Student Life

Summer

Summer Awaits!

Ancona's revamped summer program offers eight themed week-long sessions for preprimary and primary-aged students! Sessions begin each Monday, from June 23 - August 11, 2025. Plus, our new CIT program will provide a dynamic leadership experience for rising 6th-8th graders!

Dates and Pricing

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  • Session Dates

    Weekly sessions begin every Monday from June 23, 2025 to August 11, 2025. Sign up for all eight weeks or pick and choose the weeks that work best for your family!

    Ancona Summer will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2025 due to the Independence Day holiday; the session beginning June 30th will run from Monday-Thursday only.

  • Arrival and Departure Times

    Daily Arrival and Departure Times
    Full Day Program: 8 am - 5:30 pm
    Half Day Program (Preprimary campers only): 8 am - 1 pm

    Before Care will be available for families who need to drop off their students before the camp officially begins at 8 am. During this time, students will ease into their day by eating breakfast, socializing, or engaging in quiet activities provided by staff. This structured yet flexible time ensures students start their mornings comfortably while parents can manage their schedules conveniently

  • Session Pricing

    Register early and save! Early Bird pricing for all sessions is available through March 14, 2025. 
     
    Regular Weekly Session (Primary and Preprimary full-day): $550/camper
    Regular Weekly Session (Preprimary half-day AM): $275/half-day preprimary camper
    Regular Weekly Session (CIT Program): $350

    Early Bird Weekly Session     (Primary and Preprimary full-day): $500/camper
    Early Bird Weekly Session (Preprimary half-day AM): $275/half-day preprimary camper
    Early Bird Weekly Session (CIT Program): $250

    Week of June 30th Special Rate: $500/camper; $250/half-day preprimary camper; $300/CIT
     
    Questions about pricing? Reach out to summer@anconaschool.org.
Preprimary Camp
For: 3 year olds - rising Kindergarteners
Program Options: Full-day and half-day (AM) options available
Program Details: Ancona Summer Preprimary combines Montessori elements with developmentally appropriate applications of each weekly theme. Weekly Outdoor Adventure Challenges will engage campers' imaginations, build physical coordination, and promote teamwork. Preprimary campers will explore offerings from our partner organizations and engage in structured programming designed specifically for our youngest campers.
Primary Camp
For: Rising 1st - 5th graders
Program Options: Full-day only
Program Details: Ancona Summer Primary campers will engage in activities, projects, and challenges centered around a weekly theme. Whether building imaginative creations, exploring the world’s wonders, or becoming heroes in mythical worlds, every camper will immerse themselves in experiences that bring the theme to life. Offerings from partner organizations, field trips, weekly beach days, and other structured programming will augment each week's themed activities.
Counselor-in-Training Program
For: Rising 6th-8th graders
Program Options: Full-day only. The CIT program is limited to 12 participants per week. Students may sign up for individual weeks or the entire eight-week series. 
Program Details: The Counselor in Training (CIT) Program offers a dynamic leadership development experience for rising 6th–8th graders interested in honing communication, teamwork, and mentorship skills. CITs will engage in structured learning, hands-on training, and weekly field trips, preparing them for future leadership roles in camp and beyond.

Each week, CITs will focus on three core skills (e.g. active listening, conflict resolution, nonverbal communication, team leadership, etc.). They will spend time learning and discussing these skills and then apply them as they shadow counselors and interact with younger campers.

CITs attend each weekly field trip, enabling them to practice leadership in different environments and foster stronger connections with peers.

Weekly Themes

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  • Week 1: Teamwork and Friendships

    June 23 - 27, 2025

    Kick off summer camp by building strong connections! This week is all about fostering teamwork and creating friendships through fun group challenges, icebreaker activities, and cooperative games. Campers will learn the value of collaboration and support as they embark on their camp journey together.

  • Week 2: Time Travelers—Explore the Past, Present, and Future

    June 30 - July 3, 2025
    Please note: Ancona Summer is closed on Friday, July 4th

    Embark on an exciting adventure through time! Campers will explore ancient civilizations, dive into today’s world, and imagine futuristic possibilities. Activities include creating time capsules, re-enacting historical events, and designing inventions for the future.

