Program and Trip Information 2025

Details on Not Your Dad's Summer Programs (For Project Passport go to specific program on the drop-down)

• Sea Camp Information 2025 (3-1-25) Applications Closed

  Seacamp is held in San Diego, CA. The dates of this program will be June 28 to July  3, 2025.

  We will depart from the Lower Academy on June 28, 2025 and drive to O’Hare at TBD.  We will return to the Lower Academy at TBD on July 3, 2025.

  SEACAMP Student Information Packet 2024

  SEACAMP-I-Schedule

  SEACAMP Merchandise Prices 2023

  The chaperone for this trip will be TBD.

  The cost of this trip is $200.

  First payment of $50 is due March 20, 2025

  Second payment of $50 is due April 4, 2025

  Third payment of $50 is due April 19, 2025

  Fourth payment of $50 is due May 2, 2025

  Pay for SeaCamp here.

• Space Camp Information 2025 (3-6-2025)- 2025 Application period is closed.

  Fifth-Eighth Graders

  Our 5th-8th graders will attend the Space Camp in Huntsville, AL from July 6-July 11, 2025.

  What Should Scholars Wear/Bring?

  While at Camp, trainees (scholars) should wear clothing that is comfortable and designed for active pursuits. Clothing should be appropriate for activities such as hanging in harnesses, working through challenges on the ropes course and should be versatile enough to transition from many varied active endeavors in the course of a camp day. We suggest durable shorts that cover the upper thigh to prevent chafing from webbing and harness straps for all genders. For water activities, we suggest that all genders wear shorts as/over bathing suits. Specific packing lists for each program can be found at 

  Packing List

  Chaperones: To be Announced

  Departure and Arrival Times: To be Announced.

  The payment schedule for this program is as follows:

  Payment 1-March 15, 2025- $50

  Payment 2- April 1, 2025- $50

  Payment 3- April 20, 2025- $50

  Payment 4- May 10, 2025- $50

  Make Space Camp Payment

• Great Books Information 2025- (2-27-2025) Applications for 2025 closed.

  The Great Books program will be held at Haverford University, a liberal arts school located outside of Philadelphia, PA.

  GRCS chaperone to escort scholars to Pennsylvania (TBD).  Please note, the chaperone will not be on site with scholars during the week.  Scholars will be supervised by Great Books staff.

  The program will run from Sunday, July 27, 2025 to August 3, 2025.  We will meet at the Lower Academy on the morning of July 27 at TBD to travel as a group to O’Hare.

  Flight details are TBD.

  We will return, in the evening, on August 3, 2025 at TBD.

  A typical day at camp:

  8:30 am – Breakfast
  9:00 am – Morning Meeting
  9:15 am – Seminar: Plato’s Republic
  10:00 am – Break
  10:15 am – Seminar: Borges’ “The Aleph” and Magical Realism
  11:15 am – Discussion Group
  12:15 pm – Lunch
  1:00 pm – Literature Elective: Slam Poetry
  2:00 pm – Art Elective (art, music, theater, and creative writing)
  4:00 pm – Free Time: Campus Tour, Field Games
  5:30 pm – Dinner
  6:15 pm – Reading Time
  7:00 pm – College Panel: Choosing the Right School
  8:30 pm – Guest Speaker: Sarah Kay
  9:30 pm – Pod Reading and Discussion

  On the last day, we will plan to tour some of Philadelphia’s historical landmarks (Liberty Bell, Ben Franklin’s house etc)

  Please click here for the 2024 summer packet for Great Books.  

  The cost for this program is $200.

  First payment of $50 is due by March 1, 2025

  Second payment of $50 is due by March 15, 2025

  Third pyament of $50 is due by April 1, 2025.

  Final payment of $50 is due by April 20, 2025.

  Make Great Books Payment

• Angelic Organics Farmers Camp 2025- Trip Completed for 2024

  This program is open to 2nd – 4th graders.  This is a four day overnight camp in Caledonia, IL.

