill fast. Weekly and full-summer pricing available until May 30.

Ages 3–11 June 1 – July 31 Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM Small Groups Credentialed Staff

Children of multiple ages playing outdoors at Camp Play summer day camp at Spark Academy in Morton, Illinois

A Perfect Blend of Structure and Freedom

Camp Play isn't daycare with a summer label. It's an intentionally designed program where children spend their mornings exploring, creating, experimenting, and playing — the same way they would during Spark's school year, but with the energy and spirit of summer woven through everything.

Every day, your child moves through a mix of hands-on activities designed for their age group: science experiments, art projects, cooking challenges, LEGO building, dramatic play, and outdoor games. The activities rotate. The groups stay small. And the adults in the room are the same credentialed teachers and staff who lead Spark's year-round programs — not seasonal hires filling seats.

Camp runs Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Your child arrives, dives into a morning packed with things they'll want to tell you about at lunch, and goes home ready for an afternoon nap or a backyard adventure.

Children engaged in Camp Play summer activities including science, art, cooking, and outdoor games at Spark Academy

Four Groups. One Camp. Every Child in the Right Place.

Camp Play serves children ages 3 through 11, divided into four age-based groups so every activity, every interaction, and every expectation is matched to your child's developmental stage.

Little Explorers

Ages 3 & 4

Adventure Builders

Ages 5 & 6

Trailblazers

Ages 7 & 8

Summit Squad

Ages 9–11

Your three-year-old isn't in a group with a ten-year-old. Your nine-year-old isn't doing toddler activities. Each group has its own activity plan, its own energy, and its own staff — all under the same Camp Play umbrella.

Camp Play — Everything You Need to Know

Dates

June 1 – July 31, 2026

Week Off

June 29 – July 3

Total Duration

8 weeks · 40 camp days

Daily Schedule

Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Ages

3–11 (grouped by age)

Activities

Science · Art · Cooking · LEGOs · Dramatic Play · Outdoor Games

Option	Price	Details
Day Rate	$50/day	Available any time, no commitment
5+ Day Pack	$45/day	Book 5 or more days and every day drops from $50 to $45. Choose any days across the summer — one day a week for eight weeks, a couple of full weeks, or whatever fits your family's schedule.
Full Summer	$1,500	All 8 weeks · $250 non-refundable deposit (applies toward tuition)
Sibling Discount	10% off	Applied to 2nd child and beyond

Day Rate

$50/day

Available any time, no commitment

5+ Day Pack

$45/day

Book 5 or more days and every day drops from $50 to $45. Choose any days across the summer — one day a week for eight weeks, a couple of full weeks, or whatever fits your family's schedule.

Full Summer

$1,500

All 8 weeks · $250 non-refundable deposit (applies toward tuition)

Sibling Discount

10% off

Applied to 2nd child and beyond

Weekly and full-summer pricing available through May 30 — or until spots fill, whichever comes first. After May 30, all registrations are at the day rate only. This is not a sale. It's how Camp Play enrollment works: families who commit early get the best rate. Families who register later still get the same great camp — just at the per-day price.

$37.50

per morning at the full-summer rate — for play-based, small-group,
credentialed-staff summer programming. Compare that to any alternative.

Not Every Summer Camp Is Built the Same

Small Groups

Camp Play maintains the same small-group philosophy as Spark's school-year programs. Your child isn't one of fifty kids in a gymnasium. They're in a group matched to their age, with adults who know their name.

Credentialed Staff

The people leading Camp Play are the same qualified, credentialed teachers and staff who run Spark Academy during the school year. This isn't a summer job for college students — it's an extension of the school your family already trusts (or is about to discover).

Play with Purpose

Every activity is designed — not improvised. The science experiments, the art projects, the cooking challenges — they're chosen because they build something specific: curiosity, confidence, collaboration, and the kind of skills children carry into the school year ahead.

Led by Dr. Michelle Peterson, Ed.D.

Camp Play operates under the same doctoral-level oversight as every other Spark program. Dr. Peterson designed the program structure, selected the activity framework, and leads the team. That continuity of quality is something most summer camps simply cannot offer.

Meet Dr. Peterson →

From Camp Play Families

Parent testimonials for Camp Play are coming soon. In the meantime, we'd love for you to hear what our families have to say — send us a question and we'll connect you.

Secure Your Child's Spot — Before May 30

Fill out the registration form and our team will help you choose the right option — day, 5+ day pack, or full summer — and answer any questions about age groups, activities, or scheduling.

Remember: Weekly and full-summer pricing are available through May 30, or until spots fill. After that date, all registrations are at the day rate ($50/day). If you know your child is coming to Camp Play this summer, locking in your rate now is the simplest decision you'll make all spring.

Not sure yet? Send us a question and someone from our team will be in touch.

Ages 3–11 Small Groups Credentialed Staff Led by Dr. Michelle Peterson, Ed.D.

Questions About Camp Play

What ages can attend Camp Play?

Camp Play is open to children ages 3 through 11. Children are divided into four age-based groups (3/4, 5/6, 7/8, and 9–11) so every activity and interaction is matched to your child's developmental stage.

What are the hours?

Camp runs Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Drop-off begins at 8:30 and pickup is at noon.

Do I have to commit to the full summer?

No. You can register for individual days, individual weeks, or the full eight-week session. The pricing structure rewards longer commitments — but the day rate is always available for families who need flexibility.

What happens during the week of June 29 – July 3?

Camp is closed that week. Camp Play runs for eight total weeks between June 1 and July 31, with one week off for the Fourth of July holiday.

Is there a sibling discount?

Yes. Families with more than one child enrolled receive a 10% discount on the second child and beyond.

What if I register after May 30?

After May 30, weekly and full-summer pricing is no longer available. All registrations after that date (or once spots fill, whichever comes first) are at the day rate of $50 per day. Your child still gets the same Camp Play experience — the only difference is the rate.

Have a Question?

Questions about Camp Play — ages, weeks, what to expect? Send us a note and we'll be in touch.