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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260615T090000
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DTSTAMP:20260505T091636
CREATED:20260120T181913Z
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SUMMARY:RoboThink Camp: Battle Robots
DESCRIPTION:Camp registration opens on Monday\, February 2 at 10 am\nAttention all warriors and engineers! Prepare for an adrenaline-fueled camp with RoboThink where you’ll build and customize an impressive array of mechanical warriors. When you’re battle ready\, step into the arena and face off with other participants. Using gears\, motors\, axles and our top secret hardware\, victory will be within your grasp! \nAges 7 – 12
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/robothink-camp-battle-robots/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Camps,Classes,STEM,Youth
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DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260615T150000
DTSTAMP:20260505T091636
CREATED:20260122T181440Z
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SUMMARY:New Media Summer Stories: High School
DESCRIPTION:New Media Summer Stories Experience: A Filmmaking Program for Teens\nCalling all aspiring filmmakers\, storytellers\, and creatives! This one-of-a-kind summer program invites high school students to explore the exciting world of video storytelling through a hands-on\, collaborative experience. \nOver 1 week\, participants will move through every stage of pre-production. Working in teams\, they’ll brainstorm story ideas\, write scripts\, plan shoots\, and prepare production materials. With support from media professionals and local alumni of the High School Media Collective\, students will gain real-world insight into how stories are brought to life on screen. \nIn addition to technical training\, students will walk away with a completed film project for their portfolio\, stronger communication skills\, and the confidence that comes from creating something meaningful. The program fosters not just creativity but also collaboration\, resilience\, and problem-solving—skills essential to any creative career. \nOpen to high school students ages 14 to 18\, this experience is perfect for beginners and seasoned storytellers alike. Whether you’re curious about filmmaking or already passionate about media\, this is your chance to grow\, create\, and connect. \nShowcase will be on Saturday\, June 20th at 7 pm in the John & Nancy Hughes Theater \nCheck out this video about camp! HERE\nAbout the Program\nNow in its 5th year\, New Media Summer Stories gives students the chance to collaborate with peers who love filmmaking. Together\, they produce a meaningful short film that follows the guidelines of the All American High School Film Festival’s Complete Experience. \nEach student takes on a role in Pre-Production\, Production\, or Post-Production\, depending on their interests and experience. The Pre-Production phase starts 10 weeks before filming. At that time\, organizers share the prompt and rules with all participants. \nStudents form a writing team\, and they select a producer and director based on experience and creative vision. They also organize departments for each stage of production:
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/new-media-summer-stories-high-school-june-15/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Camps,Classes,Specialty,Youth
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260615T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260615T150000
DTSTAMP:20260505T091636
CREATED:20260202T183826Z
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SUMMARY:Mr. V's Dog Days Camp
DESCRIPTION:Mr V’s “Dog Days!” Summer Camp Musical \nJoin award-winning music educator Bill Vaananen for an unforgettable\, fun-filled\, one-of-a-kind week of singing\, moving\, and howling!  Mr. V. is celebrating the 40th anniversary of his most beloved children’ s musical with this special week of activities leading to a performance of “Dog Days!” on the final day of camp.  The audience will follow a merry group of pups through a night of adventure and surprises\, all in an effort to prove these canines are indeed “Man’s Best Friend.”  However\, even the most alert watchdog can’t anticipate the shocker that is to come – all in one night! \n\nAges 4-10\nJune 15-19\nMonday through Friday\n9am to 3pm\n$450\nPerformance on Fri. June 19\, 1 pm.\n\n\n \nBill Vaananen is an award-winning music educator and composer who has taught and directed elementary-aged students for over 45 years. Originally from Oklahoma\, “Mr. V.” was general music teacher at Wescott School in Northbrook for 37 years. He has written hundreds of songs and dozens of original theater works that have been performed across Chicago’s northern suburbs. Recipient of the Golden Apple Award\, IEA Human Rights Award\, National-Louis Distinguished Alumni Award for Social Justice\, and Star of Teaching Award for the State of Illinois\, Vaananen continues to perform classes and presentations for children\, weaving his original music into inspiring lessons on Nature\, history\, culture\, and adventure. \n \nAbout Our Artistic Director: Jeremy Kruse\, Artistic Director of Gorton Drama Studio is the author of “The Young Actor’s Handbook” (Applause Acting Series\, 2017).The book was published in Korean and Chinese in 2022. Jeremy is a professional actor\, published playwright\, award-winning screenwriter\, and award-winning filmmaker. Some of the classes he taught at The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York include Method Acting\, Comedic Improvisation\, Sketch Comedy Writing\, and Acting for Film and TV. He graduated from The Strasberg Institute at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts where he majored in drama. Jeremy also teaches privately\, one on one  www.jeremykruse.com and www.jeremykruseactingtraining.com 
