Gorton Center

EV Fine Arts: Jewelry Design Camp
2026-07-13 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
THIS CAMP HAS BEEN CANCELLED. PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE NEXT ONE THE WEEK OF JULY 20!
Jewelry Design Camp: Create, Shine & Showcase!
Get ready to sparkle! In this hands-on jewelry design camp, young creators design and make their own unique pieces from start to finish.
Throughout 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.
At 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.
Each 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.
No prior experience is required. Just bring your imagination and enthusiasm!
For 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.
Ages 6 – 13

Elena 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!

Overture Games: Make Music with Games Camp
2026-07-13 09:00 - 12:00
THIS CAMP HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
A week-long music sprint powered by games!
At Overture Games Summer Break Camp, kids dive into music through hands-on play and high-energy challenges. Each day brings new interactive video games designed to build real musical skills. Campers explore rhythm by clapping, tapping, and syncing to the beat. They shape melody by experimenting with pitch and patterns and strengthen listening skills through creative sound quests. Students spark imagination as they compose, remix, and improvise.
Quick daily challenges keep momentum strong and confidence growing. Every activity feels like a game, but each one develops coordination, focus, and musical understanding. Kids learn by doing. They try ideas, test sounds, and improve through action.
Collaboration plays a big role in the experience. Campers work in small groups and trade ideas. They remix each other’s creations and solve musical puzzles together. By the end of the week, each child completes original music they feel proud to share at home.
No prior experience needed. Supportive musician mentors guide every step. They create a welcoming space for beginners and offer fresh challenges for returning campers. Every child receives encouragement, feedback, and room to grow.
This camp fits kids who love video games. It fits kids who love music. It fits curious creators who want to turn play into real musical skill—all in one exciting week.
Grades 1st – 5th
*Aspen Buckingham and Steven Jiang, co-founders of Overture Games, are on a mission to revolutionize music education through video games. Aspen, a Northwestern University alumnus, has a background in music composition and computer science. Steven, also a Northwestern graduate, holds degrees in economics and music performance. Their passion for music entrepreneurship has earned them recognition on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and the Chicago Inno 25 Under 25 list.

Sewing Camp: Flower Power
2026-07-13 09:30 - 12:00
THIS CAMP HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
Flower Power is the perfect sewing camp for our trendy sewers who enjoy a pop of color! Sewers will make a skirt, hair accessories, a tote bag in bold colors, and a peplum style vest that your sewer can embellish with patches, pockets, trim and more. Your sewer will love using the sewing machine everyday to stitch up their projects. 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. Students should bring a water bottle and healthy snack everyday. *New and returning students are welcome!
Ages 7 – 13 YO

Periwinkle Studio Art Camp: Mixed Media
2026-07-13 10:00 - 12:00
Camp registration opens on Monday, February 2 at 10 am
Mixed-Media Art Camp: Create, Explore, and Express!
Let your child’s creativity soar in this exciting mixed-media art camp taught by Jennifer Evans of Periwinkle Art Studio, where young artists will dive into a world of color, texture, and self-expression! This camp is perfect for kids who love to experiment, get a little messy, and think outside the box when it comes to creating art.
Throughout the week, campers will explore a wide range of materials including paint, oil and chalk pastels, stencils, rubber stamps, collage elements, markers, and more. They’ll learn to combine these mediums in fun and unexpected ways, creating layered, vibrant, and unique pieces of artwork.
Using a variety of techniques and non-traditional tools, such as sponges, found objects, and even their hands, campers will discover new ways to apply paint and add personal touches to their creations.
This camp is all about creative freedom and artistic exploration, allowing students to develop their skills while having fun in a relaxed, supportive environment.
This art camp welcomes all skill levels. Whether your child is a budding artist or just loves making things, they’ll leave inspired, confident, and excited about their creative potential.
Ages 7 – 12

Lunch Bunch
2026-07-13 12:00 - 13:00
LUNCH BUNCH HAS BEEN CANCELLED THE WEEK OF JULY 13 – 17.
Join Gorton Center’s Lunch Bunch!
Looking 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.
To 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.
Please note that lunch is not provided. Campers must bring their own sack lunch and drink each day.
Important Registration Information:
You 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.
Join 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.

