August 1, 2013

Mayor Emanuel Visits Urban and Wilderness Campers at Northerly Island Overnight Camp

Campers Gain Unique Hands-On Camping and Science Experience as Part of Summer of Learning Initiative

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

Mayor Emanuel visits with children at the Chicago Park District’s Northerly Island Park Day Camp.

Today, Mayor Emanuel visited children at the Chicago Park District’s Northerly Island Park, where he took part in the activities of the Urban and Wilderness overnight camping program. This summer, thousands of Chicago children continue the learning process and stay active as part of Chicago’s Summer of Learning initiative, the largest coordinated summer learning program in the country.

“Right here at Northerly Island there are children from all over the  city experiencing their  very own urban oasis in the middle of the city where kids can go kayaking, fishing, hiking and even roast s’mores,”   said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “These camps are another fantastic example of how we are transforming the City of Chicago into a classroom through the Summer of Learning initiative. This summer, our children are able to gain hands-on science experience that will help prepare them for the upcoming school year.”

Mayor Emanuel met with 8- 11 year old Urban Campers 13 to 15 year old Wilderness Camping group, as the children participated in kayaking, fishing, archery, tent pitching, fire wood gathering, overnight camping and other camping activities. As part of the Chicago Summer of Learning, the campers will receive science badges to recognize their ongoing learning efforts. In addition, Northerly Island Park also includes programs for Adventure Campers (ages 6 to 12), and Bicycle Adventure Campers (agers 12 to 14).

The Chicago Park District is a partner in Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s Summer of Learning initiative, the first summer programming effort in the City to provide every child with the high-quality education they need to succeed during the school year and beyond. As part of a unique public-private partnership with the MacArthur Foundation and Mozilla, Chicago is the first city to utilize a digital “badge” system that rewards student’s achievements and recognizes their learning throughout the entire summer program. 

###

Photo Caption: Mayor Emanuel visits with children at the Chicago Park District’s Northerly Island Park Day Camp.

Photo Credit: Brooke Collins // City of Chicago