Parents Brace for Summer Camp Price Hikes in Chicago

CHICAGO, IL — Registration for the Chicago Park District’s highly anticipated summer camps opened this week, leading some parents to express concerns over significant price increases. Online registration commenced Monday for camps located west of California Avenue and all virtual programs, while registration for camps east of California Avenue begins in the early hours of Tuesday.

The Chicago Park District offers various programs, including sports, fitness, and arts, as confirmed on April 7. Summer camp sessions are scheduled from June 23 to August 1, with several other programs available from June 16 to August 10.

However, for parents like Johanna Paul of Lincoln Park, the camp’s increased costs were startling. Last summer, Paul’s two sons, ages 7 and 9, attended the six-week camp at Wrightwood Park, which they thoroughly enjoyed. However, when she checked this year’s prices, she found a significant jump from $330 per child to $460.

“With one kid, you can probably manage that increase. But for us, we’re always having to multiply the price, and that cost just wasn’t feasible for us this year,” Paul acknowledged.

The Chicago Park District defended the price hike, explaining that registration costs had been halved in 2020 to alleviate financial pressures on families during the pandemic. A spokesperson stated, “To bring fees back up to pre-COVID levels and to address rising operational costs, fees are being raised for this summer.”

Despite the price increases, the spokesperson highlighted that fees remain below those of pre-pandemic levels at 97% of Chicago parks. The current average camp cost stands at $1.39 per hour, with the most expensive at $4 per hour. For families facing financial difficulties, the district offers assistance and payment plans.

“The Chicago Park District remains committed to delivering exceptional summer camp experiences at an accessible price,” the spokesperson added. However, Paul and her family will not be returning to camp this year because of the increased fees, although she recognizes that the park district’s camps still offer better value than many private alternatives in the city.

Those interested in signing up must have an active account to register. The park district advises users to verify their email and password, compile a wish list of programs, and ensure their account details are current to streamline the registration process. In-person registration will take place on April 19 and April 21.

This summer’s offerings include camps at Kenwood Community, Midway Plaisance, Jackson, and Washington Parks. Additionally, Kennicott Park will host various themed camps, including an art camp and a cooking academy camp. Families interested in specialized programs for children with disabilities can also enroll in a free Kids Paratriathlon Camp at 63rd Street Beach on July 22 and 23.

As the registration chaos looms, parents have been likened to competitors in a race, scrambling to secure spots for their children. “It’s the ‘Hunger Games,’” one parent described the urgency even as the park district works to balance affordability with rising operational costs.

The Chicago Park District remains hopeful that increased capacities at surrounding parks will accommodate families displaced by the cancellation of camps due to staffing shortages, aiming to provide a rewarding summer experience for all children.