Registration for 2023 Summer Youth Programs begins on Monday, March 13 for Residents of C-U and Thursday, March 23 for Non-Residents of C-U.
Ages 5-12 (must have completed 1 year of Kindergarten)
Put your creative minds and hands to work, and join the fun. Along with traditional activities, swimming, and field trips (pending Covid-19 restrictions), this exciting program offers children an introduction to arts, crafts, dance, and performing arts by specialized instructors. Each participant should bring a nut-free sack lunch with water bottles allowed daily. Pending Covid-19 restrictions swimming will be held at the Sholem Aquatic Center. More information will be emailed out weekly prior to the program start dates with updated Public Health Plans.
Half-Day Option
Time(s): 7:30a-12:30p OR 12:30-5:30p
Fee (R/NR): $125/$175 per session
No online registration available for half-day option. Please contact Melanie Kahler or Sean Hurst at 217-398-2376 for more information.
No Program*: May 29, July 4
Day: M-F
Time: 7:30a–5:30p
Fee (R/NR): $175/$225 per session
Location: Springer Cultural Center
Questions: melanie.kahler@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3919
| May 30 – June 2* | People in Motion, Portraits & the Self |
| June 5 – June 9 | Out of this World |
| June 12 – June 16 | Superheroes, Comics and Manga |
| June 19 – June 23 | Figure it Out |
| June 26 – June 30 | Hooray for Hollywood |
| July 3 – July 7* | Nature, Environment, and Summer Fun |
| July 10 – July 14 | All About Food |
| July 17 – July 21 | Circus and Carnival Fun |
| July 24 – July 28 | Around the World |
| July 31 – August 4 | A Splash of Color |
Payment Schedule
Payments may be made throughout the summer in accordance to the payment schedule. We require at least a $20 non-refundable deposit per child, per session to hold a spot. The balance will be due ten (10) days (Friday by 5p) before the session begins. See payment schedule online at champaignparks.org or in the parent handbook. Participants will be dropped at this time and space offered to waiting list participants. Registration during the two weeks prior to a session will require full payment at registration.
Summer Youth Program Cancellation/Refund Policy:
Refunds of fees paid minus the required deposit (per child/ per session) will only be given through seven (7) days before the start of the session unless otherwise noted.
Questions: 217-398-2550
Please see other tabs for Program Scholarships & Child Care Resource Services (CCRS).
2023 Payment Schedule
| Week | Dates | Full Payment Due by 5p Friday | $20 Deposits Accepted Thru Friday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | May 30 – June 2 | May 19 | May 12 |
| 2 | June 5 -June 9 | May 26 | May 19 |
| 3 | June 12 – June 16 | June 2 | May 26 |
| 4 | June 19 – June 23 | June 9 | June 2 |
| 5 | June 26 – June 30 | June 16 | June 9 |
| 6 | July 3 -July 7* | June 23 | June 16 |
| 7 | July 10 – July 14 | June 30 | June 23 |
| 8 | July 17 – July 21 | July 7 | June 30 |
| 9 | July 24 – July 28 | July 14 | July 7 |
| 10 | July 31 – August 4 | July 21 | July 14 |
* Non-Payment by due date will result in participant being dropped and space offered to waiting list participants. May re-enroll if space is available. CCRS participants: please see the front desk regarding payment details.
** $20 deposits must be made to hold space through the “Deposits Accepted” date. Full payment is due if registering during the two weeks prior to the start of a session.
Required Form & Resources
- 2023 Summer Youth Program Parent Handbook – Fillable
- CUSR Inclusion Services
- Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation offers inclusion services for Champaign Park District programs. Upon an initial assessment, services that are deemed appropriate based on each individual will be provided. If needed, a one-on-one aide will work with your child. When registering, please fill in ADA information with INCLUSION REQUEST on the registration form. For more questions, email grace.tissier@champaignparks.org, CUSR Manager & Inclusion Coordinator.
Scholarship Information
Youth Scholarship Program
The scholarship program is designed to provide families of the Champaign Park District the opportunity to get their children involved in fun, safe, quality programs that they may not be able to afford without assistance. These activities help provide children with the ability to improve their physical health, to engage with peers of all abilities, grow self-confidence, strengthen their creativity, develop social relationships, strengthen their appreciation for the outdoors, and improve their technical skills and abilities.
Visit our Scholarship Opportunities page for forms and more information.
Child Care Resource Services (CCRS)
Child Care Resource Service helps income-eligible parents who are working and/or going to school to pay for their child care. Eligibility is based on family size and parents’ income. Working families whose incomes are at or below 50% of the state median income level may be eligible. Processing the application can take up to 10 business days, once all the necessary information is received. Please pick up an application form from CCRS. CCRS approved families may register for summer youth programs by paying a $10 deposit per child/per session of the program. These deposits may be refunded at the end of the summer once all CCRS checks are received and there is a credit balance. If money is still owed on your account once CCRS checks have been applied, you will be responsible for the rest of the bill. Because the Park District does not receive payment from CCRS until one month after the service was provided, your deposit could be refunded as late as October.
Please Note: Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation is unable to accept CCRS payment due to changes in governmental regulations.
Questions: Child Care Resource Service (https://ccrs.illinois.edu/), 217-333-3252 or 1-800-325-5516
CUSR Inclusion Services
CUSR offers inclusion services for Champaign Park District programs. Upon an initial assessment, services that are deemed appropriate based on each individual will be provided. If needed, a one-on-one aide will work with your child. When registering, please fill in ADA information as needed on registration form.
*Inclusion services may be limited due to the spread of Covid-19. Please call CUSR or CPD program supervisor to learn what accommodations are available at the time of registration.
For more questions, feel free to email CUSR Manager grace.tissier@champaignparks.org!