  • Week 3: Creative Expressions—Art and Imagination

    July 7 - 11, 2025

    Unleash your inner artist! This week is all about self-expression through art, music, drama, and creative writing. Campers will explore their imaginations as they craft unique masterpieces, perform in skits, and showcase their creativity in new and exciting ways.

  • Week 4: Super Spies & Secret Agents—Solve Mysteries and Master Spy Skills

    July 14 - 18, 2025

    Calling all future secret agents! Campers will crack codes, solve puzzles, and embark on top-secret missions. With activities like scavenger hunts and escape-room-style challenges, they’ll sharpen their problem-solving and teamwork skills while having a blast.

    Service Field Trip: PAWS Chicago

  • Week 5: Around the World in 5 Days—Travel, Cultures, and Global Fun

    July 21 - 25, 2025

    Travel the globe in just one week! Campers will explore the traditions, cuisines, and customs of different cultures through interactive activities, games, and crafts. They’ll leave with a greater appreciation for the diversity and beauty of our world.

    Service Field Trip: Chicago Food Depository

  • Week 6: Mad Scientist Week—Explore Science and STEM

    July 28 - August 1, 2025

    Put on your lab coats and dive into a week of discovery! Campers will experiment, explore, and engineer as they tackle fun STEM challenges, conduct cool science experiments, and learn about the wonders of the natural world.

  • Week 7: Builders and Inventors—Construct, Design, and Create!

    August 4 - 8, 2025 

    Channel your inner engineer and bring your ideas to life! This week focuses on hands-on projects, from building structures to designing inventions. Campers will work with various materials to create, construct, and problem-solve, all while developing critical thinking and creativity.

    Service Field Trip: Urban Farming


  • Week 8: Camp Memories—Celebrate and Reflect

    August 11 - 15, 2025

    End the summer on a high note! Campers will reflect on their favorite moments, celebrate their accomplishments, and enjoy special activities to close out the season. Highlights include a camp-wide showcase, memory book creations, and plenty of laughter to wrap up an unforgettable summer.

Summer Partners

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  • Chicago Fire FC Soccer

    Chicago Fire FC Camps are the perfect way to introduce your child to the world’s fastest-growing youth sport and develop their soccer skills. Through small group instruction, certified, professional coaches will guide campers through activities structured around daily themes, including dribbling, passing, attacking, and defending. Chicago Fire FC Camps incorporate nationally recognized SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) traits and values like self-awareness, responsible decision-making, and teamwork into activities.

  • Challenge Island

    Challenge Island is a hands-on, adventure-based STEAM program that engages kids in creative, team-centered problem-solving activities through exciting themed challenges. Children work in small groups to tackle tasks that develop critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability. With its blend of fun themes and practical learning, Challenge Island makes science and engineering engaging and accessible for all types of young learners.

  • Cooking Class

    Starting with the essentials, students will learn how to read recipes with confidence and create a clean, organized kitchen space. As we progress, we'll dive into understanding flavors and building taste profiles, practice fun techniques like flipping food, and finish with creating personalized grain bowls that celebrate creativity and healthy ingredients. A special highlight of the class includes a field trip to Magnolia Bakery for a cake icing demonstration, where students get an inside look at professional techniques. This class is perfect for anyone eager to boost their cooking skills, explore new flavors, and have fun in the kitchen!

  • Hyde Park School of Dance

    Campers will experience the joy of movement through workshops provided by the Hyde Park School of Dance. These sessions encourage self-expression, creativity, and an appreciation for the performing arts, all while promoting physical activity and coordination.

  • Robotics by STEAM Academy

    Our Robotics Program combines hands-on learning with creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking. Using platforms like LEGO Mindstorms or VEX Robotics, campers will design, build, and program their own robots. Through project-based learning, they will tackle real-world challenges, exploring topics such as motion, coding, and problem-solving while fostering an appreciation for STEAM disciplines.

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  • Disclaimers

    A non-refundable enrollment fee of $100 per camper will be applied to the cost of camp.
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4770 S Dorchester Ave Chicago, IL, 60615
Phone: (773) 924-2356    Contact Us

    • Affiliations

      Independent Schools Association of the Central States

    • Affiliations

      Lake Michigan Association of Independent Schools

    • Affiliations

      National Association of Independent Schools

    • Affiliations

      American Montessori Society

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