Summer on the Prairie

Summer on the Prairie

Open to all students in Racine and surrounding areas, Summer on the Prairie’s day camps and workshops offer an unmatched opportunity to learn, explore, perform, discover, create, and grow — all on our beautiful campus along the shores of Lake Michigan. Prairie's faculty spend months planning unique programs in collaboration with our community partners so that we can offer the best summer experience for our campers. Whether they focus on academic development, artistic exploration, or athletic skills, your child will have a fun, enriching time when spending their summer on the prairie!

For Parents

Summer is a perfect time to continue learning, both inside and outside the classroom. The Prairie School is proud to offer the best summer program for kids, providing hands-on activities and the opportunity to explore new topics in a creative, enriching environment. Taught by The Prairie School’s expert faculty and seasoned community educators, our summer day camps, workshops, and programs focus on the whole child – so while your son or daughter may be polishing their tennis serve or learning a new language, their teachers will also focus on developing their compassion, leadership skills, and integrity.

Hawks' Haven Day Camp

Looking for a summer filled with arts and crafts, music, friendships, games, plenty of fun in the sun, and FIELD TRIPS? Then Hawks’ Haven Day Camp is the place for you! Offered from 8:00AM to 4:00PM — with extended care until 5:30PM — meet new friends and reconnect with old pals in a fun, hands-on learning environment.

At Hawks’ Haven Day Camp, campers play unique outdoor games, explore their creativity through music and art, test their wits with tricky scavenger hunts and academic retention games, and make friends through a variety of team and leadership-building activities. Our campers gather throughout the week for buddy activities, field trips, and a weekly celebration each Friday.

*Hawks’ Haven is closed June 19th in observance of Juneteenth and July 1st - 5th in observance of Independence Day.

Academics (CLICK TO VIEW)

Let’s work together to prevent the summer slide. In the summer, students can lose as much as 27% of the knowledge gained over the school year. At Hawks’ Haven, we incorporate daily games and activities tailor-made to help students retain this important information. Our activities are so much fun that your camper won’t even realize they’re learning! 

Field Trips

Our energetic off-campus excursions are filled with happiness, hijinks and a whole lot of summer fun! Once a week we will embark on an offsite adventure where students delve into a variety of exciting hands-on activities. 

Fun in the SUN!

Summer is all about having fun outdoors. At Hawks’ Haven Day Camp, we adapt our activities to make the most of the sunny summer weather. Our sprawling campus on beautiful Lake Michigan is the perfect spot for an afternoon picnic, summer gardening, sports, and a variety of recreational activities. 

Water Fun FRIDAYS!

Everyone’s favorite day of the week! Grab your swimsuit, water shoes, and goggles, because Water Fun Fridays are not to be missed. Campers spend the afternoon playing drip drip drop, water limbo, sponge relays, and spray bottle tag — and don’t forget our 21-foot long water slide.

Hawks' Haven Info:

• Dates: June 17th - August 9th, 2024

• Time: 8:00AM - 5:30PM

• Closed June 19th in observance of Juneteenth

• Closed July 1st - 5th in observance of Independence Day

• Child-teacher ratio approximately 6:1

• Children must be securely potty trained

• Children must bring a lunch and drink daily

• Children entering 4K and K take a 1 hour nap/rest each day

Did You Know?

• Hawks’ Haven Day Camp participants are escorted to and from all on-campus workshops and sports camps.

• Each Hawks’ Haven group has uniquely tailored, age-appropriate activities!

• Hawks’ Haven campers have an outdoor water fun time every week! (weather permitting)

Workshops

Have you ever wished for the chance to explore a new artistic or academic endeavor in depth? To spend your day programming, writing, performing, creating, or designing? Summer on the Prairie offers one-hour, two-hour, and half-day specialty workshops designed to help you explore your budding interests! We promise you a hands-on learning environment with expert faculty and a world of opportunities at your fingertips.

New this summer:

Art in Motion (Grades 1-3) (CLICK TO VIEW)

Welcome to Art in Motion, where creativity and movement converge in an exciting adventure! Campers will explore unique ways of crafting art through motion, from painting with movement using various objects to creating enchanting prints with bubbles and discovering the influence of gravity on their artistic expressions. They’ll also dance and paint to the rhythm of music, adding an extra layer of excitement to their creative journey. Join us for a summer of dynamic artistic exploration, where every movement brings art to life!

