The Revival Announces Summer Camps for Kids

The Revival - Hyde Park's improv comedy theater - is thrilled to announce the return of Summer Camps! We offer a series of one-week options for kids ages 6 to 12 throughout the Summer. Each week explores new ideas and themes developed by the children. And, we conclude each session with a performance for friends & family on The Revival stage!

Participants can expect a warm, joyful, and supportive environment that celebrates each day with a variety of fun, "on-your-feet" classes including: improv, movement, music and outdoor activities.

Throughout the day, we utilize a variety of facilities including our beautiful theater; outdoor terrace; classrooms at Augustana Lutheran Church as well as nearby Nichols and Bessie Coleman Parks.

Our instructors are among the best in Chicago with a wealth of classroom and stage experience. Summer Camp at The Revival offers a wonderful opportunity to jumpstart creativity, develop new skills and have fun!

Please do not hesitate to contact classes@the-revival.com with questions. The Revival is located at 1160 E. 55th St.

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Full Day Camps (Ages 6-12):

M-F 9:00a-3:00p $299 per week

Camp Dates - Overview

Week #1 - June 19-June 23 - Ages 6-12; M-F 9:00a-3:00p
Week #2 - June 26-June 30 - Ages 6-12; M-F 9:00a-3:00p
Week #3 - July 10-July 14 - Ages 6-12; M-F 9:00a-3:00p
Week #4 - July 17-July 24 - Ages 6-12; 9:00a-3:00p
Week #5 - July 24-July 28 - Ages 6-12; M-F 9:00a-3:00p
Week #6 - July 31-August 4 - Ages 6-12; M-F 9:00a-3:00p
Week #7 - August 7-August 11 - Ages 6-12; M-F 9:00a-3:00p
Week #8 - August 14-August 18 - Ages 6-12; M-F 9:00a-3:00p

Full Day Camps (Ages 6-12) - Sample Schedule:

8:45a-9:00a Drop Off/Check In 9:00a-9:25a Celebration Circle/Warm Up

• Each morning, physical and vocal warm ups are used to awaken the Actor's Tools (Body, Voice and Imagination) and establish positive intentions for the day!

9:25a-9:30a Transition (Bathroom Break!)

• The Revival Camp divides participants into small, age-appropriate groups and utilizes multiple spaces in our theater as well as our neighbors (Augustana Lutheran Church and Chicago Child Care Society)

Music or Movement
Transition (Bathroom Break!)
Movement or Music
Transition (Bathroom Break!)
Friday Showcase Rehearsal (All Ages)
Lunch Outside! (weather permitting)
Improv or Camper's Choice

• Camper's Choice includes additional outdoor activities, board/card games or visual art.

Transition (Bathroom Break!)
Camper's Choice or Improv
Transition/Pack Up/Celebration Circle (All Ages)

• The Revival Camp closes each day with all ages gathered on the stage for a brief, appreciative celebration of the day's events.

3:00-3:15p Dismissal

FAQ:

Who can attend Summer Camp at The Revival?

Summer Camp is open to children ages 6 through 12.

Where does the camp take place?

Summer Camp takes place at our Hyde Park theater (1160 E. 55th St.). Throughout the day, we make use of our private, outdoor terrace, classrooms across the street at Augustana Church and Bessie Coleman and Nichols Park.

When does camp happen?

Summer Camp hours are 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday. We offer eight 1-week long sessions. Space in our summer camp program is limited to 40 children per session.

What are the 2017 dates?

First Session: June 19th - June 23rd
Second Session: June 26th - June 30th
Third Session: July 10th - July 14th
Fourth Session: July 17th - July 21st
Fifth Session: July 24th - July 28th
Sixth Session: July 31st - August 4th
Seventh Session: August 7th - August 11th
Eighth Session: August 14th - August 18th

What is the cost?

Summer Camp at The Revival is $299 per week.

Do you offer financial aid?

We have worked hard to make our camps as cost effective as possible. You'll note, our prices are significantly less than most of our peers in the city. That said, we strive to make Summer Camp at The Revival accessible to everyone. To request financial assistance, please send an email inquiry to theater@the-revival.com

How do the camp groups work?

Our campers are divided into age-appropriate, co-ed groups and each group is assigned a full-time counselor. The camp groups remain together during their classes. The entire camp is together during Celebration Circle, Showcase Rehearsal, Lunch and Free Play.

Who staffs the camp?

We have a team of counselors, instructors, assistants and a camp leader, all with backgrounds in education and the arts.

What are the camp classes like?

Each day has morning and afternoon classes. All camp groups rotate through these classes. And, classes meet every day throughout the week so campers have 5 classes in any given topic (improv, music, movement, etc.) during the course of a week.

My child is really shy. Is participation in the Friday Showcase mandatory?

The purpose of Summer Camp at The Revival is to allow children to explore several artistic endeavors and all facets of the performance experience. We strive to introduce children to the arts in an exciting, supportive environment. We encourage experimentation and focus on the importance of the learning process. Participation in the Friday Showcase is encouraged but not mandatory!

What should my child bring to camp every day?

Campers should bring a nutritious morning snack and sack lunch. Food cannot be refrigerated or cooked at our site. Additionally, campers should bring a durable, screw-top water bottle that should be filled at home every morning. Small backpacks or bags are allowed, but please try to limit the amount of items your child brings to camp, as storage space is quite limited! Please label your child'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, stuffed animals, 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.

Do you take field trips? Do you go outside?

We do not take field trips. However, each day, we make use of our beautiful outdoor terrace and both of our neighboring parks (Bessie coleman and Nichols). During our time outside, children are closely supervised by camp staff.

I'm concerned about sun exposure. Do the children wear sunscreen if they go outside?

Please feel free to send sunscreen along with your child each day. Our staff will help all children apply sunscreen before going outside. 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.

Is there a camp orientation?

Yes! There is a 30-minute orientation for all summer camp parents on the morning of the first day of each camp session. Further details regarding orientation will be made available to camp registrants.

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, you will receive a packet via email that will contain a Camper Information Form that you will fill out and return by June 1st, 2017. 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 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.

Do you allow nuts at your camp?

Our camp is nut-free. Please make sure your child's lunch bag and backpack are free of all peanuts, tree nuts, and nut products. While we are committed to monitoring foods and responsibly limiting potential food allergens, we 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 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.

Does your camp offer an extended hours program?

This Summer Camp does not offer an extended hours program.

What are your drop-off and pick-up procedures and attendance policies?

Campers are to be dropped off between 8:45 AM and 9:00 AM and picked up from Summer Camp at 3:00 PM. In the mornings, we will have a staff member stationed near the front entrance of the theater at drop-off time. You may 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, that's okay, too! If you do so, you will still sign your child in with the morning host. Counselors and the camp leader will be waiting to supervise the campers as they arrive At the end of the camp day, all campers will meet back in the theater by 2:55 PM for Celebration Circle. Your child will be available for pick-up at 3:00 PM.

What if my child has a doctor appointment or a baseball game? Can I pick up my child early from camp?

We strongly recommend that all campers attend for the full camp day (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM) as often as possible. Please notify the camp leader of any absences (or special pick-ups) as early as possible.