At the CircEsteem Summer Circus Camp, kids can try out the circus magic for themselves. Campers spend weeks learning hands-on circus and performing arts skills while increasing confidence, making friends and trying new things along the way.
“From the moment campers walk in, they are welcomed into a space that feels joyful, supportive and safe to try new things,” says Susy Garcia, communications manager at CircEsteem. “It is a place where every child is encouraged to explore, take healthy risks and feel proud of their progress.”
CircEsteem brings youth of all backgrounds together, emphasizing self-esteem and mutual respect through circus arts. From June 8 to Aug. 21, kids ages 6–16 can learn everything from aerial silks and tumbling to performance and juggling at CircEsteem’s Uptown Chicago campus.
Inside CircEsteem’s Summer Circus Camp
The teaching artists at CircEsteem walk campers through a range of circus disciplines throughout each week-long session. Activities vary by session but often include aerial silks, trapeze, tightwire, tumbling, partner acrobatics, clowning, stilts and juggling.
A typical day at Summer Circus Camp begins with warm-up games to get kids moving and interacting with their fellow campers before diving into circus lessons. Then kids will rotate through different circus practices throughout the day, with plenty of time for outdoor play, rest and snack breaks in between.
Circus skills and weekly themes constantly evolve throughout each session, encouraging kids to adapt to the changing environment and try new things.
“A child who is shy may shine in juggling or clowning, while a high-energy camper may fall in love with tumbling or aerial skills,” says Garcia. “Every camper finds a place to succeed.”
How circus arts support confidence beyond camp
Beyond acing different circus disciplines, CircEsteem helps kids develop valuable life skills each week.
“Families often tell us the first thing they notice is the energy and sense of belonging,” Garcia says. Campers are joyfully welcomed into the CircEsteem campus, quickly becoming comfortable in a safe space that prioritizes progress over competition.
Themed weeks like Summerween and Outerspace spark imagination and curiosity, and cooperative learning helps campers make friends in a non-competitive environment. At the end of each week, the Show Off performance teaches kids to be confident and proud of the new skills they’ve learned.
Garcia noted that when parents greet their children after a day at camp, they observe stronger communication and focus, and a willingness to step outside comfort zones.
“Many families return year after year because their children feel seen, supported, and inspired,” Garcia said.
Creating an inclusive camp experience for all Chicago families
As a nonprofit organization, CircEsteem is dedicated to giving Chicago families of all backgrounds access to an affordable and schedule-friendly camp experience.
For working parents, CircEsteem offers before- and after-care led by supportive teaching artists. There are also select four-day sessions, scheduled June 15–18 and June 29–July 2, for kids who may not be able to commit to a full week.
Each week is currently offered at $400 per session, offering opportunities to apply for financial aid and a 10% discount for siblings. After March 2, the weekly price will go up to $450.
More pricing details and a full schedule of weekly themes are available on the CircEsteem Summer Circus Camp page.
This content is sponsored by CircEsteem Summer Circus Camp. To learn more, visit CircEsteem’s camp website — and discover more camps in and around Chicagoland in the Best Camps Guide.
