Kids and College Summer Registered Camper Information

Discover your next passion in the Kids and College Summer Program. Review the information below to prepare for a summer of hands-on learning and fun on campus.

As you prepare for your arrival, be sure to review this page with your family, as we have provided essential information about your Kids' and College experience. Be sure to complete the required camper forms before your arrival. Updates and reminders will be emailed to families from "kidsandcollege@mchenry.edu" or "community@mchenry.edu."

  • Before You Arrive

    Required Camper Forms (Action Required)

    Campers are required to complete and submit all required camper forms. Forms are due no later than one week before your first class. Failure to submit the forms will result in the cancellation of class registration without refund. Complete your camper’s forms online just once—they stay on file for both the spring break and summer programs.

    Complete Camper Forms

    Keep an eye on your inbox! If your specific class requires extra forms, we’ll email you before the first day.

    What to Bring

    Clothing

    • All campers should wear appropriate clothing during camp. Due to the nature of class activities (some messy!) and outdoor activities, all campers should come in clothing that can get dirty and is appropriate for the weather.

    • Tennis shoes or other closed-toe shoes are required. No flip flops or sandals. Certain classes, including science, art, culinary, manufacturing, automotive, and culinary classes have special clothing requirements included below.

    Supplies

    • Campers may bring a backpack to store their personal items, including notebooks, lunch, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats. We require all personal items to be labeled with the camper’s name.

    • We recommend that campers wear sunscreen before their arrival if their class includes outdoor activities.

    • Campers should bring a notebook and at least two pencils and/or ink pens to class.

    • Campers will be notified via email of any required class materials not included by the camp. Review individual class descriptions for more information.

    • Note: The Kids and College Program and McHenry County College are not responsible for any loss or damage to the camper’s personal property.

    Food

    • A supervised lunch period from noon to 1 p.m. will be available for campers who participate in either an all-day class or two classes on the same day.

    • Campers who are attending the supervised lunch period are required to bring a healthy, nut-free sack lunch (refrigeration is not available).

    • Campers may bring a healthy, nut-free snack for break time. Campers will not have access to vending machines during class.

    • We encourage campers to bring a refillable water bottle each day for lunch and during class.

    Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodations

    MCC encourages all individuals to participate in its programs and activities. If you need any accommodations to participate in this program, contact the Access and Disability Services office at (815) 455-8766 or by email. We kindly request at least two weeks' notice to ensure your needs are met.

  • On-Campus Logistics

    Arrival and Departure Information

    All arrival and departure information will be included in the camp confirmation and reminders emails. Review those emails for additional information.

    Arrival Information – Main Campus (Check-In)

    • Times: from 8:30 to 9 a.m. for morning/all-day sessions, and from 12:30 to 1 p.m. for afternoon sessions, in Building B Commons. 

    • Process: Campers must be escorted to check-in by their designated caretaker. After check-in, caretakers will depart. Caretakers are not allowed inside classroom areas.

    Departure Information – Main Campus (Check-Out)

    • Times: from noon to 12:15 p.m. for morning sessions and 4 to 4:15 p.m. for afternoon sessions.

    • Safety: Caretakers must escort campers out and must present a valid ID with name and photo.

    • Campers must be picked up no later than 15 minutes after their class ends.

    Early Arrival/Late Departure Options

    The Kids and College Program offers early arrival and late departure options. Campers must register for each option to participate.

    • Early arrival begins at 7:30 a.m., and late departure ends at 5:30 p.m.  Campers must be picked up by 5:30 p.m. No exceptions.

    • Note: No early arrival or late departure options are available for the Junior Automotive Camp.

    Attendance and Early Dismissal

    If your camper will be absent, delayed, or must leave early, notify the Kids and College Program as soon as possible by calling (815) 455-8758 or emailing.

  • Health and Safety Information

    Medical Information

    Your camper’s safety is our top priority. MCC is committed to providing a safe learning environment for all campers. All camp staff who are working directly with campers have passed a background check.

    • In the event of a medical emergency, the MCC campus police will provide medical assistance and, if needed, contact 911. The emergency contact person for the camper will be contacted by camp staff.

    • There will not be a nurse on-site during the camp. If a camper has medication required during camp, medications must be in a clear storage bag with the camper’s first and last name clearly labeled, along with instructions.

    • It is the camper's responsibility to secure their medication(s) at all times. Medication forms must be completed and list all medications, including EpiPens and inhalers. Camp staff cannot dispense medication.

    • Any camper who is feeling ill should not attend camp. If the camper becomes sick during the camp, staff will contact the primary caretaker by phone.