RoboThink Camp: Demolition Robots
2026-07-13 13:00 - 16:00
Demolition Robots
Hey there, future builders, get ready for construction time with RoboThink Camp: Demolition Robots! In this camp, kids will explore the world of construction, building models of their favorite vehicles such as a mighty dump truck, a bulldozer, and a steamroller as they learn basic robotics and engineering concepts. It’s time for an action packed adventure!
Ages 7 – 12

Yoga with Areta
2026-07-14 09:00 - 10:00
Yoga With Areta
Join Areta for a traditional Vinyasa Flow yoga class. This one-hour, bi-weekly practice blends poses, breathwork, and meditation. Each session helps release tension, restore balance, and strengthen the body. At the same time, you’ll open and lengthen your muscles.
Whether you’re new to yoga or have years of experience, this mindful flow will leave you feeling refreshed and energized. Just bring a mat and a water bottle, and you’re ready to go.
Vinyasa Flow is a dynamic style of yoga. It links breath with movement as you move smoothly from pose to pose. This practice combines ancient traditions with a modern, fluid rhythm. Its creative sequences encourage you to explore your body, breath, and mind in harmony.
Yoga offers powerful benefits. Physically, it supports heart health, flexibility, and strength. Mentally, it reduces stress and tension. Emotionally, it boosts energy and leaves you feeling grounded and revitalized.
Areta has been teaching yoga in Lake Forest and in yoga studios along the North Shore for 10 years and is E-RYT 500 Certified. Areta’s passion is bringing yoga to EVERY BODY, and has additional certifications in Meditation, Adaptive Yoga for Disabilities, Senior Yoga, Love Your Brain for traumatic brain injury, Yoga for Eating Disorder Recovery, Yin Yoga, and Yoga for 12 Step Recovery. Areta teaches yoga to inspire and empower physical well-being, spiritual balance and awakening for everyday life. She is a long-time resident of Lake Forest and a disability advocate and volunteer yoga coach for the Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA).

Art Impact: Marble Art
2026-07-14 18:00 - 19:30
This watercolor project helps participants work on fine motor skills and impulse control by creating a sensory-rich experience that encourage the participant to slow down, focus and assists with self-regulation.
All supplies provided. Ages 11+

This class is free, but spaces are limited and participants must pre-register.
Celebrating their tenth anniversary, Art Impact Project is a local 501c(3) with a mission of enhancing emotional wellness through creative expression. They partner with organizations such as schools, treatment facilities, libraries, and other community spaces throughout Lake County, to facilitate art programming with a focus on better mental health. Providing a supportive, small group setting, Art Impact Project guides participant step-by-step through the creative process so everyone can experience the benefits of art.
Want to take this class but can’t make this date? Check out our other Art Impact Classes on Tuesday, August 11 or Tuesday, September 8!

Mahjong (Evening)
2026-07-14 18:00 - 20:00
Ready for fun, strategy, and a little friendly competition? Come learn Mahjong with friends and neighbors! In just six weeks, you’ll master the basics of National Mahjong rules. The game is fast, social, and exciting. Even better, it’s the perfect way to connect with people – whether you bring a friend or meet new ones at the table.
Your instructor, Debbie, makes learning easy. She’ll group players by skill level and give clear, personalized guidance. New to Mahjong? You’ll learn step by step. Played before? You’ll discover fresh strategies and sharpen your skills. There’s always more to explore!
Experienced players are welcome too!
This session will run Tuesdays, July 14, 21, 28, August 4 and 18 (No Class August 11)
About Mahjong
So, what is Mahjong? It’s a tile-based tabletop game that began in 19th-century China. Since then, it has spread worldwide. While rules vary by region, most versions focus on building sets of matching tiles. The American style, created in the 1920s, is now the most popular in the U.S. – and it’s the one you’ll learn here.
And here’s the best part: Mahjong isn’t just fun. It’s also a mental workout. Research shows games like this can boost memory, sharpen focus, and even help protect long-term brain health.
So, why wait? Sign up today. Bring your curiosity, a sense of play, and maybe a friend. This class will challenge your mind, lift your spirits, and add a burst of excitement to your week.
Mahjong cards can be purchased through the American Mahjong League
Debbie Meyer has been playing Mahjong for over 20 years. She loves the game and how each hand is different. Debbie’s passion is to teach the game of Mahjong to others!