  Other Information:

  2023 Camp Parent Handbook_

• University of Wisconsin STEP Info 2025 (1-14-2025) Application window for 2025 now closed.

  The University of Wisconsin STEP program runs in June 22–27, 2025.  The program takes place on the University of Wisconsin campus in Madison, WI.

  We will leave as a groupd from the LA on June 22, 2025 (time TBD).  We will return to the LA on June 27, 2025 (time TBD).

  For more information on the program, U W Information

  Sample Daily Schedule

  Time	Activity
  7:30–8:30 a.m.	Breakfast
  8:30–9 a.m.	Morning meeting
  9-11:30 a.m.	Class
  11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.	Lunch
  12:30–3 p.m.	Class
  3–5 p.m.	Recreational activities
  5–6:30 p.m.	Dinner
  6:30–8:30 p.m.	Recreational activities
  8:30–9 p.m.	Block meetings
  9–10:30 p.m.	Dorm time
  10:30 p.m.–7:30 a.m.	Quiet hours

  STEP 2023 Handbook  (2024 handbook will be added soon.)

  Payment for the program is $200, paid in $50 payments.

  January 30, 2025 – First $50 Payment

  February 15, 2025 – Second $50 Payment

  March 1, 2025 – Third $50 Payment

  March 15, 2025 – Fourth $50 Payment

  U of Wisconsin Payment Here

• National Student Leadership Information- 2025 Applications due April 18

  The NSLC program will run from July 16 until July 21 in Washington D.C.  The programming will be held at American University and scholars will stay on campus.

  On Tuesday, July 16, scholars will meet at the Lower Academy at 7:45am in order to go to O’Hare.  Scholars will fly United Airlines flight 1097 from Chicago to Reagan National Airport in Washington DC.  They will land in DC at 2:04 pm.  From the airport they will take a shuttle van to American University.

  On Sunday, July 21, scholars will fly America Airlines flight 1263 from Reagan National in Washington DC to O’Hare.  Scholars will arrive in Chicago at 5:39pm.  We anticipate that scholars will return to the Lower Academy by 7:45 pm.

  Ms. Katherine Wilkins, the LA art instructor, will be chaperoning this trip. 

  Review a brochure on the NLSC program: 2024 Middle School Brochure

  Watch a video about NSLC: Youtube

  The suggested packing list is: AU Packing List – Middle School

• Best Delegate 2025 at UCLA in Los Angeles (April 17, 2025)

  The Best Delegate program runs from July 20 to July 26, 2025.  The program will be held at UCLA in Los Angeles, CA.

  The program handbook for 2024 (2025 will be posted when available) is here: Best Delegate UCLA Overnight Camp (2024)

  Sample daily Schedule

  

  This program costs $200 and can be paid here:  Pay for Best Delegate

  Departure:

  Scholars will meet at the Lower Academy at 9:15 am on July 20 to ride Bussie  to O’Hare.  Scholars will take flight TBD

  Chaperone:

  Ms. Jennifer Jerrick, our 6th grade ELA instructor and Model United Nations co-coach, will chaperone the scholars from Rockford to Los Angeles.  In Los Angeles, Ms. Jerrick will ensure that the scholars are registered with Best Delegate at UCLA.  Ms. Jerrick will not be on site during the week.  She will chaperone the scholars back from Los Angeles on July 26, 2025.

  Return:

  On July 26, 2025 take TBD flight leaving Los Angeles at TBD and will arrive in Chicago at TBD.  We anticipate that scholars will be back at the LA around TBD.

  Packing

  Scholars should bring comfortable clothes for the days of Best Delegate camp.  They will also need to bring one set of Model UN clothes for the Model UN simulation at the end of the week.  Scholars can also bring a swim suit and approximately $100 in case for extras.

  Baggage

  If a scholar wants to bring a checked bag, please contact GRCS at businessoffice@galapagoscharter.org .  The cost will be $70.  We will need to know by July 1, 2025.

