portage park - day off school camps

Children will prepare their own lunch and dessert each day. However, you are also welcome to send a nut-free lunch from home if you prefer. Cooking together inspires kids to explore new foods, but we certainly want to ensure no one goes hungry.

day off camp 11/4
Nov
4

day off camp 11/4

FALL IS HERE!!

In the morning, campers make their own lunch out of beautiful FALL veggies. Carrots, potatoes, butternut squash and warm spices make up this Harvest Curry.

In the afternoon the students will make a classic dessert, BAKED APPLES. Kids will learn how to core an apple and fill it with oats, brown sugar and spices for a yummy treat.

The day is packed with fun activities, including games, crafts, and free playtime. If the weather cooperates, we'll head to the local park after lunch for some outdoor time.

It's a day full of creativity, cooking and play.

AGES 5-11
$110/ DAY
before care optional

SCHEDULE:
8-9am - Early drop off (please choose this option at registration $10)
9am - Welcome! Get settled in and meet new friends, games, crafts
9:30am - Prepare first recipe/ lunch
11am-1pm - Lunchtime, games, crafts, possible walk to local park (weather dependent)
1pm - Prepare second recipe/ snack
2:30pm - Finish crafts and clean up!
3pm - see you soon!

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day off camp 11/5 - voting day!
Nov
5

day off camp 11/5 - voting day!

IT’S THE BIG DAY!

We’re celebrating our country with some ALL AMERICAN favorites.

In the morning, campers make their own lunch: TATER TOT CASSEROLE! The kids love this blend of potatoes, peas + corn … and even mushrooms. :) It’s one of their favorite recipes in our summer camp.

In the afternoon the students will make a classic dessert, APPLE PIE. We’ll try our hand at a lattice top! Ohh la la!

The day is packed with fun activities, including games, crafts, and free playtime. If the weather cooperates, we'll head to the local park after lunch for some outdoor time.

It's a day full of creativity, cooking and play.

AGES 5-11
$110/ DAY
before care optional

SCHEDULE:
8-9am - Early drop off (please choose this option at registration $10)
9am - Welcome! Get settled in and meet new friends, games, crafts
9:30am - Prepare first recipe/ lunch
11am-1pm - Lunchtime, games, crafts, possible walk to local park (weather dependent)
1pm - Prepare second recipe/ snack
2:30pm - Finish crafts and clean up!
3pm - see you soon!

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day off camp cics - 11/8
Nov
8

day off camp cics - 11/8

COMFORT FOOD CAMP!

We’re welcoming the chilly weather with some heartwarming favorites.

In the morning, campers make their own lunch: SHEET PAN LASAGNA! It’s a new Schoolhouse recipe - it’s like nachos but with lasagna noodles, sauce, cheese and toppings… like cheese. :)

In the afternoon the students will make a classic dessert, PUMPKIN PIE. We’ll try our hand at hand made whipped cream, too.

The day is packed with fun activities, including games, crafts, and free playtime. If the weather cooperates, we'll head to the local park after lunch for some outdoor time.

It's a day full of creativity, cooking and play.

AGES 5-11
$110/ DAY
before care optional

SCHEDULE:
8-9am - Early drop off (please choose this option at registration $10)
9am - Welcome! Get settled in and meet new friends, games, crafts
9:30am - Prepare first recipe/ lunch
11am-1pm - Lunchtime, games, crafts, possible walk to local park (weather dependent)
1pm - Prepare second recipe/ snack
2:30pm - Finish crafts and clean up!
3pm - see you soon!

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day off camp  - 11/11 - veterans’ day
Nov
11

day off camp - 11/11 - veterans’ day

We’re welcoming the chilly weather with some heartwarming favorites on this day off of school.

In the morning, campers make their own lunch: HOMEMADE PASTA! It’s so much fun to make homemade noodles from scratch. We serve them with our FAMOUS tomato sauce, butter + cheese or plain.