Open Studio for Drawing with Phil Schorn
2026-07-14 18:00 - 20:30
Focusing on Graphite, Color Pencil, Watercolor Pencil and Pen.
This open studio session provides artists of all levels with a dedicated time and space to practice and develop their drawing skills. Students are welcome to work on personal projects or explore a variety of drawing exercises in a relaxed, supportive environment. Phil will be present to offer guidance, feedback, and demonstrations as needed.
Open Studio encourages experimentation, observation, and creative growth while allowing each artist to work at their own pace. Whether you’re refining foundational techniques or expanding your artistic style, this session is a great opportunity to draw, connect with other artists, and stay inspired.

Philip Schorn – P Schorn Studio – Botanical Color Pencil Artist His botanical renderings are not scientific studies of plant specimens. They are artistic interpretations of plants. He notices shapes, light, and shadows in the ground around him. He often focuses on a single detail – an individual leaf, a flower, or a small fragment of earth. In this way, he brings those details to life. He has worked with colored pencil for several years and has taught the art for the past three.
Philip is currently teaching online from his home since March. He teaches online color pencil classes for other art studios/galleries, private classes and Facebook demos. He has published two books featuring his art and techniques and has done a number of outdoor shows, group and individual exhibitions.
Philip’s process of making a rendering with the detail that he wants to have requires a significant amount of time. Sometimes he uses other media, such as ink, watercolors or pastels.
Philip is a member of the Color Pencil Society of America, Grayslake Arts Alliance and the Lake County Art League. His studio is located in Grayslake.
Email: phil@nullpschornstudio.com FB: pschornstudio/

Mahjong
2026-07-15 10:00 - 12:00
THIS SESSION HAS SOLD OUT! PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE EVENING SESSION!
Ready for fun, strategy, and a little friendly competition? Come learn Mahjong with friends and neighbors! In just six weeks, you’ll master the basics of National Mahjong rules. The game is fast, social, and exciting. Even better, it’s the perfect way to connect with people – whether you bring a friend or meet new ones at the table.
Your instructor, Debbie, makes learning easy. She’ll group players by skill level and give clear, personalized guidance. New to Mahjong? You’ll learn step by step. Played before? You’ll discover fresh strategies and sharpen your skills. There’s always more to explore!
Experienced players are welcome too!
About Mahjong
So, what is Mahjong? It’s a tile-based tabletop game that began in 19th-century China. Since then, it has spread worldwide. While rules vary by region, most versions focus on building sets of matching tiles. The American style, created in the 1920s, is now the most popular in the U.S. – and it’s the one you’ll learn here.
And here’s the best part: Mahjong isn’t just fun. It’s also a mental workout. Research shows games like this can boost memory, sharpen focus, and even help protect long-term brain health.
So, why wait? Sign up today. Bring your curiosity, a sense of play, and maybe a friend. This class will challenge your mind, lift your spirits, and add a burst of excitement to your week.
Mahjong cards can be purchased through the American Mahjong League
Debbie Meyer has been playing Mahjong for over 20 years. She loves the game and how each hand is different. Debbie’s passion is to teach the game of Mahjong to others!

Canasta
2026-07-15 13:00 - 15:00
Learn to Play Canasta with Debbie Meyer
Looking for a fun and social way to challenge your mind? Canasta is the perfect game! This exciting and strategic card game, played with partners, has quickly become a favorite among card enthusiasts of all ages. Whether you’re new to the game or looking to sharpen your skills, this class is the ideal way to learn and enjoy Canasta in a relaxed and engaging environment.
Led by experienced instructor Debbie Meyer, you’ll be guided through the fundamentals of the game—including rules, scoring, and key strategies—all while enjoying the lively, cooperative nature of team play. Debbie will tailor her instruction to match your level of experience, grouping participants accordingly and offering personalized tips to help you gain confidence and improve your gameplay.
Canasta is a great way to exercise your brain, boost your memory, and connect with others in a fun, interactive setting. It’s stimulating, competitive, and, most of all, incredibly fun!
So grab a friend—or come ready to meet new ones—and join us for a class filled with laughter, learning, and a little friendly competition. Even if you’ve taken Canasta classes before, there’s always more strategy to discover and new ways to improve your game.
Debbie will group participants and provide personalized instruction for advanced players and players just learning the game. So, even if you’ve taken sessions previously, there is always more strategy to learn!
Debbie Meyer loves canasta and has been playing for over 15 years! Canasta is a stimulating card game played with partners. Strategy, luck and excitement are all a part of playing canasta. Come see why Debbie is so passionate about it and plays often.