Beads of Fire! (For Parents)

Discover the exciting world of glass bead making and get ready to ignite your creativity and embark on an artistic journey like no other. Participants will learn how to melt glass rods, wind glass onto mandrels, shape the material, and add surface decoration to form unique beads. This is a great way to learn how glass behaves at a miniature scale.

Collage Creations: Making Art with Fabric and Fibers (Grades 2-5)

Welcome to Collage Creations: Making Art with Fabric and Fibers, where the world of art comes alive with the touch of textiles! In this exciting camp, students will embark on a journey of creativity, using fabric and yarn to craft stunning collage art pieces. Through hands-on activities and guided exploration, campers will learn the art of composition, layering, and texture to bring their visions to life. From whimsical fabric mosaics to intricate yarn tapestries, our campers will unleash their imaginations and discover the boundless possibilities of working with fabric and fibers. Join us for a summer filled with color, texture, and endless artistic inspiration as we create beautiful masterpieces together!

First Stage Theater Camp (Grades 1-4)

Guided by a professional teaching artist, students will use their actor tools of voice, body, and imagination to create characters, explore settings, and tell stories. Students will participate in a variety of acting games and activities and will show off what they’ve accomplished in a presentation on the last day! 

First Stage Theater Camp (Grades 5-8)

Guided by a professional teaching artist, students will use their actor tools of voice, body, and imagination to create characters, explore settings, and tell stories. Students will participate in a variety of acting games and activities and will show off what they’ve accomplished in a presentation on the last day! 

Glass Crafters: Paperweights (For Parents)

Learn two exciting glass processes in one workshop. Participants will create a colorful, hot sculpted paperweight from the glass furnace. Shaping, color application, and use of glass tools will be introduced. Participants will also have the opportunity to design a unique glass tile by cutting and collaging colorful sheet glass that is then heated and melted together in the kiln. 

Glass Crafters: Flowers (For Parent)

Learn two exciting glass processes in one workshop. Participants will create a colorful, hot-sculpted flower from the glass furnace. Shaping, color application, cutting and stretching the glass will be introduced. Participants will also have the opportunity to design a unique glass tile by cutting and collaging colorful sheet glass that is then heated and melted together in the kiln. 

Glass Crafters: Ornaments (For Parents)

Learn two exciting glass processes in one workshop. Participants will learn the basic steps of glassblowing to create a handmade ornament. Shaping, color application, and use of glass tools will be introduced. Participants will also have the opportunity to design a unique glass tile by cutting and collaging colorful sheet glass that is then heated and melted together in the kiln. 

Gotta Catch ‘Em All! (Grades 3+)

Calling all Pokémon Trainers and enthusiasts, get ready to immerse yourself in the captivating world of Pokémon. Campers will have the chance to catch, trade, and battle Pokémon, and even create their own custom Poké Balls and fuse bead Pokémon artwork. With Gym Leader Challenges, tournaments, and friendly competition featuring everyone’s favorite Pokémon, our camp offers an unforgettable experience for young trainers to hone their skills, make new friends, and become true Pokémon Masters. Join us for adventure, strategy, and the excitement of the Pokémon universe!

Hooked on Creativity! (Grades 3-6)

Welcome to Hooked on Creativity: A Latch Hook Camp! Get ready to dive into the world of tactile artistry in this exciting and hands-on camp. At Hooked on Creativity, campers will master the craft of latch hooking, transforming plain canvases into vibrant, textured masterpieces. Campers will learn the art of selecting colors, creating intricate patterns, and working with various textures of yarn to craft beautiful works of art. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore your artistic side, develop fine motor skills, and create unique pieces of functional art. Get “hooked” on the creativity and self-expression of a new craft!

Super Fly Tie Dye! (Grades 3-5)

Welcome to Super Fly Tie Dye, where vibrant creativity meets endless fun! Campers will master the art of tie-dyeing in various forms – creating stunning masterpieces that reflect their unique styles and personalities. Throughout the camp, participants will learn the ropes of tie-dyeing a variety of items, including clothing, key chains, jewelry and beautiful canvases. Join us for laughter, friendship, and a kaleidoscope of colors as campers embark on an unforgettable tie-dye adventure!

