The Chicago Lights Summer Day Program was launched in 1981 to offer academic instruction, arts education and social opportunities for children from Cabrini-Green. Now, Summer Day, a six-week program, provides a safe place to learn and play for 100, first through eighth grade students from economically disadvantaged areas of the Near North, West Town and Humboldt Park neighborhoods.

2010 application for new students
Volunteer opportunities

Curriculum
During the morning hours, students participate in academic instruction led by certified teachers. Each class in Reading, Writing, Math and Science better prepares the students for the upcoming school year.

In the afternoon, students learn and develop various talents through a Fine Arts curriculum, which is often missing in schools. Students experience dance, voice, drama, art and electronic music classes under the direction of talented instructors. The program ends with a “sold out” performance for family and friends.

Meals
Students enjoy a nutritious breakfast and lunch each day at Summer Day through In2It Cafe. Healthy meals improve student focus and help to fight childhood hunger.

Activities
Field trips and events broaden the children’s horizons. In previous summers we traveled around the city to Ravinia Festival, The Music Theatre Workshop, Chicago Hostelling International, The Nature Museum and Chicago Bears Training Camp. Students also enjoyed “in-house” activities such as health and fitness lessons with the Go Team Outreach, Yoga and Laughter and performances by the Happiness Club.
                                                                                                                        
Service projects teach the value of giving to others—by making sandwiches or sorting clothes for the Elam Davies Social Service Center or participating in adult day programs with the Warren Barr Pavilion, where kids made friendship bracelets with patients living with Alzheimer’s.

Intergenerational activities offer an opportunity for children and adults from diverse backgrounds to share life stories and complete a project together. Summer Day collaborates with two other Chicago Lights programs, the Center for Whole Health and Center for Life and Learning, to provide an afternoon of activities, discussion and fun between students and older adults.
 
Partnerships
Summer Day is thankful for its ongoing partnerships with Ravinia Festival and Rock for Kids, who provide excellent arts instruction and programs, and DePaul Family and Community Services, who provide individual and small-group counseling services to students when needed.

If you are interested in learning more about the Summer Day Program, volunteering, registering a child or donating, please visit www.chicagolights.org or contact Alex Cornwell, Director (312.981.3565).