We know this is a challenging time for all, but we wanted to send some information and reassurance your way about something you may not be thinking of quite yet–your summer plans. The BASE Camp team is continuing to plan and prepare for a full month of summer enrichment and learning as scheduled. While we of course have no way of knowing what “normal” will look like in three months, we have to believe that many parents will be back to work as usual and will want their kids engaged in meaningful, collaborative fun–maybe more than ever after a prolonged break from school routines.
We will continue to monitor recommendations from local and federal authorities, and the potential impact on our summer camps, and will notify you should there be any changes in BASE Camp’s programming or schedule. BASE Camp is an important part of the summer for more than 900 children in the area. But it also plays a crucial role in the financial viability of our small non-profit, the Oak Park Education Foundation, which relies on camp income to fuel the hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) programs we deliver for free during the school day and after school for thousands of children in District 97. It also allows us to offer camp scholarships to more than 120 qualifying students, a commitment that lies at the heart of our organization’s mission and values.
We want to be part of the solution when our community and our nation return to a better, safer place. We are excited about this summer’s mix of established favorites, updated, and brand new camps, and look forward to seeing your children actively engaged and having fun at BASE Camp.
As a reminder, our current cancellation policy is for a full refund, excluding a $25 non-refundable registration fee per camp session, as long as registrations are cancelled 14 days prior to your child’s camp session start date. If camp is cancelled or curtailed due to any government mandates or continued coronavirus concerns, we will waive all registration or cancellation fees.
For families paying for camp by installment, we have delayed the processing of second payments until tomorrow, Wednesday, March 18. You will receive an email confirmation when your second installment payment is processed.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
We are, as always, grateful for your support of BASE Camp and the Oak Park Education Foundation.
Donate to the BASE Camp scholarship fund to give more D97 kids access to great summer enrichment. Add “camp scholarships” to description field in donation form. Thank you!
Oak Park Education Foundation | 260 Madison Street | Oak Park IL | 60302 | 708.524.3023
BASE Camp is run by the Oak Park Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization providing innovative enrichment programming to K-8 students for more than 25 years.
BASE Camp features new twists on OPEF’s school-year programs: VEX Robotics, Science Alliance, Geared Up, Art Start, Architecture Adventure, and Spoken Word! Visit opef.org.
