Five Great Summer Camps: Patch Picks

School's out for summer...or it will be soon. We've searched for the best camps in the region to help your kids squeeze the best times out of their summer...and to help you get a little vacation as well.

. The park district has day camps for children ranging from two years old to the fifth grade, and even has a camp for young kids who might not be ready to spend the day away from their parents. Activities include games, crafts, music, nature and wildlife. Call Mokena Community Park District at 708-390-2401 or visit mokenapark.com for more information.

As part of Manitoqua Ministries, this camp is "a God-Centered organization, (that) serves guests by providing a setting and programs for retreating, camping and outdoor education," according to its website. Camp Manitoqua offers a variety of summer day- and overnight-camps for kids in grades pre-kindergarten through high school. Camps begin mid-June and run through early August. Registration begins at the end of the month. For detailed information, including dates, prices and activities, go to the camp's web page.

The village's park district offers a variety of summer mini-camps for children. Here's a look at a sampling of what's available:

• Tiny Tot Summer Camp: Ages 3-4 years. This weekly camp meets 9:30 a.m.-noon June-July.
• Fun in the Sun Camp: Ages 5-8 years. This two-week camp meets 9 a.m.-noon June 20-July 15.
• Stage Play--Musical Theater for Kids: Ages 6-12 years. This weeklong camp meets 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 18-22.
• Chess Camp: Grades kindergarten-eighth. This weeklong camp meets 9 a.m.-noon or 9 a.m.-3 p.m. July 25-29.
• Amazing Artists Art Camp: Ages 6 and older. This weeklong camp meets 6-7:30 p.m. July 25-29.

For more information, call the park district 815-469-9400 or go to the park district's website.

Ivy League After School. The popular after-school organization has a variety of camps to choose from, and last year included Montessori camp (for kids three to six years old), horse camp and junior counselor camp. Activities include swimming, field trips, scavenger hunts and arts and crafts. For more information, call the Mokena location at 815-464-1265, the New Lenox location at 815-485-6380 or visit the organization's website.

Chicago Bulls Sox Training Academy: This one comes from a reader suggestion on Facebook. If you're looking for a high-quality summer sports program for your child, the academy offers camps for baseball, fastpitch softball and boys/girls basketball. The nearest White Sox Training is in Tinley Park, and you can call 708-532-2274 for more information. The Bulls/Sox Academy is in Lisle, and that number is 630-324-8221. Go to the website for more details or to register online.