best art-crafts programs in Skokie, IL

Dear Families, Welcome to the wonderful world of Swift Nature Camp an overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 located in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin. I’m Lonnie, the Camp Director, and I’m thrilled to share what makes SNC such a special place for kids and families alike. For nearly 30 years, our mission has been to create an environment where children can grow, discover, and make lifelong memories. Here at camp, we focus on friendship, personal development, and a deep connection to nature—all in a fun, supportive, and adventurous setting. All this without cell phones One of the things that sets Swift Nature Camp apart is our focus on fostering independence and confidence. Whether it’s trying a new activity like canoeing, taking on a leadership role in a group project, or simply navigating life away from home, camp provides endless opportunities for personal growth. We celebrate each camper’s unique personality and encourage them to step outside their comfort zone in a safe and nurturing way. Seeing kids gain new skills and pride in their accomplishments is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. For our youngest campers, Discovery Camp is an especially magical experience. Designed only for first-time campers ages 6-12, this shorter program gives kids a chance to experience the joys of camp life in a way that’s just right for them. It’s amazing to watch these kids try new things—from learning about the natural world to singing campfire songs—and leave camp with big smiles and even bigger stories to tell. Discovery Camp is often the beginning of a long and cherished relationship with SNC, and we’re so proud to see those first-time campers grow into confident and capable young people. Another cornerstone of Swift Nature Camp is our connection to the environment. We believe that nature isn’t just a backdrop for camp; it’s a teacher, a playground, and a source of endless wonder. Through hands-on activities like pond studies, wildlife observation, and outdoor adventures, campers develop an appreciation for the natural world that stays with them long after camp ends. The Camp Zoo is always a favorite, campers can even adopt a pet while at camp.Our goal is to inspire kids to become curious, mindful stewards of the environment. At Swift Nature Camp, there’s never a dull day! With hundreds of land and water activities, campers are always engaged and excited. On land, some favorites include the Lego Cabin, Arts & Crafts, Archery, and exploring the Nature Center. On the water, campers learn Canoeing, Fishing, and Swimming, but the absolute favorites are Tubing behind the boat and jumping off the Water Trampoline. Never is there a dull day because every day is packed with fun, adventure, and opportunities to try something new. Of course, none of this would be possible without the amazing friendships that form here. SNC is a place where kids truly feel like they belong. Campers and counselors alike bring warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm to everything we do, creating a strong sense of community. Whether it’s cheering each other on during a game, collaborating on a creative project, or sharing laughs around the campfire, the bonds formed at Swift Nature Camp are something truly special. Thank you for entrusting us with your children. It’s an honor to be part of their journey and to help create memories that will last a lifetime. If you have any questions or just want to chat about camp, don’t hesitate to reach out. I can’t wait to see what the next camp season holds and to welcome your family to another amazing summer at Swift Nature Camp.

The Skokie Park District has been providing quality programs and services to the Skokie community since 1928. Serving more than 63,000 residents of Skokie, Illinois and customers throughout Chicagoland, the district is committed to protecting natural resources, preserving historical sites, and providing thousands of unique recreational opportunities across its 240 acres of parkland. The park district is a proud recipient of the “National Gold Medal for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management,” and offers a wide range of programs and special events, including summer camps, state-licensed full-day childcare and preschool, and before and after-school care for grades K-5. Families in the community can enjoy the district’s fun and educational activities all year long. The Skokie Park District is committed to providing the best for the Skokie community. With its dedication to offering quality programs and services, the park district is sure to continue to provide recreational opportunities and experiences that will be cherished for years to come.

Insight is the premier art studio for kids, teens and adults to learn how to draw and paint realistically. Our classes are instructed by experienced, classically trained artists, so students can be sure to receive the best instruction. At Insight, we focus on creating an environment of community and collaboration, so everyone can enjoy art together. Our classes offer personalized step-by-step instruction and allow each student to work at their own pace. We offer priority registration for our current students for the upcoming session, and any available spaces after that can be requested through our website. Each session typically lasts 8-10 weeks and the tuition is based on the number of classes offered. Supplies are included in the kids classes. So, come join our community of like-minded artists and express yourself through art!

Do you ever feel like you don't belong? At Lubavitch Chabad of Skokie, all the Jewish residents of the town have a place to fit in. People who come to Chabad are just like you - they shop where you shop, dine where you dine, and come from a variety of different Jewish backgrounds. The synagogue provides educational and recreational programs for people of all ages, from Hebrew school to Camp Gan Israel, Jewish Learning Institute, Women's Classes, CTeen, and the Community Shul. Come and join us for a spectacular Jewish experience. We are always striving to improve and upgrade our programs and activities to create a welcoming environment for everyone. And no matter what, we are here to help every Jewish person in any way we can.

At Devonshire Arts Center, we offer a range of classes, activities, camps, and performances in music, theatre, dance, visual arts, and circus. Our state-licensed preschool program provides early childhood enrichment and culinary arts classes, while the Skokie Art Guild, Devonshire Playhouse, and Devonshire Preschool call this facility home. We also have partnerships with Thin Ice Ensemble Theatre, Chicago Pastel Painters, and E.D.G.E. Theatre, who visit us for workshops and performances. You can find rentals, art partnerships, and birthday party options here as well. Throughout the year, we host a variety of special events such as the Devonshire County Fair, Fall Teen Musical Performance, Fall Adult Musical Performance, December Dance Performance, Winter Adult Play, Young Performers Musical, Spring Dance Performance, Summer Adult Musical, Summer Dance Recital, and multiple art shows. Come join us at Devonshire Arts Center for a unique and creative experience!

At the Lincoln Terrace Art Studio & Gallery we provide a unique learning environment where students of all ages can explore the world of art. Our instruction is designed to foster appreciation for art, while cultivating technical expertise in drawing and painting. We use a variety of media, such as pencils, watercolors, tempera and oils, to teach students to draw still-lifes, landscapes, human figure and portraits. In addition, we provide lessons in decorative and applied arts, as well as the fundamentals of art theory and history. Our instructors, Leonid and Sonya Osseny, have decades of experience teaching art and have been operating the studio since 1997. We are proud to have had a generation of students pass through the Lincoln Terrace Art Studio & Gallery and to have some of our former students enroll their own children in our classes.