Kids playing on tractors and kids sitting on a toy caterpilar

Bird's Nest Summer Camps 2026

Experience the ultimate summer of growth and discovery at Bird’s Nest Preschool in Hinckley, Illinois, where our summer camps bring learning to life. Our program is rooted in play-based learning and hands-on exploration, ensuring that every child remains engaged through a dynamic blend of music, movement, storytelling, and science. Led by a team of dedicated and experienced early childhood staff, we provide a safe and nurturing environment where creativity flourishes. Each day features meticulously planned activities that utilize our large playground space, allowing children to balance indoor discovery with vital outdoor play.

Our curriculum is built around engaging weekly themes that spark curiosity and keep campers excited to return. To deepen the experience, children participate in enrichment experiences and enjoy visits from special visitors who bring real-world magic to the classroom. Plus, every child gets to showcase their hard work through unique hands-on take-home projects. Whether your child is conducting a science experiment or exploring new rhythms in music, Birds Nest Preschool offers a comprehensive summer program designed to foster a lifelong love of learning.

Weekly Camp Themes

June 1 – 5

VBS Kingdom Quest

Week 1

June 8 – 12

Books & Baking

Week 2

June 15 – 19

Zoo Animals

Week 3

June 22 – 26

Water Wonders

Week 4

June 29 – July 2

Jive, Jump & Jam

Week 5

July 6 – 10

Building & Engineering

Week 6

July 13 – 17

Camping Fun

Week 7

July 20-24

Mad Scientist Lab

Week 8

July 27 – 31

Superhero Training

Week 9

Flexible Attendance Options

kids running

Full Day Camp & Extended Care

7:30am – 4:30pm
Includes 2 Snacks and Catered Lunch

3-5 year-olds
$275/Week

2 year-olds
$334/Week

 

kid digging in rocks

Themed Half-Day Summer Camps

9:00am – 12:00pm
Includes AM Snack

3-5 year-olds
$125/Week

2 year-olds
$150/Week

8-Week Package – Sign up for eight weeks and receive one tuition-free vacation week of your choice and a 3% tuition discount.

Weekly/À la Carte Enrollment – Choose which and how many themed weeks best suit your family’s schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Can Attend Summer Camp and Care?

Our Summer Camp and Care program is open to children ages 2–5. Children may attend full-day Summer Camp and Care or participate in themed half-day STEAM camps, depending on age, space, and availability.

What are the daily hours?
  • Full-Day Summer Camp and Care: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Themed Half-Day STEAM Camps: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Children enrolled in half-day camps may extend their day with afternoon care if space is
available. At Bird’s Nest, once your child is enrolled in our program, you may use drop-in care
during both the summer and the school year, as needed and if space is available. A week’s
notice is most helpful to support staffing and planning.

What is included in the themed STEAM camps?

Themed camps focus on STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) through play-based experiences. Children engage in intentional, hands-on exploration, movement, stories, creative projects, and outdoor learning in a developmentally appropriate setting. We encourage the children to develop mind, body and spirit.

Can we choose individual weeks instead of enrolling in the full program?

Yes. STEAM-themed summer camps may be selected à la carte, based on your child’s schedule and space availability. Families may enroll in individual themed weeks or choose consecutive weeks, offering flexibility to fit your summer schedule.

What Is the 8-Week Summer Package Discount?

The 8-Week Summer Package is available only to families who enroll in all eight (8) weeks of Summer Camp and Care at the time of registration.
Families who qualify receive:

  • A 3% tuition discount, with the calculated weekly savings rounded up in the family’s
    favor, and
  • One (1) bonus full tuition-free vacation week

The discount is applied once at enrollment, reflected in the total package price, and is not recalculated after registration.

How Does the Tuition-Free Vacation Week Work?

The tuition-free vacation week included in the 8-Week Package:

  • Must be taken as one (1) full, consecutive week
  • May not be split, divided, substituted, or applied to partial weeks or individual days
  • May be used at any time during the summer program, with advance written notice and subject to availability
What are the Important Terms and Conditions of the 8-Week Package
  • The 8-Week Package Discount applies only when all eight (8) weeks are selected and confirmed at registration
  • The discount is not retroactive and will not be applied if weeks are added, removed, or changed after enrollment
  • If any week is dropped, changed, or not attended, the family forfeits the package discount, and tuition will be recalculated at the standard weekly rate
  • The discount applies to tuition only; registration fees, supply fees, late fees, and any additional charges are excluded
  • The tuition-free vacation week has no cash value, may not be transferred to another child or family, and will not be refunded or credited if unused
  • Absences, missed days, partial weeks, illness, or vacation outside of the designated tuition-free vacation week are not eligible for credit, refund, or tuition adjustment
How Does Billing Work for à La Carte Weeks?
  • À la carte STEAM weeks are billed individually at the weekly rate.
  • Selected weeks that are missed or unused are non-refundable.
  • Tuition and final camp selections are due by May 15. Monthly or bi-monthly paymentplans can be provided as needed.
Are There Any Other Available Discounts?

To thank our current families for early commitment, we are offering an Early Bird Registration Discount. This is only available for current families enrolled in daily care options.
Early Bird Registration Details:

  • Commit by Feb 2: Registration fee waived
  • Commit by March 20: $35 registration fee
  • Commit by April 30: $75 registration fee

This is the only opportunity to participate in summer camps and care with a waived or reduced registration fee. All new students will be required to pay a portion of the registration fee.

How do we reserve our spot?

Enrollment is confirmed once all required paperwork, camp selections, and the registration fee is received. A tuition payment is due before May 15. Space is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.