The BIG Ideas Camp

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The BIG Ideas Camp

Monday, August 11 - Friday, August 15, 9am - 3pm

Mon, August 11
9:00 am
- 3:00 pm

Girl with big ideas

Time

Mon, August 11, 2025 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Pricing

$370

Location

Gorton Center
400 East Illinois Road Lake Forest, IL 60045
BIG Ideas Camp: Empowering Girls to Lead Boldly

For Middle School Girls Ages 11–14

Calling all curious, creative, and ambitious middle school girls! This summer, give your daughter the opportunity to unlock her potential, build lasting confidence, and dive into the exciting world of entrepreneurship.

BIG Ideas Camp is a one-week, hands-on experience that blends design thinking, startup skills, and college readiness—all in a fun and supportive environment. Campers will explore who they are, what they care about, and how to take action on their ideas.

We Inspire Girls to Believe:
  • Their ideas matter

  • Curiosity and risk-taking lead to growth

  • Collaboration is powerful and fun

  • Mistakes are opportunities to learn

What Will Girls Learn?
  • Confidence & Resilience: Girls will express themselves, embrace challenges, and see failures as stepping stones to success
  • Entrepreneurial Thinking: They’ll identify real-world problems and brainstorm innovative solutions using the mindset of a founder
  • Creative Problem-Solving: Through design thinking, campers will research, ideate, and prototype answers to issues they care about
  • Teamwork & Leadership: Working together on projects, girls will strengthen communication and leadership skills in a supportive group
  • Presentation & Pitching: Campers will build public speaking confidence and share their ideas at a final pop-up shop experience
Why Choose BIG Ideas Camp?

This camp goes beyond basic skills. It transforms how girls see themselves and their potential. Through high-energy, engaging activities, your child will build creativity, confidence, and resilience—all while having an unforgettable experience.

Spots fill quickly—don’t miss out on this unique opportunity!

Meet the Instructor

Kate Jackson, MA, MBA, is the founder and Chief Education Officer of Girl Gonna Launch, a nonprofit on a mission to help girls launch their dreams. Kate teaches at Northwestern University’s Farley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and previously directed a nationally recognized college entrepreneurship program.

As a founder and educator, Kate brings real-world experience from top global companies like Accenture, Deloitte Consulting, JP Morgan, and PBS. She earned her BA and MA from the University of Chicago and holds an MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Management.

At Gorton Center, we offer a wide range of classes for both youth and adults, ensuring there’s something for everyone. From art and yoga to acting and robotics, our diverse programs are designed to inspire and engage.

At Gorton Center, we believe in the transformative power of the arts. Our calendar is filled with a variety of offerings, ensuring there’s always something to captivate your interest. Our commitment to quality means you’ll be learning from the best instructors in their fields.

Whether you’re a long-time resident or a visitor, there’s always something extraordinary waiting for you at Gorton Center. Join our vibrant community where every event is an opportunity to connect, get inspired, and learn. Come be a part of Gorton Center, where creativity and learning flourish together.

Gorton Center will take and may use photos and videos from this event for its promotional purposes. Your attendance indicates your consent to the above.

Refunds will only be given up to one week prior to the first week of class of any session. (The refund period for some classes, which require advanced reservations or purchase of materials, may be more limited.) Cancellations will incur a $5 handling fee for programs costing under $100 and a 10% handling fee for programs with fees of $100 or more. If a class is cancelled due to insufficient enrollment, you will be notified, and a full refund will be given.

If this class does not meet the minimum participation requirement, you will be notified of the cancellation within one week of the start date.

Details

Date:
Mon, August 11
Time:
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
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Venue

Gorton Center
400 East Illinois Road
Lake Forest, IL 60045
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Phone
(847) 234-6060