What began in a humble New York City apartment with just a single student, Spark, has since blossomed into an enriching program impacting thousands of children. Our unique educational approach combines the elements of art, yoga, meditation, and nature to create a holistic learning environment. This distinctive blend is what sets Spark apart, allowing us to reach and inspire a multitude of children in truly meaningful ways. With an array of offerings to accommodate various schedules and needs, Spark has something for everyone. Our services extend beyond the standard after school and weekend classes to include holiday and summer camps, birthday parties, portfolio preparation, private classes, and custom pods. We also welcome homeschool groups and are thrilled to announce the recent addition of a forest school program to our repertoire. You can find Spark on-site in various schools and at our main studio located in the Upper West Side. But we're not stopping there - we're also planning to expand to the Upper East Side and Brooklyn. For our families in Pennsylvania, we run the program from our family studio there. And if you're not in close proximity to any of our locations, don't worry. We offer in-home instruction and virtual options to ensure that Spark can reach you, no matter where you are. We invite you to explore all the ways you can experience Spark and look forward to helping bring our program to you.

The Chicago Academy for the Arts is an independent high school for performing and visual arts that has earned national recognition. Designated a National School of Distinction by the John F. Kennedy Center, the Academy provides students with a unique blend of college-prep academics and professional-level arts training. The Academy’s daily schedule features three blocks of academic classes and a flex period, followed by a three-plus hour immersion in the student’s chosen arts department. Dance, Media Arts, Music, Musical Theatre, Theatre, and Visual Arts are all offered, giving students the opportunity to learn the skills necessary for academic success, critical thought, and creative expression.

Parents Magazine is proud to announce the opening of Magical Minds Studio in 2008. This studio offers children 18 months and older an opportunity to experience hands-on learning through process-driven art. The studio was designed with an open floor plan to support the growth of the child, and contains a variety of creative spaces that include a maker space, ceramics studio and backyard. Reggio Emilia philosophy guides the studio’s learning activities, emphasizing exploration and collaboration. This unique environment cultivates problem solving skills in children of all ages from toddler to middle-schooler. Magical Minds Studio is a great place to nurture the curious minds of young learners.

Since 1981, WSRA has been providing recreational programs for individuals of all ages with special needs. Our experienced staff is professionally trained in therapeutic recreation to provide the best services possible. Each year, WSRA serves more than 100 individuals of all ages with disabilities through 75 recreation programs, special events, and trips. We provide transportation for our program registrants and network with local schools, nonprofits, and government agencies to ensure that everyone has access to the recreational activities they need. We are proud to be a part of the partnership of Gurnee, Grandwood Park, Wildwood Park Districts, and Warren Township and look forward to continuing to offer our services in the years to come.

Since 1984, Discovery Day Camp has been providing a unique experience for campers. Through a variety of activities, events, and field trips, campers are encouraged to explore, learn, and grow while building a sense of community through skill development, team building, and sportsmanship. Safety and comfort are also top priorities of the camp, and the camp is fully accredited by the American Camping Association. The camp has been a hit since its opening, with many former campers now joining the staff and sending their own children to the camp. The circle of Discovery speaks for itself! With a focus on fun, growth, and appreciation for the outdoors, Discovery Day Camp offers a fantastic opportunity for campers to make long-lasting memories with friends while gaining valuable life skills.

Our experienced and knowledgeable staff strive to make each program and experience meaningful and engaging. From science and art to sports and outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone! Whether your child is interested in honing their skills or exploring something new, JCYS offers a wide range of activities and experiences. At Jewish Council for Youth Services (JCYS), we are dedicated to helping parents and families find the right educational, recreational and leadership experiences for their children. We offer a wide range of activities and experiences designed to nurture each child’s individual spirit, imagination, confidence and talents. Our family centers, multiple summer camps and specialty programs provide families with a variety of options throughout the year. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff strive to make each program and experience meaningful and engaging. From science and art to sports and outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone! Our commitment and dedication to service – and those we serve – remains constant as our programs and services continue to change and evolve to meet the demands of the community. At JCYS, we are here to help your child make the most of their time with us. Whether they are interested in honing their skills or exploring something new, our staff are dedicated to helping them discover and develop new talents and abilities!