In the afternoon the students will make an adorable dessert, SNICKERDOODLES . They are decorated to look like OWLS!

WHOOOO doesn’t love spending the day in the kitchen? NOODLES + DOODLES!

The day is packed with fun activities, including games, crafts, and free playtime. If the weather cooperates, we'll head to the local park after lunch for some outdoor time.

It's a day full of creativity, cooking and play.

AGES 5-11
$110/ DAY
before care optional

SCHEDULE:
8-9am - Early drop off (please choose this option at registration $10)
9am - Welcome! Get settled in and meet new friends, games, crafts
9:30am - Prepare first recipe/ lunch
11am-1pm - Lunchtime, games, crafts, possible walk to local park (weather dependent)
1pm - Prepare second recipe/ snack
2:30pm - Finish crafts and clean up!
3pm - see you soon!

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day off camp 11/25
Nov
25

day off camp 11/25

Kids will love kicking off Thanksgiving Break with a day of cooking and crafting at Schoolhouse!

In the morning, campers will make homemade pizza dough for PIZZA ROLLS. Think Cinnamon Rolls meets Pizza!  Kids love rolling up their pizza and slicing into these delicious rolls. So cute! 

In the afternoon, campers will enjoy decorating 3 Thanksgiving themed cupcakes of their choice. We'll use fondant, frosting and sprinkles to design adorable cupcakes. 

We'll have plenty of time for crafts, games and playing, too! 

The day is packed with fun activities, including games, crafts, and free playtime. If the weather cooperates, we'll head to the local park after lunch for some outdoor time.

It's a day full of creativity, cooking and play.

AGES 5-11
$110/ DAY
before care optional

SCHEDULE:
8-9am - Early drop off (please choose this option at registration $10)
9am - Welcome! Get settled in and meet new friends, games, crafts
9:30am - Prepare first recipe/ lunch
11am-1pm - Lunchtime, games, crafts, possible walk to local park (weather dependent)
1pm - Prepare second recipe/ snack
2:30pm - Finish crafts and clean up!
3pm - see you soon!

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day off camp 11/26
Nov
26

day off camp 11/26

Kids will love kicking off Thanksgiving Break with a day of cooking and crafting at Schoolhouse!

In the morning, campers will make homemade TACO SOUP with beans, rice, corn. It's a camper favorite. They'll also make their own homemade tortillas for quesadillas. 

In the afternoon, campers will make delicious CHURRO DONUTS with a chocolate dipping sauce for dessert. 

We'll have plenty of time for crafts, games and playing, too! 

The day is packed with fun activities, including games, crafts, and free playtime. If the weather cooperates, we'll head to the local park after lunch for some outdoor time.

It's a day full of creativity, cooking and play.

AGES 5-11
$110/ DAY
before care optional

SCHEDULE:
8-9am - Early drop off (please choose this option at registration $10)
9am - Welcome! Get settled in and meet new friends, games, crafts
9:30am - Prepare first recipe/ lunch
11am-1pm - Lunchtime, games, crafts, possible walk to local park (weather dependent)
1pm - Prepare second recipe/ snack
2:30pm - Finish crafts and clean up!
3pm - see you soon!

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indigenous peoples’ day 10/14
Oct
14

indigenous peoples’ day 10/14

We're honoring Indigenous People and their food ways in this day of COOKING + CRAFTING for kids. Our morning cooking adventure is making Blue Corn Cakes and Black Bean and Corn Hash for lunch. Young chefs will grind their own corn and chop up veggies for this delicious dish.

After lunch, kids will make Pumpkin Muffins. They love exploring the warm spices of Fall for this dessert.

The day is packed with fun activities, including games, crafts, and free playtime. If the weather cooperates, we'll head to the local park after lunch for some outdoor time.

It's a day full of creativity, cooking and play.