Tabletop Titans! (Grades 4-8)

This camp is a tabletop gaming paradise, offering kids the chance to dive into a world of board games, role-playing games, party games, and miniatures. From epic quests in fantastical realms to intense battles of wits, our campers will challenge their creativity, teamwork, and strategic thinking. Whether they’re conquering new lands or mastering the art of diplomacy, participants will discover the joy of tabletop gaming while forging new friendships in a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. 

Sports Camps

Students of every age will find a place to work up a sweat at Summer on the Prairie! Beginning with soccer for our youngest campers (age 4), all of our athletic camps – from archery to basketball – nurture individual talents and abilities at every level. Campers learn to turn athletic fundamentals into expert techniques through skill-building exercises, games, drills, and friendly competition.

New this summer:

Basketball Clinic Series - PS (Grades 3-5) (CLICK TO VIEW)

Get ready to slam dunk your way into a summer of hoops and fun at our Basketball Clinic Series! Whether your child is a budding basketball star or just beginning on the court, our camp is the ultimate slam dunk for skill development and a love of the game. Led by 7th grade basketball coach Will Yunker, our clinic series covers everything from dribbling and shooting to teamwork and sportsmanship. With a focus on skill-building, friendly competition, and of course lots of game time, this camp is the perfect place for young athletes to hone their basketball skills and build lasting friendships.

Basketball Clinic Series - MS (Grades 6-8)

Get ready to slam dunk your way into a summer of hoops and fun at our Basketball Clinic Series! Whether your child is a budding basketball star or just beginning their journey on the court, our camp is the ultimate slam dunk for skill development and a love of the game. Led by 7th grade basketball coach Will Yunker, our clinic series covers everything from dribbling and shooting to teamwork and sportsmanship. With a focus on skill-building drills, friendly competition, and of course lots of game time, this camp is the perfect place for young athletes to hone their basketball skills and build lasting friendships.

Intro to Vinyasa Flow (Grades 9-12)

Vinyasa Flow is for yogis of all levels. Whether you’re an athlete looking to strengthen your mind-body connection or you simply want to improve your overall health, this class is for you. You can look forward to sharpening your focus through balancing practices while also managing your stress and mental clarity with breathing techniques and enjoying meditative experiences throughout class. Flowing through yogic poses and postures will increase your flexibility, mobility, and strength. This class will have you feeling balanced inside and out! 

Policies & Procedures

For information regarding registration, payment, refund, attendance, and medication policies, please view the attached files.

FAQs

Who can attend The Prairie School's Summer Programs?

All programs are open to the public.

What is the cost of Hawks’ Haven Day Camp?

$330 per week

Is there a discount for additional children from the same family?

To discuss rates, please contact Director of Summer Programs Jake Lipor at jlipor@prairieschool.com.

Can my child attend a partial week?

If you would like to register for a partial week, please contact Director of Summer Programs Jake Lipor at jlipor@prairieschool.com.

What are the hours each day?

Hawks’ Haven runs from 8:00AM – 5:30PM.

Do you offer extended care?

Camp classroom activities run 8:00AM – 4:00PM, with extended day care running from 4:00PM – 5:30PM at no additional charge.

Do you serve lunch? Breakfast? Snacks?

An individually packaged afternoon snack will be served daily at 3:00PM. Lunch is not provided. Students must bring a bag lunch with them to camp each day.

What if my child has a medical issue or allergy?

To discuss allergies, please contact Director of Summer Programs Jake Lipor at jlipor@prairieschool.com.

What is the student:teacher ratio?

Our student-teacher ratio is 6:1.

Do your younger students nap?

Students in Pre-K and Kindergarten take a one hour rest and read time daily.

Can my child attend a specialty camp as well as Hawks’ Haven? What if the two conflict?

Hawks’ Haven Day Camp participants are escorted to and from all on-campus workshops and sport camps. Students will not be transported to our off-campus summer golf camp. Please contact Director of Summer Programs Jake Lipor with questions at jlipor@prairieschool.com.

Be advised that in the event of a scheduling conflict between your camper’s workshop or sport camp and our planned field trip, it is presumed that your camper will not be able to participate in their respective activity and will instead be attending the field trip. Should you prefer your camper to attend the workshop or sport camp and consequently forgo the field trip, we kindly request that you communicate this preference to us and make the appropriate supervision and transportation arrangements.

Who are their teachers?

The Hawks’ Haven staff are made up of high quality certified teachers, college students, and high school students. In order to select the best staff for our campers, all Hawks’ Haven employees undergo a thorough interview and training process.

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