What camp options does BASH provide?
BASH holds a variety of camps throughout the year. Camps have a Full Day option from 8a-4p (with a 4-5p extension), and a Half Day option (8a-12p or 12p-4p). Drop-off can begin at 7:45a. Our studio accommodates approximately 25-28 students, with a minimum 10:1 student-leader ratio. Camps include:
CPS Day Off Camps (federal holidays, conference days, etc. - adheres to CPS day off schedule)
Private School Day Off Camps (adheres to local private school day off schedules)
Winter Break Camp
Spring Break Camp
Summer Break Camp
Back to School Camp (the week between BASH summer camp and CPS school starting)
FAQs: Camps
What does a typical day at camp look like?
Our BASH campers enjoy programs that include group and individual activities. A typical day might include building clay planets with our hands, tumbling through an energizing obstacle course, relaxing with a puzzle, and munching on pretzels. Our schedule follows the following template:
Free Play 7:45a-9a, Group Games 9a,
Snack 9:45a, Outside Play Time 10:15a,
Storytime 11:15a, Craft 11:30a,
Lunch 12p, Free Play 12:30
Movement and Dance 1p
Outside Play Time 1:30p
Storytime 2:30p, Craft 2:45p
Free Play 3:15p-4p
BASH campers attend local playgrounds such as Hamilton Elementary School Playground, and Klein (Lois) Park. In the case of extreme weather, campers will adventure to the Lincoln Belmont Branch of the Chicago Public Library, or engage in movement activities at the studio.
Summer campers attend local splash pads on Thursday afternoons, including Juniper Playlot Park and Donaghue (Margaret) Park.
What should my camper bring?
Please bring lunch, a water bottle, and outdoor clothes appropriate to the weather. We go outside!
Snacks are optional; BASH will provide one morning snack that generally includes fruit and a sweet or salty packaged snack. If your camper has allergies or dietary restrictions, please plan accordingly.
A camper will have access to a cubby in which to store all of their items throughout the day.
Items that provide comfort, such as stuffies, are welcome at BASH during freetimes. Having said that, students are required to put special items away during programming, outside play, or when requested by BASH leaders. Furthermore, a BASH camper is responsible for the items they bring to camp. Please use caution when bringing items of financial or emotional value, as BASH is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
If I am doing a half-day option, should my camper bring a lunch?
Lunchtime is at 12p. If you are attending Half Day morning camp, you do not need to bring lunch. Half Day afternoon campers (12p-4/5p) are welcome to bring lunch, or can begin free play while other campers finish their lunch.
What are the summer field trips?
Summer campers have the opportunity to attend all-day Friday field trips!
BASH’s field trips have us adventuring across Chicago! Field trips of the past include the Shedd Aquarium, Wrigley Field for a Cubs game, Montrose Beach for a lake day, and the Lincoln Park Zoo.
Our Chicago campers will ride the CTA with BASH Leaders - to the constant admiration of everyday CTA goers!
Campers are assigned a particular Leader to stay with all day, and every Leader will be assigned 5-6 campers in their group. Every camper will additionally be assigned a single buddy for the entire day, to hold hands and stick with on public transportation and in-transit. Every camper and leader wears a bright BASH T-shirt for identification. At every location within a field trip, leaders identify a meeting location for leaders and campers and take attendance for their small groups, and the large group as a whole. Our Field Trip Behavioral Care Practice can be found here.
On field trip days, BASH maintains a 6:1 minimum student-leader ratio, and often supports a 5:1 student-leader ratio.
Campers will bring a sack lunch, a water bottle, sunscreen and their bright BASH Camp t-shirt for easy identification on field trip days. BASH leaders wear a BASH t-shirt for easy identification, and carry on-the-go first aid kits at all times.
Generally, campers do not bring money when on a field trip. Money for one snack at the field trip location is included within registration prices, and doled out by BASH Leaders when appropriate. Due to limited time available, BASH campers generally will not be visiting gift shops - please encourage campers to visit gift shops with you on their next visit!
Please print and sign our BASH Field Trip Waiver here. Waivers can be returned in person or emailed to hello@bashkids.club.
Is there an extended-day option until 5pm?
Yes! For an extra $15 per day, you can purchase an additional 60 minutes of free play for your camper from 4-5p. At any time you may add an extended day.
If you have not picked up your campers by 4:15p, we expect you are signing up for the 5p extended day, and will charge the additional $15 to your card on file.