Camp Adler

Camp Adler is a summer camp where campers take part in conservatory-level art classes, music, drama, movement and dance, improv, musical theater, songwriting, choir classes, and community art projects. Campers also join group games and activities, Forest/Nature programming, and water games, and all campers experience all camp activities rather than building their own schedule. Youth in the Junior Counselor Program assist in fine arts classes and lead their own activities for campers.

• Ages: 5–11 years old; Junior Counselor Program for youth entering grades 7–10
• Schedule: Three-week sessions, Monday–Friday, 9:00am–4:00pm, with drop-off beginning at 8:45am, pick-up beginning at 3:50pm, and After Care offered from 4:15–6:00pm; 2026 Session I runs June 8–26 and 2026 Session II runs July 6–24; campers and Junior Counselors must enroll in all three weeks, and no half-day option is offered
• Price: Campers tuition is $1100 per three-week session ($366 per week); Junior Counselor tuition is $825 per three-week session ($275 per week); After Care is $150 per session per camper; camp insurance is $150 per child and covers both sessions; tuition and extended care fees are non-refundable; a two-installment payment option is available with the balance due May 17 and a $25 fee

The Adler Arts Center states that it is committed to community and serves to educate, promote, and preserve the arts, and is dedicated to promoting music and the arts as an integral part of everyday life. It offers year-round activities that include critical thinking and interpretation, participation, entertainment, and achievement in music and the arts for people in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.

Campers are divided into coed squads based on age, with each squad capped at 15 campers, and squad time appears twice in the daily schedule. A Celebration of the Arts takes place on the final Thursday evening of each session, with student artwork displayed throughout the building and grounds and student performances on an outdoor stage. Campers must have completed at least one year of school (kindergarten and up) to attend camp, and Camp Adler no longer offers a half-day option. Daytime visits are limited to early pick-ups, camper office check-ins, and item drop-offs, and families are asked not to visit classrooms or join campers for lunch. After two late pick-ups, children are automatically enrolled in After Care for the entire three-week session.

Families are asked to send children with a water bottle, a packed lunch labeled with the camper’s name, a backpack or small bag, insect repellent, sunscreen, and an art smock or old t-shirt, and an extra change of clothes is recommended because water games are often played during squad time. Campers are asked not to bring personal electronics, toys, or cellular phones. Due to allergies and dietary restrictions, campers should not bring nuts, nut products, chocolate, legumes, any type of fish, or any food to share with other children. If a child is taking over-the-counter or prescription medication, a Medication Information Form must be on file for the Adler Center to administer it, allergies should be listed on the registration form in the medical section, and families are asked to provide a copy of any IEP or 504 Plan. Camp insurance offers a tuition refund if plans change before June 1 or a prorated refund in case of coronavirus closure.

Last updated January 8, 2026.