Steve & Kate's Camp - Chicago North Center

Steve & Kate's Camp in Chicago's North Center neighborhood operates on a philosophy of empowering children through self-directed choice. Rather than a set schedule, campers select which activities to participate in, whom to do them with, and for how long each day. Activities span creative and technical pursuits including stop-motion animation, sewing, coding, robotics, baking, tinker lab projects, and recreation. The camp runs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with flexible enrollment—parents can purchase any number of days and send their child whenever needed. Meals and snacks are included, and families receive automatic refunds for any unused days at summer's end. A mentorship program for ages 14-15 offers leadership development through assisting with camp activities.