As the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine becomes more widespread and the reopening of schools in the fall appears more likely, parents will be looking for a way to ease their children back into in-person learning following almost a whole year of remote learning. The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is gearing up to offer local families a safe place for their children to learn, have fun, and re-acclimate to in-person instruction during the upcoming spring school break. The Y is offering Spring Break Camp at 13 locations across the city and the suburbs to support parents and restore a sense of normalcy for children from pre-K through 8th grade. Spring Break Camp provides a safe, supervised space for youth to practice teamwork, cooperation, and social-emotional learning among peers and adults.

Parents can drop off their kids as early as 6:30 am at some locations, although most sites are offering camp from 7 am to 6 pm. Y camp dates vary by location and correspond to the Spring Break schedule of each area’s local school district. Rates also depend on location and start at $200 for a five-day week (a three-day week option is also available). Capacity is limited to comply with social distancing requirements and state regulations and vacancies will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Financial assistance is available to qualifying families. For more details, go to ymcachicago.org/springbreakcamp, and to register visit the membership desk at your local Y or call Member Services at 773-905-5115 (M-F: 8 am -7 pm). Advance registration is required.