EPR e-News: upcoming events, Spring break camps, registration for Camp and Spring programs, and more

City of Evanston, Illinois sent this bulletin at 03/21/2025 09:22 AM CDT

Friday, March 21, 2025 | View in browser

Good morning,

Check out this week's Parks & Recreation e-news featuring information on upcoming events, Spring break camps, registration for Summer Camp and Spring programs, and more.

Upcoming Events

Free Financial Literacy Workshops: March and April

Take control of your finances with our engaging Financial Literacy Workshop series. Hosted at the Ecology Center, these sessions cover essential financial topics to help you reach your personal goals.

Workshop Schedule:

Session 2: Increasing Income – March 22
Session 3: Planning and Budgeting – April 5
Session 4: Savings & Payment Accounts – April 8 and April 12

Sessions are offered Tuesdays from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Join one or all sessions—no prior knowledge required.

The workshops are free but registration is required.

Spring Equinox Campfire: March 21

Celebrate the first full day of spring with a campfire at Lighthouse Beach, complete with s’mores! We will participate in spring equinox traditions that incorporate nature and celebrate the return of longer days, flowers, birds, and the growing season.

Event details:
Date: March 21
Hours: 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Location: Lighthouse Beach Fire Circle
Cost: $12 R/$16 NR
Register

Egg Painting: March 27

Spring is in the air, and we need your help to make our April 19 Annual Egg Huntextra special! Join us for a fun-filled morning of creativity as we paint wooden eggs that will delight children at this year’s event. No experience necessary—just bring your enthusiasm!

Event details:
Date: March 27
Hours: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Levy Center Craft Room A
Cost: Free
To volunteer, contact lnusekabel@cityofevanston.org

Cardio Drumming: March 27

Join us at the Levy Senior Center for a high-energy cardio drumming class. This fun, interactive workout blends drumming and cardio exercises, improving coordination, boosting heart health and reducing stress. The class is open to all fitness levels, with no experience necessary, and all equipment provided. Registration is required, and space is limited.

Event details:
Date: Thursday, March 27
Hours: 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Levy Senior Center
Cost: $22 Levy member/$30 non-member
Registration: In person, online, or call 847-448-8250

Arboretum Egg Hunt: April 19

Hop into Spring at the Annual Arboretum Egg Hunt! Explore Eggleston Park as you search for hidden eggs, then stick around for a variety of festive activities. Families can enjoy entertainment, games, face painting, and arts and crafts stations. All children must be registered in advance. Accompanying adults attend for free.

Event details:
Date: Saturday, April 19
Hours: 10 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Location: Eggleston Park
Cost: $12 R/$16 NR
Register

Lakeshore Shuffle 5k Run & Walk: May 3

Join us for the Lakeshore Shuffle 5K on May 3, 2025! Enjoy a scenic race along Evanston’s lakefront with stunning views of Lake Michigan. Whether you're running, walking, or using a stroller or mobility aid, everyone is welcome!

Event details:
Start/Finish: Arrington Lagoon (1647 Sheridan Rd, Evanston, IL)
Race Time: 9 a.m. start
Packet Pick-Up: April 30–May 2 (locations vary); race-day pick-up available.
Cost: $38 R/$49 NR (No refunds for cancellations due to weather.)

This timed race includes a finisher’s medal, a mental health awareness station, and a poster-making station. Strollers require an additional fee. Spectators are welcome.

Want to volunteer? Sign up here.

Questions? Email kgrundin@cityofevanston.org.

After School and Days Off Programs

Vacation Adventure: March 24-28

“Take off” from the Robert Crown “airport” for a fun-filled vacation of active play and exploration. Participants will create passports and explore different countries to learn about their food, art and culture. Each day will feature an art project, food sampling and music representative of the country being visited. Please pack a peanut-free lunch. An afternoon snack will be provided. Register now.

Vacation Adventure Jr.: March 24-28

In our "junior" edition of Vacation Adventure, our smallest explorers will be introduced to the "around the world" experience through play based exploration of music, art, dance, food and culture from lands afar. Small groups are formed to promote individualized attention. Children 3 and older must be toilet trained. Register now.

Summer Camp Spotlight

Youth Aquatic Camp

Give your child an unforgettable summer on the water at Youth Aquatic Camp, running June 9–17. Campers will enjoy a variety of exciting activities, including sailing, kayaking, swimming, tubing, and canoeing—all in a fun and safe environment. Parents are invited to join us on the last Thursday of camp to celebrate your camper’s experience

Sports Camp

Are you ready for an action-packed summer filled with teamwork, adventure, and skill-building? Sports Camp is the ultimate destination where fun meets fitness!

From team sports and field trips to beach days and personal achievements, every camper gets the chance to learn, play, and grow in a supportive and exciting environment. Whether you're perfecting your jump shot, scoring goals, or just soaking up the sun with new friends, there’s something for everyone.

At Sports Camp, we believe in progress over pressure—our expert coaches combine instruction and play to boost individual skills while keeping the game fun and stress-free. Every child gets the opportunity to shine, celebrate their accomplishments, and create unforgettable summer memories.

Learn-to-Row Camps

Experience the power of teamwork and learn the fundamentals of rowing with our expert coaches! This fun, inclusive, and safe camp will teach you how to row as a unit while building confidence and new skills on the water.

Session dates and times:
June 16–20 & June 23–27 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m. & 6 p.m.–8 p.m.
July 7–11 | 6 p.m.–8 p.m.
Cost: $100 (free for students who qualify for free or reduced-price school lunch)
Who Can Join? Rising 7th and 8th graders living in Evanston.