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/mr-vs-dog-days-camp/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Age,Camps,Classes,Gorton Drama Studio,Youth
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260615T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260615T120000
DTSTAMP:20260505T091636
CREATED:20260120T193357Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T165919Z
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SUMMARY:Sewing Camp: Pajama Party
DESCRIPTION:Camp registration opens on Monday\, February 2 at 10 am\nDuring this creative and fun pajama party themed camp\, students will learn how to sew using the sewing machine and make several projects! We will make pj pants\, a cozy quilted square blanket\, scrunchies and a cozy and cute pillow. This camp will be led by Ciao Bella Sewing. All supplies\, including fabric\, sewing machines\, and sewing notions are provided. It is SEW much fun to sew and create. Students can bring their own sewing machine or use the provided sewing machines. \nStudents should bring a water bottle and healthy snack everyday. *New and returning students are welcome! \nAges 7 – 13 YO \n2 Camp Options: 9:30am – 12pm OR 1 – 3:30pm
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/sewing-camp-pajama-party/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Camps,Classes,Sewing,Youth
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DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260615T120000
DTSTAMP:20260505T091636
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SUMMARY:Aspirational Portraiture: Teen Art Camp with Joalida Smit
DESCRIPTION:Join Joalida Smit in her art studio for a week of drawing and painting an aspirational portrait—an image that reflects both your current inspirations and your hopes for the future. Together\, we explore who we are\, what we love\, and what we want to change. Joalida guides your budding artist through the full image-making process\, from initial ideas to a finished artwork\, with a focus on artistic fundamentals such as drawing faces\, mixing skin tones\, and building strong compositions. This process-oriented art camp centers each teen’s unique style\, supporting them as they develop their artistic voice within the safety of a vibrant\, creative studio environment. \nThis camp is ideal for middle and high schoolers aged 10 – 18 with artistic ability who wants to develop their skills to the next level. \n \nJoalida Smit is a Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist turned full time artist. Through these fun workshops she brings together her two passions: art and psychology\, assisting teens to think about their full creative selves. This course is open to all teens. LGBTQ friendly. This is not art therapy but using art to tell stories of psychological significance. www.joalidasmit.com
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/teen-art-camp-joalida-june-15/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Art,Camps,Classes,Youth
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260615T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260615T120000
DTSTAMP:20260505T091636
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SUMMARY:Periwinkle Studio Art Camp: Watercolor
DESCRIPTION:Periwinkle Studio Art Camp: Watercolor\nThis summer\, we invite young artists to dive into the colorful world of watercolor at Gorton Center. Led by Periwinkle Art Studio\, this week-long\, hands-on camp brings paint\, water\, and imagination together in a fun and supportive setting. \nFirst\, campers build a strong foundation. They learn essential watercolor techniques and explore how color\, water\, and brushwork work together. Then\, they put those skills into action. Each day introduces new projects and fresh inspiration\, from dreamy landscapes and whimsical animals to bold abstracts and imaginative scenes. \nAlong the way\, friendly and experienced Periwinkle Art Studio instructors guide the process. Campers grow more confident as they explore color theory\, composition\, and visual storytelling. Just as important\, they discover their own artistic voice through a balance of guided instruction and independent creation. \nWe provide everything campers need to jump right in. All supplies are included\, from watercolor paints and brushes to palettes and specialty paper. Artists can focus fully on creating\, experimenting\, and having fun. \nJoin us for a magical\, relaxing\, and joyfully creative week of watercolor art at Gorton Center\, where young artists will laugh\, learn\, explore\, and leave with a collection of their very own watercolor masterpieces—and memories to last a lifetime! \nAges 7 – 12
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/periwinkle-studio-art-camp-watercolor/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Art,Camps,Classes,Youth
