Camps & Classes
The Chicago Architecture Center offers a variety of summer programming. This summer, find us at the CAC and with community partners all around the city. In addition to the programs below, keep an eye out for us at community events!
In 2024, all camp programs will be free for families, as we strive to represent the diversity of Chicago through everything we do. If you would like to donate an amount to cover some or all of a camp fee, click below. CAC’s camps cost $425 per youth to
operate.
Camps
CAC x MMC Camp - Humboldt Park (SOLD OUT)
Join Mobile Makers Chicago and the Chicago Architecture Center for a hands-on exploration of design and architecture this summer! The camp will take place in Humboldt Park at Mobile Makers’ brand-new studio. Participants will get a taste of what it's like to be a designer through drawing and building activities and have the opportunity to venture to neighboring design landmarks such as the Bloomingdale Trail/606. They will foster a deep understanding and appreciation for the built environment and the communities that help shape Chicago. This week-long summer camp is open to all Chicago youth in 2nd-5th grade.
Date: Monday, June 24 – Friday, June 28
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Mobile Makers Chicago
1757 N. Kimball Avenue, 60647
Ages: 2nd-5th grade
This camp's registration is managed by Mobile Makers Chicago, contact info@mobilemakers.org for support.
Girls Build! x MMC Camp - UIC
The Chicago Architecture Center and Mobile Makers Chicago are teaming up to facilitate a week-long Girls Build! camp in partnership with UIC and the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum. Girls Build! is a unique experiential program designed to engage girl-identifying youth in exploring the built environment through intentional and rigorous engagement. Participants will explore Chicago’s built environment through hands-on learning. This program focuses on providing participants with access to gender affirming learning that engages with women who were and still are, crucial in shaping the science, technology, engineering, architecture, and construction fields. This week-long summer camp is open to all Chicago youth in 7th-10th grade.
Date: Monday, July 15 – Friday, July 19
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Jane Addams Hull-House Museum
800 S. Halsted Street, 60607
Age: 7th-10th grade
Girls Build! Camp - Loop
Girls Build! camp participants will explore Chicago’s built environment through hands-on STEAM learning. Girls Build! is a unique experiential program designed to engage girl-identifying youth in exploring the built environment through intentional and rigorous engagement. This program focuses on providing participants with access to gender affirming learning that engages with women who were and still are, crucial in shaping the science, technology, engineering, architecture, and construction fields. This week-long summer camp is open to all Chicago youth in 7th-10th grade.
Date: Monday, July 29 – Friday, August 2
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Chicago Architecture Center
111 E. Wacker Drive, 60601
Age: 7th-10th grade
CAC x MMC Camp - Loop (SOLD OUT)
Join the Chicago Architecture Center and Mobile Makers Chicago for a hands-on exploration of design and architecture this summer! Participants will get a taste of what it's like to be a designer and will explore Chicago’s built environment through drawing, model making, and solving real-world issues. They will foster a deep understanding and appreciation for the built environment and the communities that help shape Chicago. This week-long summer camp is open to all Chicago youth in 6th-9th grade.
Date: Monday, August 5 – Friday, August 9
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Chicago Architecture Center
111 E. Wacker Drive, 60601
Age: 6th-9th grade
This camp's registration is managed by Mobile Makers Chicago, contact info@mobilemakers.org for support.
Project Pipeline Summer Camp
The CAC is also promoting our partner I-NOMA’s Project Pipeline Summer Camp. Registration and information is handled by I-NOMA and can be found on their website
NOMA’s local summer camps provide 6th-8th grade students of color with the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of architecture and design. Using the city as the classroom, and connecting young people to real world architects and planners, I-NOMA guides students through all stages of design using thought provoking and fun exercises. By the program’s conclusion, students present a fully realized design project that reflects their vision for the future of their city. For many students, Project Pipeline is their first introduction to the design world.