Wildflower Camp (Ages 3-4 yrs)

Join a two-week session of the Ecology Center for Wildflower Summer Camp. Children, ages 3-4 years, will enjoy a summer of adventures in nature. This preschool program is designed to develop small and large motor skills, creativity, and imagination while exploring science and the joys of nature. Daily activities combine outdoor exploration with play, crafts, stories, songs, critter visits with live animals, and other nature discoveries. Register now.

Spanish Summer Camp

Spanish Summer Camp offers a fun and immersive experience where children explore Spanish through games, music, art, and interactive activities. Campers will gain confidence in speaking Spanish while enjoying a dynamic and engaging environment. Register now.

Chicago Bulls Youth Hoops Summer Camp

Registration is open for Bulls Kid Nation Summer Camps & Clinics, which take place August 11-15. Join us at programs this summer in Evanston and across the area. Youth Hoops programs give kids of all skill levels ages 5-14 the opportunity to take their game to the next level by learning and practicing the fundamentals of basketball including shooting, dribbling, defense, and more. Register for Evanston camps:

Pay for Camp by May 5

As we prepare for an amazing season, we want to remind you to complete your camp payment by the May 5, 2025, deadline to secure your spot.

Important: Any participant with an unpaid balance after May 5 will be removed from their camp group. If you register for a camp after this date, payment will be required in full at checkout.

How to Pay Your Balance Online

Visit cityofevanston.org/register
Log into your Online Recreation account
Click your name/account number in the top right
Select "Pay Balances" to complete your payment

Need financial assistance? Evanston offers a sliding scale fee assistance program for Summer Camps. Learn more.

Classes, Workshops & Programs

Registration for our Spring programming is still open. View all our upcoming classes, workshops, school days off activities, and special events.

Saplings & Oaks: Ecology Spring Nature Class

In this activity-structured early learning class, children and caregivers will explore nature through stories, crafts, games, science discovery and imaginative play. Each week features a different spring theme. Classes are primarily outdoors, weather permitting.

4th and 5th Grade Soccer League

Sign your child up for the exciting 4th and 5th Grade Soccer League! Teams will compete in a six-game season. Times of games vary weekly between 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Register by March 24. Register now.

4th and 5th Grade Tennis League

Register your child for the 4th and 5th Grade Tennis League. Practices begin the week of March 31, with weekly sessions guided by dedicated instructors. Matches will be held on Sundays at Evanston Township High School starting April 6. Match times vary weekly between noon and 3 p.m. Whether new or experienced, all players are welcome to join this fun and friendly league. Register now.

4th and 5th Grade Track: Get Ready, Set, Run

Sign your child up for the 4th and 5th Grade Track program. Volunteer coaches and school organizers will lead practices, teaching track fundamentals and fostering teamwork. Participants will gain confidence and improve their athletic skills while having fun. All ability levels are welcome. Join us this season to encourage fitness, friendly competition and sportsmanship. Register now.

Brazilian Soccer Skills Clinic

Give your young athlete the opportunity to train with some of the most experienced international coaches at the Brazilian Soccer Skills Clinic! Hosted by the Brazilian United Soccer Academy, this premier training program runs on Tuesdays from April 8 to May 20.

Designed to enhance technical, tactical, and physical skills, the clinic also fosters personal development beyond the game. Coaches recognize the unique qualities of each player, shaping not only their performance on the field but also their growth as individuals. Register now.

Play Time and Drop-in Activities

Drop-in Fitness at Robert Crown

Looking for a fun and flexible way to stay active? Robert Crown Community Center is now offering drop-in fitness classes—no pre-registration required!

Cardio Strength for Adults – Jump-start your day with a high-energy workout on Wednesdays from 7 to 8 a.m. Cost is $20 per class.

Active Play for Kids – Let the little ones burn off some energy with engaging activities on Saturdays from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Cost is $15 per class.

Join us for a great workout—just drop in and get moving!

Let’s Play Drop-In

Looking for a fun and flexible activity for your kids? The Prieto Community Center offers Let’s Play Drop-In, Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

We’ve recently lowered prices to better support families.

Pricing:

Residents: $10 per child, $7 for each additional child
Non-residents: $13 per child, $10 for each additional child

Stop by and let your kids enjoy a day of play while you enjoy the savings. No registration required—just drop in and let the fun begin.

Time Together Drop-In Play

Looking for fun and connection? Join Time Together at the Chandler-Newberger Community Center on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

This open-play program is for ages birth through 5 years with a parent or caregiver. Our play spaces have climbing equipment, blocks, soft mats, puzzles and a book nook.

Bring your little ones for playtime while you connect with other parents or catch up with friends. The best part? Your first visit is free! Call 847-448-8252 for more information.

Ecology Birthday Parties

Give your kids a thrill by having their birthday party at the Prieto Community Center! We offer nature-themed experiences—and free play—for an unforgettable birthday experience. We are now booking May-July birthday parties. Call 847-448-8256 for information or f

Fill out a party request form at: Ecology Birthday Party at Prieto Community Center Request Form

Get Involved

Upcoming Board & Committee Meetings

Dementia Friendly Committee: March 11 at 3 p.m., Levy Center
Commission on Aging & Disabilities: March 13 at 3 p.m., Levy Center
Parks & Recreation Board: March 20 at 6 p.m., Levy Center
ADA Committee: March 27 at 3 p.m., Evanston Public Library

Accessibility for all

The City of Evanston is committed to promoting a citywide culture of accessibility and inclusivity. To request an accommodation for a program, service, or activity, please call 847-866-2919 to make an ADA service request or complete a request form online.