AGES 5-11
$110/ DAY
before care optional

SCHEDULE:
8-9am - Early drop off (please choose this option at registration $10)
9am - Welcome! Get settled in and meet new friends, games, crafts
9:30am - Prepare first recipe/ lunch
11am-1pm - Lunchtime, games, crafts, possible walk to local park (weather dependent)
1pm - Prepare second recipe/ snack
2:30pm - Finish crafts and clean up!
3pm - see you soon!

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day off camp 10/11 dia de los muertos celebration
Oct
11

day off camp 10/11 dia de los muertos celebration

We're honoring the beautiful celebration of Dia de los Muertos in this day off COOKING + CRAFTING CAMP for kids.

Our morning cooking adventure is making HOMEMADE TORTILLAS with different colored masa… red, blue and maize colors from different corn.

After lunch, kids will bake and decorate SUGAR SKULL COOKIES which are a lot of fun to make!

The day is packed with fun activities, including games, crafts, and free playtime. If the weather cooperates, we'll head to the local park after lunch for some outdoor time.

It's a day full of creativity, cooking and play.

AGES 5-11
$110/ DAY
before care optional

SCHEDULE:
8-9am - Early drop off (please choose this option at registration $10)
9am - Welcome! Get settled in and meet new friends, games, crafts
9:30am - Prepare first recipe/ lunch
11am-1pm - Lunchtime, games, crafts, possible walk to local park (weather dependent)
1pm - Prepare second recipe/ snack
2:30pm - Finish crafts and clean up!
3pm - see you soon!

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welcome fall! 9/27 cooking camp
Sep
27

welcome fall! 9/27 cooking camp

We're welcoming FALL in this day of COOKING + CRAFTING for kids. Our morning cooking adventure is making Butternut Mac n Cheese for lunch. Young chefs will chop veggies and whip up a homemade sauce for our cheesy pasta dish.

After a delicious lunch, kids will make Apple Crumble - a Schoolhouse favorite. They love peeling and chopping apples for this delicious dessert.

The day is packed with fun activities, including games, crafts, and free playtime. If the weather cooperates, we'll head to the local park after lunch for some outdoor time.

It's a day full of creativity, cooking and play.

AGES 5-11
$110/ DAY
before care optional

SCHEDULE:
8-9am - Early drop off (please choose this option at registration $10)
9am - Welcome! Get settled in and meet new friends, games, crafts
9:30am - Prepare first recipe/ lunch
11am-1pm - Lunchtime, games, crafts, possible walk to local park (weather dependent)
1pm - Prepare second recipe/ snack
2:30pm - Finish crafts and clean up!
3pm - see you soon!

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APRIL 10 - DAY OFF COOKING CAMP - CELEBRATING SPRING!
Apr
10

APRIL 10 - DAY OFF COOKING CAMP - CELEBRATING SPRING!

We're welcoming SPRING in this day of COOKING + CRAFTING for kids. Our morning cooking adventure is making Pasta Primavera for lunch. Young chefs will chop veggies and whip up a homemade sauce for our pasta.

After a delicious lunch, kids will make Strawberry Lemonade Donuts - a Schoolhouse favorite. They love glazing and decorating their donuts to share with you.

The day is packed with fun activities, including games, crafts, and free playtime. If the weather cooperates, we'll head to the local park after lunch for some outdoor time.

It's a day full of creativity, cooking and play.

AGES 5-11
$100/ DAY
before care optional

SCHEDULE:
8-9am - Early drop off (please choose this option at registration $10)
9am - Welcome! Get settled in and meet new friends, games, crafts
9:30am - Prepare first recipe/ lunch
11am-1pm - Lunchtime, games, crafts, possible walk to local park (weather dependent)
1pm - Prepare second recipe/ snack
2:30pm - Finish crafts and clean up!
3pm - see you soon!

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APRIL 1 - DAY OFF COOKING CAMP - CELEBRATING APRIL FOOL’S DAY
Apr
1
to Apr 10

APRIL 1 - DAY OFF COOKING CAMP - CELEBRATING APRIL FOOL’S DAY

It's APRIL FOOL's Day in the Schoolhouse Kitchen and kids will love cooking up some silly food pranks together. 