Sparkle & Scribe: Longevity + Journaling Experience
2026-07-16 18:00 - 19:00
Are you looking for simple, sustainable ways to improve your health, increase your energy, and feel more in control of your daily habits for good? This interactive workshop blends science-based longevity education with guided reflection to help you build a strong foundation for long-term well-being: physically, mentally, and emotionally. Led by Michelle Dooley, Certified Longevity Coach at SPARKLE Longevity, and Christine Witt, founder of PurposeFull Goods, this engaging session combines practical lifestyle strategies with mindfulness and self-inquiry. You’ll explore how small, consistent habits paired with intentional reflection can create meaningful, lasting change.
Topics we’ll explore include:
What Longevity Really Means: Gain a clear understanding of longevity and why it matters now more than ever in today’s fast-paced, high-stress world. We’ll look at insights inspired by research from the Blue Zones and what we can learn from their daily habits.
The 4 Pillars of Longevity: Learn the foundational pillars of food as fuel, mindful movement, sleep & recovery, and stress minimization, along with simple, realistic strategies you can begin applying right away.
Habit Stacking for Real Life: Discover how to create lasting change by layering small habits into your existing routine to reduce overwhelm and build consistency.
Mindfulness & Journaling for Clarity: Christine will guide you through a calming meditation and journaling exercise designed to help you reflect, reset, and connect your intentions to your daily habits.
You’ll leave with:

A clear understanding of the core principles of longevity and how to apply them in everyday life
Simple, actionable strategies to improve nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management
A practical approach to habit stacking that makes change feel manageable and sustainable
A guided journaling experience to support self-awareness and personal growth
A take-home journal to continue your practice beyond the workshop
A complimentary longevity eBook program with recipes and structure to help you build momentum

This is more than just a workshop. It’s an opportunity to invest in yourself, build better daily habits, and leave with tools you can use right away to support a healthier, more energized life.
Meet the Sparkle and Scribe Team

Michelle Dooley: Michelle, aka Coach Dooley, is a Certified Longevity Coach and founder of SPARKLE Longevity, where she helps women over 40 reclaim their energy, build strength, and age vibrantly by focusing on four key pillars: nourishing food, mindful movement, restorative sleep, and stress-minimizing daily habits.With credentials from AFAA, Les Mills BODYPUMP, OTFit, Healthy Moms® Perinatal Fitness, the Longevity Coach Institute, and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, she blends science-backed guidance with real-life simplicity through her signature SPARKLE method: Simple Principles And Recipes to Keep Living Energetically. She currently coaches and teaches at Orangetheory Fitness and Lake Forest Health and Fitness Center. Known for her humor and relatable style, Michelle brings her signature “I put the FUN back in fundamentals” energy to every class, workshop and coaching session, empowering women to create a joyous lifestyle that lasts a lifetime.

Christine Witt is the founder of PurposeFull Goods, a wellness brand that blends the science of scent with guided journaling to support self-discovery and intentional living. A passionate mental health advocate, Christine believes that the simplest analog tools — a journal, a candle, a quiet moment of reflection — can be some of the most powerful catalysts for lasting change. Drawing from her own lived experience navigating life’s transitions, Christine has made it her mission to help others slow down, tune in, and build wellness rituals that actually stick. Through Purposefull Goods and her work as a community advocate, she creates space for people to reconnect with themselves with curiosity, compassion, and a little bit of joy. In this workshop, Christine will guide participants through a grounding meditation and journaling exercise designed to help you reflect, reset, and bridge the gap between intention and everyday habit.

