The CAC, along with community partners, offers a variety of programming each summer. Our camp programs are free for families, as we strive to represent the diversity of Chicago through everything we do. Summer programs run from June through August, registration coming soon.
Summer Camps
CAC x MMC Camp - Humboldt Park
Join Mobile Makers Chicago and the CAC for a hands-on exploration of design and architecture this summer!
The camp will take place in Humboldt Park at Mobile Makers’ brand-new studio. Participants will get a taste of what it's like to be a designer through drawing and building activities and have the opportunity to venture to neighboring design landmarks such as the Bloomingdale Trail/606.
They will foster a deep understanding and appreciation for the built environment and the communities that help shape Chicago.
Camp details
Date: Monday, June 24 – Friday, June 28
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Mobile Makers Chicago, 1757 N. Kimball Avenue, 60647
Ages: 2nd-5th grade
Girls Build! x MMC Camp - UIC
The CAC and Mobile Makers Chicago are teaming up to facilitate a week-long Girls Build! camp in partnership with UIC and the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum.
Girls Build! is a unique experiential program designed to engage girl-identifying youth in exploring the built environment through intentional and rigorous engagement.
Participants will explore the importance of accessible public buildings in Chicago’s built environment by designing their own school or library.
This program focuses on providing participants with access to gender affirming learning that engages with women who were and still are, crucial in shaping the science, technology, engineering, architecture, and construction fields.
Camp details
Date: Monday, July 15 – Friday, July 19
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, 800 S. Halsted Street, 60607
Age: 7th-10th grade
Girls Build! Camp - Loop
Girls Build! camp participants will explore the importance of sustainability and environmental justice in Chicago’s built environment by designing their own sustainable residential building.
Girls Build! is a unique experiential program designed to engage girl-identifying youth in exploring the built environment through intentional and rigorous engagement.
This program focuses on providing participants with access to gender affirming learning that engages with women who were and still are, crucial in shaping the science, technology, engineering, architecture, and construction fields.
Camp details
Date: Monday, July 29 – Friday, August 2
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: CAC, 111 E. Wacker Drive, 60601
Age: 7th-10th grade
CAC x MMC Camp - Loop
Join the CAC and Mobile Makers Chicago for a hands-on exploration of design and architecture this summer!
Participants will get a taste of what it's like to be a designer and will explore Chicago’s built environment through drawing, model making, and solving real-world issues.
They will foster a deep understanding and appreciation for the built environment and the communities that help shape Chicago.
Camp details
Date: Monday, August 5 – Friday, August 9
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: CAC, 111 E. Wacker Drive, 60601
Age: 6th-9th grade
The Chicago Architecture Center offers a variety of summer programs for Chicago’s young people. In addition to the programs below, keep an eye out for us at community events!
In 2025, the CAC will offer the following summer programs. Registration for camps will open in March 2025, which will be announced first through our newsletter.
Questions? Contact [email protected]
Girls Build!
- Two one-week sessions: June 23-27 and July 7-11
- Each session will have a unique theme, so participants may join for one or both sessions
- Grades 7-10
- Locations: The Center and Jane Addams Hull-House Museum (UIC campus)
Teen Fellows
- This intensive 15-month program kicks off a new cohort in June 2025. During the summer, classes are held M-Th, followed by Saturday classes in the fall and spring semesters and internships during the second summer. Participants are compensated for their participation.
- Application is open through March 2025
- Classes begin June 23
- Grades 10-12
- Location: Harold Washington College
Teen Saturday Studios
- Throughout the year, join workshops on every third Saturday. Registration open one month prior each session.
- Summer sessions: June 21, July 19 and August 16
- Grades 9-12
- Location: Harold Washington College or Chicago Architecture Center
Newhouse Competition
- In its 43rd year, participants in the annual architectural design competition will create projects in a weeklong camp, culminating in a juried showcase and prizes.
- August 4-9
- Grades 9-12
- Location: The Center
For younger grades, stay tuned for CAC family events and check out other architecture and design camps around Chicago, including:
If you find our summer camps valuable, please consider donating to the CAC to help cover some or all of a camp fee.
CAC’s camps cost $425 per youth to operate.