• Girl Scout Summer Camps 2025 (4-5-2025) Applications available now!

  Galapagos is proud to partner with the Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois to provide three different summer options for our current Girls Scouts and all GRCS girls in K-8th grades.

  Fill out an interest form here (deadline April 16, 2025)

  Interest Form

  Program 1– Camp McCormick – Sleepaway Camp – Journey Across the Stars June 8-13, 2025 (3rd-8th)

  Program 2– Camp McCormick – Day Camp – Skills for Life June 16-20, 2025   M – F, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

  Program 3– Camp Dean – Horsin’ Around July 23-25, 2025 (4th-8th)

  There will be transportation via GRCS’ Bussie shuttle from the Lower Academy to the programs.

  The total cost for each program is $50 for scholars who participated in cookie sales and $75 for scholars who did not participate.  Once approved, payment is due in 7 days from approval.

  Payments can be made here

• Outward Bound Summer Canoeing 2025 (03-11-2025)

  This program runs will run July 20-25, 2025.  We will leave from the LA on July 20 at 6am and will return to the LA around 7pm on July 25, 2025.

  More info about program here

  Accepted scholars must register here:

  Register Here

  To request to borrow camping equipment, click here:  Gear Loan Request Form

  The cost of this program is $200.

  The first payment of $50 is due March 20, 2025.

  The second payment of $50 is due April 4, 2025.

  The third payment of $50 is due April 20, 2025.

  The fourth payment of $50 is due May 5, 2025.

  Make Payment Outward Bound Payment

  You can also fundraise through coffee sales (every bag is worth $5 towards any trip.)

  Buy Coffee

• Burpee Camp Information 2025 -Applications available soon.

  Burpee Day Camp runs August 12-16, 2024.

  The program runs from 10am-2pm.   Please have your scholar at the LA by 9:30am every morning.

  Scholars should bring a bag lunch.

  Galapagos will provide transportation to and from the Lower Academy to the Burpee Museum.  Scholars should be picked up at the Lower Academy (back parking lot) at 2:20pm.

• Latino Youth Summit- Madison, WI 2025- Program Complete for 2025

  The Latino Youth Summit takes place in Madison, WI the 24 and 25th of March  2025.  We will be leaving the LA at 7:15 am on Monday, March 24.  We will return to the LA on Tuesday March 25 at approximately 5:45pm.

  We will be staying at the Marriott Fairfield South at 722 John Nolen Drive, Madison, WI, 53713

  This is an electronics free trip.  Scholars may not bring electronics.

  The cost for this trip is $50.

  Pay for Latino Youth Summit

  Latino Youth Summit

  Chaperones: The trip is chaperoned by two Galapaogs Staff members.  Ms. Martha de Luna (support staff at the UA) and Ms. Brandi Camacho (kindergarten instructor.  Ms. Camacho has previously co-chaperoned the 2024 Project Passport trip to Costa Rica.

  Emergency contact is Ms. Stacey Puckett.  She can be reached at (779) 772-3332.

  Dress:  Please wear clothing that is comfortable but appropriate, no t-shirts.

  Electronics– scholars should not bring electronics.  Scholars will not be permitted to call home during the summit.

  Meals:  Scholars twill have breakfast and lunch at the Youth Summit all three days.  Scholars and chaperones will have dinner, in Madison, on Monday and Tuesday.

  Medical Form– If you have not submitted a medical form, please download here and and have your scholar bring to Mr. Lane by 3/04/2025.  Medical Form Latino Youth Summit

  Money– Scholars will not need money unless they want to buy a souvenir.  Scholars should not bring more than $50. 

  Other Activities: In addition to the activities at the summit, scholars will have some time to unwind. 

  Una mensaje de University of Wisconsin:

  Hola familias de la Cumbre de la Juventud Latina 2025:

  Mas info viene temprano.

   

   

   

• Winter Adventure - Dog Sledding with Outward Bound 2025- the 2025 Trip is Complete.