For lunch, we'll make homemade pizzas and shape them into silly shapes. 

In the afternoon we'll make our favorite "spaghetti + meatball" cupcakes. The meatballs are made of rice crispies and chocolate and the noodles are homemade buttercream. 

The day is packed with fun activities, including games, crafts, and free playtime. If the weather cooperates, we'll head to the local park after lunch for some outdoor time.

It's a day full of creativity, cooking and play.

AGES 5-11
$100/ DAY
before care optional

SCHEDULE:
8-9am - Early drop off (please choose this option at registration $10)
9am - Welcome! Get settled in and meet new friends, games, crafts
9:30am - Prepare first recipe/ lunch
11am-1pm - Lunchtime, games, crafts, possible walk to local park (weather dependent)
1pm - Prepare second recipe/ snack
2:30pm - Finish crafts and clean up!
3pm - see you soon!

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FEB 19 - celebration of soul food - cooking camp
Feb
19

FEB 19 - celebration of soul food - cooking camp

Young chefs will enjoy cooking and crafting on their day off in this day long camp!

We'll work together to create a Soul Food Feast for lunch: Candied Yams, Corn Bread and Red Beans + Rice while learning about the history of these foods and why they are important to African Amercian culture and history. After lunch, kids will learn how to make traditional Peach Cobbler for an afternoon snack.

In between cooking, there's time for crafting and playing games.

AGES 5-11
$100/ DAY
before care optional

SCHEDULE:
8-9am - Early drop off (please choose this option at registration $10)
9am - Welcome! Get settled in and meet new friends, games, crafts
9:30am - Prepare first recipe/ lunch
11am-1pm - Lunchtime, games, crafts, possible walk to local park (weather dependent)
1pm - Prepare second recipe/ snack
2:30pm - Finish crafts and clean up!
3pm - see you soon!

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FEB 9 - LUNAR NEW YEAR COOKING CAMP!
Feb
9

FEB 9 - LUNAR NEW YEAR COOKING CAMP!

In this Day Off Cooking Camp young chefs will explore the traditions of Chinese Lunar New Year with cooking and crafts. 

In the morning, we'll make handmade Longevity Noodles! These springy noodles are perfect for a warm lunch with a delicious sauce and stirfied veggies. 

After lunch, we'll bake cupakes to decorate with fondant dragons and learn more about the symbolism of Lunar New Year through food, color, shape and the Chinese Zodiac. .

AGES 5-11
$100/ DAY
before care optional

SCHEDULE:
8-9am - Early drop off (please choose this option at registration $10)
9am - Welcome! Get settled in and meet new friends, games, crafts
9:30am - Prepare first recipe/ lunch
11am-1pm - Lunchtime, games, crafts, possible walk to local park (weather dependent)
1pm - Prepare second recipe/ snack
2:30pm - Finish crafts and clean up!
3pm - see you soon!

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jan 15 - mlk jr day camp- cooking + community - a day of service
Jan
15

jan 15 - mlk jr day camp- cooking + community - a day of service

In this day off camp we'll explore honor Dr. King's invitation to each of us to create positive impact within our community.

We'll be making lunch in the morning: Minestrone Soup + Focaccia and in the afternoon we'll bake Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies and create CARE PACKAGES for our community's unhoused population that will include warm socks, artwork and cards made by the campers and, of course, some of their delicious cookies.

AGES 5-11
$100/ DAY
before care optional

SCHEDULE:
8-9am - Early drop off (please choose this option at registration $10)
9am - Welcome! Get settled in and meet new friends, games, crafts
9:30am - Prepare first recipe/ lunch
11am-1pm - Lunchtime, games, crafts, possible walk to local park (weather dependent)
1pm - Prepare second recipe/ snack
2:30pm - Finish crafts and clean up!
3pm - see you soon!

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