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Tiny Talkers is a fun, interactive program for children aged 3-6 years old designed to strengthen communication skills while keeping kids engaged and motivated. Led by licensed speech-language pathologists, campers participate in games, group challenges, creative projects, and themed activities that target articulation, language development, social communication, and confidence. Additionally, our CLS Summer Enrichment Program gives families the best of both worlds: Morning academic enrichment to keep young minds sharp and Afternoon camp-style adventures to make every day unforgettable. Summer Enrichment is designed for Rising K-4th Graders. Led by certified Learning Behavioral Specialists, our program provides exciting learning opportunities that nurture curiosity, confidence, and creativity; all in a warm, supportive environment where kids thrive. In the morning, children will strengthen reading, writing, math, and critical thinking skills through hands-on, engaging lessons that make learning come alive. We also focus on social-emotional growth, helping every child build friendships, confidence, and a love for learning.

This year, we are excited to offer two sessions designed to engage your child in fun, multisensory learning experiences that build upon their growth from the previous school year while preparing them for the next. Session topics range from executive functioning training and school readiness to continued practice in core academic skills like reading, writing, and math. Our dedicated team of teachers and therapists at BBA will recommend individualized academic and/or therapeutic programming for one or both summer programming sessions, working alongside your family to craft the best programming schedule to meet your child’s needs and give them an exciting and safe summer to remember.

In this session we discuss the various summer camp options available for children in Chicago. Learn some of the benefits of summer camp, how to choose the right camp, and the importance of early registration. The conversation also touches on the unique needs of neurodiverse children and the types of camps available, including therapeutic and arts-focused programs. The panelists provide valuable advice for parents on ensuring a positive camp experience for their children. This session was recorded in January 2026 as part of NPN's podcast, Chicago Style Parenting.

Cozy up to children's activities brought to you by Bubbles Academy, talk with Chicago's popular preschools, elementary schools, and summer camps, and learn about the private school application and selection process! MUST KNOW INFO ➤ Raffle prizes for NPN members (Want a chance to win a prize? Become an NPN member today!) ➤ Event schedule ➤ List of participating schools, camps, and more FREE with your RSVP (use coupon code wintersf26), donations welcome! ➤ Click the green button to secure your spot. Mobile users scroll down. ➤ $20 donation at the door. DATE, TIME, PARKING Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026 Time: 1:00-4:00 PM (Opening performance at 12:30. See below for details!) Location: Bubbles Academy, 1308 N. Elston Ave. (across the street from the Salt Shed) Parking: Free and metered street parking along Elston and surrounding streets 🎭 🎶 🎨 Come at 12:30 for a performance and art exhibition from Music and Media Arts students from Chicago Academy for the Arts! ➤By registering for this event, you agree that NPN may share your name and email address with our sponsors. ➤Photos will be taken at this event. By registering for this event, you agree that your photo may be taken and used in NPN materials, both print and online ➤Questions? Email amy@npnparents.org. ⁕ Schools and camps: Register here ⁕ Thank you to our Sponsors

If summer camp is part of your family’s plan, January and February are key months. Many camps start filling up by March, and waiting too long can mean fewer options or settling for something that’s not quite the right fit for your child. If you’re thinking ahead (or trying to catch up), here’s a realistic summer camp planning timeline, along with tips that have helped Chicago parents navigate the process with less stress. A Realistic Summer Camp Planning Timeline for Parents Most families book summer camps 2–3 months in advance, and many of us spend a month or two researching and coordinating before committing. Based on that, here’s a timeline that tends to work well: January - February: Start researching camps and mapping out summer logistics. Will your child attend multiple camps? Do you have family travel planned? Are you coordinating care around work schedules? This is the time to explore options without pressure. March - April: Make camp decisions, secure spots, and complete registration and paperwork. Many popular camps fill up quickly during this window. May - June: The countdown is over! Now's the perfect time to help your child prepare for camp. Talk through expectations, routines, and excitement (and nerves!). Getting kids mentally ready can make a big difference. How Chicago Parents Can Research Summer Camps More Easily Summer camp is more than childcare, it’s an investment of time, money, and trust. Your child will spend hours (or weeks!) there, so finding the right fit matters. Here are a few research tips many Chicago parents rely on: 1. Read reviews from families like yours Parent reviews are often the most helpful place to start. Look for feedback from families with similar-aged kids or priorities. Reviews can reveal what families loved and what they wish they had known. 2. Ask questions directly Don’t be afraid to reach out to camp directors or staff. Ask about safety protocols, staff training, daily schedules, and camp philosophy. The American Camp Association (ACA) offers a great list of questions to guide these conversations. 3. Talk to camps face-to-face when you can Meeting camp representatives in person can make decision-making much easier. You can get a feel for the people behind the program and ask questions in real time, something many parents find reassuring. Finding the Right Camp for Your Child At the end of the day, the “best” camp is the one where your child feels safe, engaged, and excited to go. Here’s what tends to help: Talk with your child and pay attention. Ask what they’re curious about. Art? Sports? Science? Nature? Even young kids often have strong opinions, and including them in the conversation builds buy-in. Have you noticed your kiddo is showing interest in music lately? Don't be afraid to throw out a few ideas to get the ball rolling, too. See what friends are doing - but don’t feel pressure. Signing up with a friend can help hesitant campers feel more comfortable, but every child develops at their own pace. What works for one family may not work for yours. Trust what you know about your child. Age guidelines are helpful and all but they aren’t everything. Some kids thrive in longer days or new environments earlier than others. Choose the camp experience that supports your child’s growth, not one that simply checks a box. So, that might mean pushing that overnight camp that you were excited about back another year if your kiddo doesn't seem ready for that sort of experience. One Easy Way to Get Ahead on Summer (and School) Planning If you’re looking for a simple, low-pressure way to explore summer camps and even start thinking about school options - get both done all in one place at our upcoming Winter School Fair & Summer Camp Fest! Designed to feel more like a family playdate than a formal fair, this event gives parents the chance to meet Chicago summer camps and schools face-to-face, ask questions, and gather information while kids enjoy activities in a welcoming space. If summer camp planning is on your to-do list, this is an easy way to get ahead before spots start filling up. Learn more and register for free here:

Porchlight Summer Camps are back and bigger than ever! Actors aged 4 - 13 join us for foundation classes - Mini Musicals, Broadway Basics, and Intermediate Ensemble - to grow their skills in acting, singing and dancing and then apply them in a titled, full musical. For High School aged actors we’re excited to bring back PMTeens - a one of a kind opportunity for 16 performers to receive professional theatre training, exclusive masterclasses and headshots.

Do you want to learn how to play in a band or learn to write songs? School of Rock Andersonville offers a wide variety of music camps and workshops that cover topics such as these. Our local music camps are perfect for musicians of various skill levels who want to play guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, or vocals.

Do you want to learn how to play in a band or learn to write songs? School of Rock Chicago West offers a wide variety of music camps and workshops that cover topics such as these. Our local music camps are perfect for musicians of various skill levels who want to play guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, or vocals.