Salsarobics
2026-07-17 09:00 - 10:00
Get Ready to Move with SALSArobics!
Join Esther Gutierrez Sloan every Friday for a dynamic workout that blends fun, rhythm, and full-body movement. This class isn’t just about exercise – it’s about joy, discovery, and the thrill of dance!
Throughout the session, participants choose their intensity level – low, moderate, or high – while moving to irresistible Latin, Caribbean, Spanish, and African beats. Options for both low-impact and high-impact movements allow everyone to customize their experience.
Each class delivers an energizing workout that averages 4,000 to 4,200 steps, with varying degrees of intensity. Esther integrates the Total Body Training (TBT) Systems Methodology to support proper posture and promote muscle conditioning. She also incorporates Peripheral Heart Action (PHA) Training, offering an optional challenge that builds aerobic strength based on individual pace and rhythm.
To build coordination and balance, the class includes inline motion drills. Participants move across the room using steps that change direction – laterally, diagonally, forward, and backward – adding functional movement to the workout.
The session concludes with Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching to enhance flexibility and recovery.
Colombian-born Esther Gutierrez Sloan created SALSArobics in 1989 to fuse authentic Latin rhythms with aerobic exercise. She has performed on national and local television in Illinois, California, Florida, and New York. In addition to leading classes, she has presented SALSArobics at fitness conventions, schools, health clubs, ethnic festivals, and international events.
In recognition of her groundbreaking work, Esther was inducted into the National Fitness Hall of Fame in 2010. Learn more about Esther and SALSArobics.
Find out why dancing is so good for you in our newest blog.

Open Play Mahjong
2026-07-17 10:00 - 12:00
Please plan to arrive early, play starts promptly at 10am!
Calling all Mahjong enthusiasts. Join us for Open Play Mahjong, a relaxed and social way to enjoy the game you love. These sessions are for intermediate to advanced players who already know the rules. No instruction is offered.
Bring your strategy and a little friendly competition. Connect with other experienced players. Open Play is a great way to practice, stay sharp, and enjoy the challenge of Mahjong.
We provide all Mahjong sets. Please bring your own Mahjong card.
Pre-registration is required. Drop-ins can’t be accommodated, so be sure to register early to save your spot.
We look forward to seeing you at the table.

Tai Chi
2026-07-18 11:00 - 12:00
Tai Chi is an inclusive form of exercise that anyone can do, whether you are in peak shape, or have limited mobility. Despite its slow pace, it is a valuable exercise for all ages, read about the health benefits below. Dress comfortably and be prepared to have fun in Ken’s class.
Health Benefits
Tai Chi has numerous health benefits. It is good for balance, flexibility, and stress – regular Tai Chi practice can improve overall physical health and well-being. In fact, Harvard Health suggests Tai Chi might be “…the perfect activity for the rest of your life.”
As a form of exercise, researchers in Toronto found it is equivalent to brisk walking. So, instead of worrying about your steps (how boring), join Ken’s class and have some more fun while you exercise.
Unlike other forms of exercise, Tai Chi movements are performed with relaxed muscles and a focus on deep breathing. Slow and gentle, Tai Chi can improve blood flow, balance, and relaxation. Each Tai Chi pose flows into the next with circular, continuous movements. This helps improve your balance and flexibility without putting strain on muscles and joints.
Tai Chi is also a very social activity, commonly practiced in groups that rhythmically synchronize slow movements with deep breathing. Like meditation, Tai Chi creates a calm and focused mind and can create a state of mindfulness.
Tai Chi also benefits emotional well-being and mental health. Regular Tai Chi practice can improve concentration, physical self-awareness, and create a sense of inner peace. Tai chi is a great exercise for relieving stress and has been shown to benefit hypertension and high blood pressure.
What is Tai Chi?
It is a Chinese traditional exercise that blends martial arts’ movement with meditation. Dating back a thousand years, Tai Chi remains a popular activity in China and around the world.
Tai Chi is a series of slow, choreographed martial arts movements and poses. Tai Chi poses are circular and continuous, with an emphasis on smooth transitions and maintaining a centered and grounded posture. Tai Chi poses mimic the movements of animals or nature, such as flowing water or a bird in flight.
Ken has been practicing martial arts for 27 years, and started Tai Chi training in 1996 with Sifu Dale Washington, Sifu Ban Toy in 2000 and Grand Master Yang Jun in 2006. He has been practicing Tai Chi for 21 years and teaching Tai Chi for 12 years. In 2016, he received a Gold Eagle certificate from Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan Association. certificate. Ken is also one of Grand Master Yang Jun’s Disciples for the Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan. He teaches Kickboxing and Full-contact Martial Arts teacher and is certified by Ng Family Martial Arts Association.