    Emergency and Inclement Weather Procedures

    In the event of an emergency, the Kids and College Program will follow all MCC emergency procedures set forth by MCC campus police. Emergency contacts will be notified as soon as it is safe to do so.

    In situations of severe weather, camp staff will move campers to the safest possible location. If these situations occur during pick-up time, the program will be in safety mode inside the building. Campers will not be dismissed until it is safe to do so.

  • Policies and Expectations

    Refund and Cancellation Policy

    To cancel a class registration, contact the Community Enrichment Center at (815) 455-8758 or by email.

    A 100% refund will be issued if the Community Enrichment Center is notified of the cancellation no later than the Thursday before the class start date or if MCC cancels the class due to insufficient enrollment. No refund will be issued for classes dropped on or after the class start date.

    Program Changes and Camp Communication

    Schedule and policies are subject to change.

    Communication, including reminder emails, will be sent to the email address used in your camper’s registration. Emails will be sent from "kidsandcollege@mchenry.edu" or "community@mchenry.edu."

    Camper Expectations

    • Follow the Rules: I will follow all MCC and Kids and College policies, and local, state, and federal laws.
    • Be Prepared: I will arrive on time, check in daily, and bring all required materials and a positive attitude.
    • Listen and Engage: I will follow camp staff directions and actively participate in all discussions and activities.
    • Show Respect: I will treat myself, fellow campers, staff, and college property with respect, using appropriate language and cooperation.
    • Respect Property: I will take care of my own belongings and respect others' property, using college equipment only for camp-related work.
    • Prioritize Safety: I will act safely to prevent injury, respect personal space, and keep my hands and feet to myself.
    • I will immediately inform camp staff of any situation that requires urgent attention.
    • Stay Focused: I will keep electronic devices away and eat or drink only during scheduled times, unless directed otherwise.
    • Promote Kindness: I will never use words, items, or physical actions to cause harm to others.
    • Have Fun: I will bring my best self to camp and enjoy the experience!

    Disciplinary Policy

    The Kids and College Program will not tolerate disruptive behavior that interferes with the positive experience of program participants and camp staff. Campers who violate expectations will receive warnings. Three warnings may result in removal from the camp.

    • Warning 1: Verbal warning and direction to appropriate behavior.
    • Warning 2: Written warning to the camper and guardian (must be signed and returned).
    • Warning 3: Meeting with guardian to determine disciplinary action or removal.

    Severe Incidents

    Any camper who displays disrespectful demeanor, causes disruption, or creates an unsafe environment may be removed from the program indefinitely, regardless of the number of warnings issued.

  • Program Specific Information

    On-Campus Camps

    Culinary Camps

    Campers will be working with knives and hot equipment. Failure to follow lab rules may result in removal from the camp without refund.

    • Wear closed-toed shoes with slip-proof/traction soles – no sandals, crocs, or flip-flops
    • No loose clothing
    • Long hair must be pulled back
    • Hats/caps are highly recommended
    • Jewelry (including earrings) and nail polish must be removed
    • Aprons are welcome but not provided
    • Note: Bring a labeled container each day for leftover prepared foods.

    Manufacturing Camps

    (Makers Camp, Fabrication Camp, Robotics Camp, Welding Camp, Coater Camp, and Automotive Camp)

    All campers must wear the following clothing for safety protocols. No exceptions.

    • Closed-toed shoes with solid tops
    • Long pants
    • Short or long sleeve shirts
    • No loose clothing

    Week with the Honey Bees

    Campers will be entering the Bee Yard on the MCC Campus. A waiver must be signed by a parent/guardian at check-in. Required attire:

    • A veil (provided)
    • Long sleeves and long pants
    • Appropriate gloves (provided)
    • Closed-toed shoes for the outdoors (tennis shoes minimum)

    Off-Campus Camps

    Junior Automotive Camp

    Located at Woodstock High School: 501 W South Street, Woodstock.

    • No early or late departure option available at this location.
    • No lunch period is available at this location.
    • Required clothing: Closed-toed shoes (solid tops), long pants, and no loose clothing.

    Camp Invention®

    Located at the MCC Catalyst Campus: 222 E. Church Street, Woodstock.

    • Accepted Upcycled Items: Beads, buttons, boxes, bubble wrap, building blocks, CDs, containers, fabric, paper towel tubes, plastic caps, rubber bands, etc.
    • Unacceptable Items: Batteries, cords, glass, glitter, liquids, medicine containers, and wire hangers.

Contact Information

To reach the Kids and College Program during and after camp hours, email or call (815) 455-8758.