What is Camp Red Kite?

Camp Red Kite is a summer arts camp tailored specifically to the unique interests and needs of children on the autism spectrum. The program is led by a team of artists, administrators, and special education teachers dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming, and comfortable environment for children with autism. Our aim is to foster a shared arts experience that encourages self expression, social engagement, creative exploration, and above all, FUN!

When is Camp Red Kite?

Camp Red Kite will run from July 6th to July 23rd, 2010 Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 12:30PM. On the final day of camp, families and friends are invited and encouraged to attend!

Where is Camp Red Kite?

All camp activities will be held at Agassiz Elementary School, 2851 N. Seminary Ave., Chicago, IL 60657.

How much does Camp Red Kite cost?

The cost of tuition in Camp Red Kite is $750.00, due at the time of registration. Attending a Meet and Greet session requires a non-refundable $40.00 application fee. We also charge a $10.00 T-Shirt fee for one (1) Camp Red Kite camper T-Shirt. Total, the cost of Camp Red Kite is $800.00. Acceptable forms of payment are: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, or a check made payable to Chicago Children's Theatre.

How do I know if Camp Red Kite is right for my child?

Read our brochure and check out our application. If your child is invited to a Meet and Greet session, it will become clearer to you and our staff if Camp Red Kite is appropriate for him/her.

What is the age range for Camp Red Kite?

We are accepting applications from families with children who are 8-14 years old.

How do I apply for my child to participate in Camp Red Kite?

Submit the application form (available here) to Chicago Children's Theatre, 1464 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Second Floor, Chicago, IL 60622. You may also submit an electronic version of the form to jbeck@chicagochildrenstheatre.org. The application deadline is May 5th. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, and space is limited.

What happens after I submit my application?

Someone from Chicago Children's Theatre will be in touch with you within 7-10 business days of receiving your application in our office. If we believe Camp Red Kite might be a good match for your child, then you will be invited to attend a Meet and Greet session. Alternatively, we may discuss with you why we think Camp Red Kite is not right for your child this year.

What is the Meet and Greet session?

The Meet and Greet is an opportunity for us to observe your child in a setting similar to how Camp Red Kite will be run, and for you and your child to meet us and to get a better sense of what the program is like. Children will engage in camp activities in one room, while parents will receive information and meet some of the staff in a separate room. Attending a Meet and Greet session will help both your family and our staff determine if Camp Red Kite is right for your child. Participation in the Meet and Greet is by invitation only, and a non-refundable $40 attendance fee per child is due on the day of the event.

How many children will be accepted into Camp Red Kite?

Please realize that not every child will be emotionally and developmentally ready for Camp Red Kite. In order to ensure that all participants can benefit fully from their experience at Camp Red Kite, we are selecting children who, upon review by autism educators and specialists, appear ready for this two week adventure. We may determine that your child is not ready for this experience at this time. However, we understand that all children may mature and change over the course of a year, and we would encourage you to re-apply for next summer’s program.

What if my child is not accepted into Camp Red Kite this summer?

A prospective family can receive their social stories in one of four ways: an emailed PDF file that includes pictures and text, a mailed PDF file, an emailed Video file with video clips, pictures and voiceovers, or a mailed DVD. If a family would like more than one version sent to them, that is not a problem.

What is a typical day like at Camp Red Kite?

Each day, children at Camp Red Kite will participate in three different classes: Music & Movement, Theatre & Drama Games, and Arts & Crafts. They will attend each class with the same group of children and counselors, following the same schedule each day.

May I accompany my child to Camp Red Kite?

To encourage the best class atmosphere and teaching environment, parents may not observe lessons. This is a sensitive environment and your presence may distract or inhibit your child and/or the other students. Parents will be invited to an informal showcase at the end of the camp on Friday, July 23rd. Other observations must be arranged with the permission of the directors of the camp (John Francisco and Julia Beck).

What if my child needs to miss a day of camp?

There are no make-up classes for students missing camp. If your child needs to be absent, we request that you notify camp staff at least 24 hours in advance whenever possible. The tuition for a missed day of camp is not refundable.

What if my child dislikes Camp Red Kite?

We are holding Meet and Greet sessions prior to enrollment to determine if Camp Red Kite is appropriate for each individual child. However, if it becomes apparent to our staff during the weeks of camp that the experience is not right for your child, we will contact you to discuss an appropriate course of action. Similarly, if you observe your child’s experience to be less than ideal, please inform our staff so a joint decision can be made.

How do I know that my child will be well-cared for at Camp Red Kite?

We have assembled a team of highly experienced educators, all of whom have taught children on the autism spectrum for a number of years. Additionally, our staff and interns are required to attend a set of rigorous training sessions prior to beginning Camp Red Kite. In all classes, a student:teacher ratio of no more than 9:5 is maintained, ensuring that proper attention is paid to each camper. For more information, check out our Meet the Staff page.