Parents looking for enriching experiences for their family will find plenty to do at the Palos Heights Parks and Recreation Department! Adults can take part in a variety of classes, ranging from art to cooking to fitness. Seniors can join a group to play bingo or bridge. Teens can join a sports team or take part in leisure activities. And preschoolers and young children can get creative with art projects, music classes, and more. The Palos Heights Parks and Recreation Department is the perfect place for families to have fun and learn together. Parents and their children can take part in a variety of activities, such as music classes, sports teams, cooking classes, and more. Seniors can socialize and join groups for bingo or bridge. Teens can explore their interests and develop their skills with leisure activities. And preschoolers can get creative with art projects. At the Palos Heights Parks and Recreation Department, there is something for everyone! Adults, seniors, teens, youth, and preschoolers can all experience the enriching activities offered. Take the opportunity to explore and learn together as a family and create memories that will last a lifetime.

At Camp Ben Frankel, we focus on creating a lifetime of memories for Jewish children of all backgrounds. Our leadership and staff are experienced and highly trained in providing a safe, welcoming camp environment, and we’re proud to be accredited by the American Camp Association. We strive to meet and exceed the expectations of our campers, parents, and staff. During the summer of 2021, we reopened our in-person camp and experienced no cases of Covid. In 2020, we launched CBF Online, our virtual summer camp program. It quickly gained recognition from the Jewish Telegraph Agency, The Forward, The Telegraph (UK), the St. Louis Jewish Light, and eJewishPhilanthropy. We partner with organizations like the Foundation For Jewish Camp, JCamp180, Jewish Camps USA, Life and Legacy, and Jewish Federations across the country to better serve our community. We are proud to have been presented with the JCamp180 Outstanding Board Leadership Award in October 2020. At Camp Ben Frankel, our mission is to provide a lifetime of memories to Jewish children from all backgrounds. We create an inclusive and welcoming environment that invites exploration of identity. Our staff are trained in safety protocols, and we use best-practices, strategic partnerships, and an open-minded approach to develop programs and activities that meet our high standards. We are thrilled to have been able to offer both in-person and virtual camp in 2021 and look forward to continuing to provide high-quality programming for years to come.

The Park District and Park Foundation are collaborating to ensure that all park district residents have access to the recreational programs. To this end, assistance is provided to those facing financial hardship. This program is available to all who live in the park district boundaries and are in need of assistance. Individuals who have special medical, physical, psychological, and/or emotional needs or receive special services from the school district are also encouraged to reach out to the Park District. The staff at Lincolnway Special Recreation Association will work with the Park District to provide reasonable accommodations to participants with disabilities. Participants who would like to request inclusion services are asked to complete the appropriate forms provided by the Park District.

The Manteno Public Library District is a vibrant community hub that offers educational and cultural resources for lifelong learning. With a vast selection of materials and services, the library provides the residents of the Library District with the opportunity to reach their personal, educational, and informational goals. From convenient access to information to stimulating an interest in reading and learning, the library is a great resource for the entire community. The Manteno Public Library District is dedicated to helping the community thrive by providing quality resources for lifelong learning. With a wide variety of materials and services, the library makes it easy for residents to access the information they need and to explore their interests. The library also encourages an interest in reading and learning among all ages, making it a great place to go for everyone. The Manteno Public Library District is a vital asset to the community, providing educational and cultural experiences for all ages. From nurturing personal growth to offering a resource center for the entire community, the library provides an extensive selection of materials and services to help residents reach their informational, educational, and personal goals. With its commitment to lifelong learning, the Manteno Public Library District is a great place to explore and grow.