  The application window for February 2025 is not closed.  Scholars were announced on December 12, 2024.

  This trip will take place from February 5 to February 9, 2025. (We will leave at 2:30pm from the Upper Academy on February 4, 2025.)  We will return to the Upper Academy on February 9, 2025 around 6:30pm.

  On the evening of Feburary 4, 2025 we will stay overnight at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Duluth Waterfront located at 1000 Minnesota Avenue, Duluth, MN, 55802.

  Our base camp from Feb 5-9 will be in Ely, MN.

  The Galapagos chaperones for this trip are 1) Michael Lane, CEO, and previous chaperone on trips to Costa Rica, Spain, Washington DC and Uganda 2) Deanna Hull, LA Social Worker, and previous chaperone to Utah and 2025 chaperone to Costa Rica.  In addition to the GRCS staff, we will be supported by the Outward Bound team of experts.

  Communications will take place primarily via WhatsApp. for Apple or WhatsApp for Android.

  In case of emergency, please call Megan Sisson, Outward Bound Partnership Manager, at (218) 491-6790.

  To learn more about the program and packing requirements.

  More Info Here

  Cost of this trip is $200 and must be paid by the due dates:

  Dec 22, 2024- $25

  Jan 2, 2025 -$50

  Jan 9, 2025- $50

  Jan 16, 2025- $50

  Jan 23, 2025-$25 

  Payment can be made here:

  Pay for Winter Adventure

   

   

• Stars of Tomorrow Drama Camp at Rock Valley College (Application Available Now)

  Apply Now

  Stars of Tomorrow is a one-week summer theatre camp for kids where scholars are guided through the process of creating theatre. Participants will be exposed to singing, acting, and dancing performance of establishing a world within a play. They will gain confidence in expressing ideas while building skills in speaking, acting, movement, and listening and responding to others. Instructors teach new techniques, while encouraging campers to build on existing strengths and natural abilities.

  Led by RVC Starlight Theatre teaching artists, the program uses dramatic play, singing and choreography to teach and enhance musical theatre performance. All of these build confidence, experience and friendships. The program culminates in a theatrical presentation put on by participants for friends and family in a showcase of excerpts from musicals.

  Cost: $30 if attending a GRCS summer school program   $45 if not attending a GRCS summer school program.

  RVC Starlight Camp Supernova has a NO electronics policy because it promotes genuine communication and interaction among all.

• Project Passport- Utah Dinosaur Diggers 2025 (04-17-25) 2025 application period closed.

  Project Passport Utah occur June 15 to June 21, 2025.

  Travel Information:

  We will leave as a group from the Lower Academy at 12:00pm  We will take Bussie to the Amtrack station in Naperville, IL.  We will take the California Zephyr Train # 5 leaving at 2:34pm.  We will arrive in Green River, Utah the next day at 6:32pm.   We will then be picked up and drive about 45 minutes to our site in Hanksville, Utah.

  On June 20, 2025 we will return to Green River, Utah and take the California Zephyr Train # 6 leaving at 7:44am.  We will arrive in Naperville, IL around 1:44pm on June 21.  The GRCS Bussie Shuttle will pick us up and we anticipate be back at the Lower Academy at 3:45pm.

  Packing List

  Click here to see the recommending packing list for Utah

  PP Utah Packing List

  Lodging Information:

  We will be staying at Dukes Cabins located at:

  275 East Hwy 24
  Hanksville, UT 84734

  We will be camping one day in tents.  The exact day will depend upon weather conditions.

  The chaperones for this trip are:

  Martha De Luna- works as an Executve Assistant at the UA.

  Brandi Camacho- works as a kindergarten insturctor at the LA.  She has also chaperoned the Project Passport Costa Rica trip.

  Total Cost is $200 paid in four $50 installments.

  January 20, 2025

  February 20, 2025

  March 20, 2025

  April 20, 2025

  Pay for Utah Here