Camp · Theater/Music · Ages 6–11 · $480/week
Directory · United States · Illinois · Chicago
▌ Theater/Music · Ages 6–11

The Old Town School of Folk Music - Kids Camp (Ages 6-11)

Lincoln Square · $480/week · ★ 4.7 (268 reviews)

The Old Town School of Folk Music offers day camps for children aged 6-11 in Chicago, focusing on music, art, and movement with a folk tradition emphasis.

▌ Editor's read The Old Town School of Folk Music's Kids Camp is a day camp for children aged 6-11, offering weekly sessions focused on music, art, and movement. The Old Town School of Folk Music, founded in 1957 by Frank Hamilton, Win Stracke, and Dawn Greening, is a non-profit organization with 66 years of operation. The camp website details a curriculum that includes instrument exploration, singing, art projects, and movement activities. While the website does not explicitly mention staff-to-camper ratios or background check policies, it highlights experienced teaching artists. The Old Town School of Folk Music has a strong online presence, with a Google rating of 4.7 stars based on 1,023 reviews, frequently praising its diverse class offerings and community atmosphere. The camp is not accredited by the American Camp Association, and no state license number for camps was found for Illinois. Social media handles are @oldtownschool on Instagram and 'oldtownschool' on Facebook.
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Since 196066+ years operating
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Nonprofit operator501(c)(3) tax-exempt
Shortlist in planner → Visit website

Who thrives here Ages 6–11

The Old Town School of Folk Music - Kids Camp (Ages 6-11) fits middle-elementary campers — old enough for skill-building to land, young enough that friend-group dynamics and counselor warmth still matter more than program rigor. Parents at this age band tend to prioritize a balanced rhythm of structured activity and unstructured play, which is the actual differentiator inside any given theater/music program.

Facts & Credentials

Program type
Day camp
ACA accredited
Not verified
Established
1960 (66 years)
Operator
Nonprofit organization
Staff-to-camper ratio
Not listed

How we verify these →

Money & Policies

Financial aid
Available · Need-based Apply →

Financial aid is based on financial need and ranges from 25% to 75% of the class cost.

Session lengths
4-day · 21-day
What campers take home
Campers participate in a grand finale showcase on stage for friends and family at the end of the session.

Details

  • Category: Theater/Music
  • Ages: 6–11
  • Hours: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Address: 4544 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, USA
  • Cost notes: USD. One-week sessions.

Logistics

  • Lunch provided: No
  • Transportation: No
  • Financial aid: Yes
  • Setting: mixed

Frequently asked about The Old Town School of Folk Music - Kids Camp (Ages 6-11)

What ages does The Old Town School of Folk Music - Kids Camp (Ages 6-11) accept?
The Old Town School of Folk Music - Kids Camp (Ages 6-11) is open to children ages 6–11. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
How much does The Old Town School of Folk Music - Kids Camp (Ages 6-11) cost?
The Old Town School of Folk Music - Kids Camp (Ages 6-11) publishes $480/week for the standard session. USD. One-week sessions. Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
What are The Old Town School of Folk Music - Kids Camp (Ages 6-11)'s hours?
The Old Town School of Folk Music - Kids Camp (Ages 6-11) runs 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
Who runs The Old Town School of Folk Music - Kids Camp (Ages 6-11)?
The Old Town School of Folk Music - Kids Camp (Ages 6-11) is operated by a nonprofit organization, with 66 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
Does The Old Town School of Folk Music - Kids Camp (Ages 6-11) provide lunch?
The Old Town School of Folk Music - Kids Camp (Ages 6-11) does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.
Does The Old Town School of Folk Music - Kids Camp (Ages 6-11) offer financial aid?
Yes — The Old Town School of Folk Music - Kids Camp (Ages 6-11) offers financial aid or scholarships. Most camp aid is need-based, application-based, and awarded on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted, so apply as soon as the form opens (usually January-February for the upcoming summer).
How does The Old Town School of Folk Music - Kids Camp (Ages 6-11) compare to other theater/music camps in Chicago?
The Old Town School of Folk Music - Kids Camp (Ages 6-11) is one of 25 theater/music camps in Chicago that overlap its age range. The differentiation between options usually comes down to four factors: weekly price, day length, indoor/outdoor balance, and group size. Browse same-city alternatives in the directory to compare side by side.

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