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260615T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260615T133000
DTSTAMP:20260505T091636
CREATED:20260128T174820Z
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SUMMARY:Lunch Bunch
DESCRIPTION:Join Gorton Center’s Lunch Bunch!\nLooking to give your child a full day of summer fun\, learning\, and creativity? Gorton Center’s customizable camps offer the perfect solution for busy families and curious kids! With engaging camp sessions available in both the morning and afternoon\, you can mix and match programs to fit your child’s interests and create a dynamic full-day experience. \nTo make things even easier\, Gorton offers a supervised lunchtime option for campers attending both a morning and afternoon session. Our friendly and attentive staff will oversee campers during lunch from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM (or until 1:30 PM\, depending on the camp schedule)\, providing a safe and relaxed environment where kids can unwind\, eat\, and socialize with friends between activities. This convenient lunchtime care is available for just $20 per week. \nPlease note that lunch is not provided. Campers must bring their own sack lunch and drink each day.  \nImportant Registration Information:\nYou must pre-register for all camps and lunchtime supervision. Registration closes the Friday before the camp week begins (each Monday)\, so don’t wait to reserve your child’s spot! Spaces may be limited\, and early registration is highly recommended. \nJoin us this summer and let your child enjoy a fun-filled\, structured day at Gorton Center with plenty of opportunities to learn\, grow\, and make new friends. Whether they’re discovering a new hobby or diving deeper into a favorite activity\, Gorton’s full-day camp experience is sure to be a highlight of their summer! Please notify Libby Johnson with any food allergies.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/lunch-bunch-june-15/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Camps,Classes,Youth
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260615T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260615T160000
DTSTAMP:20260505T091636
CREATED:20260127T172105Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260130T161019Z
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SUMMARY:EV Fine Arts: Jewelry Design Camp
DESCRIPTION:Camp registration opens on Monday\, February 2 at 10 am\nJewelry Design Camp: Create\, Shine & Showcase!\nGet ready to sparkle! In this hands-on jewelry design camp\, young creators design and make their own unique pieces from start to finish. \nThroughout the week\, campers learn from experienced young fashion designers. Instructors guide them as they work with polymer clay to create necklaces\, bracelets\, earrings\, and more. Campers mix colors\, shape designs\, and add personal details. Along the way\, they build real design skills and express their creativity. \nAt the end of the week\, campers show off their work in a fun fashion show. Family and friends are invited to celebrate their creativity and hard work. \nEach camper completes at least five original pieces to take home. The camp fee includes all materials and supplies. This camp is perfect for budding designers and hands-on makers alike. It blends fun\, fashion\, and artistic expression. \nNo prior experience is required. Just bring your imagination and enthusiasm! \nFor those students who are looking to attend more than one week of camp\, please note that each week will feature a different series of projects as well as new clay colors and designs to choose from.  \nAges 6 – 13 \n \nElena Victoria is a local fashion designer who has gone on to find her true passion in teaching youth how to design and sew their own clothing and jewelry through her program\, EV Fine Arts. Come learn from real fashion designers in the industry and start making your own handmade jewelry!
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/ev-fine-arts-jewelry-design-camp-june-15/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Art,Camps,Classes,Youth
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260615T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260615T153000
DTSTAMP:20260505T091636
CREATED:20260123T181252Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T165918Z
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SUMMARY:Art Camp with Lezlie and Carole
DESCRIPTION:Art Camp with Lezlie and Carole\nJoin Lezlie Lenz and Carole Pearlman for a fun\, week-long art camp that sparks creativity and builds confidence. Each afternoon\, students jump into an art-making extravaganza filled with drawing and discovery. \nStudents begin each session with a free-draw project to explore their own ideas. Next\, they study an Artist of the Day and learn new styles and techniques. They finish with a guided draw-along that encourages creativity while building skills. \nThroughout the week\, students experiment with materials\, practice drawing\, and enjoy making art in a supportive environment. By the end of camp\, each artist takes home a personal portfolio of their work. \nAll supplies are included.Open to students entering 1st–6th grade.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/art-camp-with-lezlie-and-carole-june-15/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Art,Camps,Classes,Youth
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