Summer Camp 2025
June 9th-13th
Open to Rising 6th-8th Grade Students
If you have questions about summer camp please reach out to summer@academyhigh.org
Morning
9:00 - 12:00
Students who participate in two half day camps will have an hour lunch from 12:00-1:00 with quiet activities available.
Afternoon
1:00 - 4:00
Students are welcome to be dropped off up to 15 minutes before camp and need to be picked up within 15 minutes of camp ending.
Register Today
Step 1
Submit information via our registration form.
Step 2
Add items to your cart and check out.
Refund Policy
Canceled registrations prior to April 11th will receive 50% of the amount previously paid. Registrations canceled April 11th and after will receive 0% of the amount previously paid.
Join us as we unravel mysteries and explore the world of crime scene investigation. Was Fluffy, the spirited Jack Russell, dognapped during playtime, or did she pull off a daring escape over the fence? Who's behind the lunchtime heists at the middle school lockers? In this exciting camp, students will delve into the fascinating realm of forensic science, discovering how crime scene investigators collect and analyze evidence to crack the case.
Participate in hands-on labs where you'll master the essentials of fingerprinting, unravel the secrets of hair and fiber analysis, and delve into the world of forensic chemistry. If you have a passion for solving puzzles and love getting your hands dirty with engaging experiments, join us this summer to sharpen your skills as a budding crime scene investigator. It's an unforgettable experience that combines fun, learning, and the thrill of solving intriguing mysteries!
About The Instructor, Natasha Capell
I have been a high school science teacher for last 15 years. I started my career as a scientist in a research lab where I studied axolotls. Since then, I have taught at the high school and college level and have been the science teacher at Academy High since we opened our doors in 2017. I love getting students excited about science!
Calling all mystery lovers, adventurers, believers in the unknown, and future cryptozoologists! Join us for a legendary adventure as we explore the lore around the mythological creatures that reside alongside us. At Camp Cryptid, mythology comes to life, cryptids await exploration, and we work together to unravel the history & mystery of such infamous creatures. If the names Frogman, Bigfoot, or Mothman ring a bell, this is the camp for you!
At Camp Cryptid, we will explore modern-day folklore, old legends, tales of sighting mythological creatures, and more. Campers will learn how these fables emerged throughout history via daily mystery solving, team games, artifact analysis, and escape rooms. As a team, we will unravel the truth about these ominous creatures. As campers learn about cryptids and work together to crack the codes, they will have the opportunity to play games, explore new mysteries,
create their own cryptid talismans and magical artifacts, and engage in traditional summer camp activities.
About The Instructor, Briana Ballard
I am a fourth-year student attending the University of Illinois, obtaining degrees in Elementary Education and Middle School Mathematics. I have worked as a full-time leader for the Urbana Park District’s Nature Day Camp for three years, teaching campers about nature and the environment surrounding them. I love all things creative, spooky, and mysterious—and I’ve had a strong interest in cryptids, mythology, and lore most of my life. (Fun fact: I am an Academy High alumni, having graduated in 2021 as a member of the founding class!)
Step into the spotlight and make your case! Join us for a week of spirited discussions and intellectual challenges as we dive into the art of debate. Should schools enforce dress codes? Is Saturday School a good idea? Should healthy foods replace snacks in the cafeteria? In this thought-provoking camp, students will explore the world of Lincoln-Douglas Debate, mastering the skills needed to create compelling arguments and sway their audience.
Through hands-on practice, campers will learn the essentials of rhetoric, crafting claims, and developing counterarguments. Campers will participate in fun mini-debates to hone their skills before taking on the ultimate challenge: a full-length debate to showcase their abilities. Whether you’re a natural debater or just love sharing your ideas, this camp will build your confidence, sharpen your critical thinking, and bring out your inner debater. Join us this summer for an unforgettable experience that combines teamwork, strategy, and the excitement of the debate stage!
About The Instructor, Revathi Chellappa
I have been a high school English teacher for last 18 years, and a middle school Language Arts teacher for the past year. I have taught Debate, Speech, English, Journalism, and Current Events. My passion is finding texts and units that will engage even the most reluctant students . I love seeing students become excited about the power of words to create finely honed ideas!
Dive into the colorful and creative world of printmaking! In this hands-on class, participants will learn the basics of printmaking techniques, including collagraph, cyanotype, and relief printing. Students will experiment with patterns, textures, and layering to create personalized prints while discovering how printmaking has been used throughout history to share stories, decorate objects, and challenge the status quo. Each day a new technique will be introduced, culminating in a gallery walk that showcases their favorite prints!
About The Instructor, Sophie Morgan
I am an artist and art educator in Champaign-Urbana. I have a BFA in Art Education from the University of Illinois. In my own art practice, I have explored many different medium including printmaking, film photography, and metalwork and jewelry. I have numerous early field experiences in schools throughout the Champaign-Urbana area, including student teaching at IPA and Centennial. Outside of teaching, I enjoy cooking and baking, crocheting, and playing Fortnite.
For students who love to act, this is your opportunity to have fun connecting with theatrical middle school actors from all over the CU area. We'll rehearse and perform a short one-act comedy, and everyone will have a featured role (or roles!) to create during the camp week. Some memorization required! Family and friends are invited to enjoy our performance at the end of Friday's camp day.
About The Instructor, Jaclyn Loewenstein
I have taught acting and musical theatre since 1991 in Chicago, New York City, Austin and Champaign, where I am the owner/director of Class Act performing arts studio. I also teach at Countryside School, direct the Penguin Project (theatre with students who have disabilities) for Champaign Urbana Theatre Company, and serve as Producing Artistic Director at Urbana's Station Theatre.
Explore the many different ways to creatively write in this supportive, collaborative environment! With the assistance of writing games, writing prompts, and more, you’ll take the lead on crafting your own creative worlds.
Through collaborative storytelling and exploration of different mediums, you’ll be slowly acquainted with various elements of storytelling. Different mediums for creative writing that this camp may explore include flash fiction, interactive fiction, and screenwriting.
About The Instructor, Eline Morakotkarn
I am a university student at the University of Illinois, majoring in English. I’ve taken creative writing courses at the university, and currently, I’m the president of the Creative Writing Club. The genres that I write most often are fantasy, supernatural, and horror-esque. I’ve been writing for fun for over a decade now, so I’d love for students to experience joy and freedom of expression in creative writing!