Kids Playing Camp Inc. is Directed by PROS!

When you’re sending your kids off for fun-filled days, you want to know they’re in good hands. That they’re being guided, nurtured and protected. With Kids Playing Camp Inc., you can relax and enjoy your free time, too. Not only are our camp instructors elementary and high school teachers and college students, but they’re also all trained in CPR and First Aid. Directed by a dedicated leadership team comprised of adults, Kids Playing Camp Inc. is designed to play up fun and safety. And boy, do they know what they’re doing.

 

Director/Owner: Kathy Chuckas
Kathy is the founder of A Sporting Chance Foundation (Girls in the Game) and has been a coach and a mentor for the past 30 years. She has received numerous awards and public recognition for her work with youth, including the prestigious Mercedes Mentor of the Year Award and Sports Women of the Year Award - Non-Profit from the National Sporting Goods Association. Kathy is the mother of four children and in her spare time coaches basketball and softball and is an amateur photographer.  Kathy is on-site each and everyday while camp is in session guiding the campers and staff.  Who knows you might just catch her jumping off the high dive...a camp tradition!

 

Director - School Programs & Outreach: Elizabeth Holzhauer

With over 25 years of experience in education, and extensive experience providing counseling services and programs for adolescents and families, Beth  brings a depth and breadth of skills to her role  for Kids Playing Camp Inc.  She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and  currently a Staff Therapist at Womencare Counseling Center in Evanston, and  holds a Type 73 Certification from the Illinois State Board of Education.  Beth Holzhauer earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin and a Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. When not working, she is an avid runner, plays the french horn and loves reading in her spare time.

Program Coordinator-Margot DiMuzio

Margot is looking forward to her 3rd year at Kids Playing Camp and has enjoyed coaching the No Limits/Out of     Bounds and K-1 groups. Margot is a graduate of Loyola University Chicago with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and teaches middle school math and science at St. Matthias School in Lincoln Square. In her free time, she coaches volleyball, basketball and softball. When not working, Margot enjoys playing on her co-rec softball team, traveling, rooting for the Chicago Cubs and spending time with family and friends.

Program Coordinator - Sarah Tyre

Sarah started working for Kids Playing Camp in 2012 as a head camp supervisor for Kindergarten and First Grade campers. When she heard about the opportunity to work for Kids Playing Camp I jumped for the opportunity. This camp allows children to participate in different fitness activities, develop swimming skills, challenge themselves in sports, get in touch with their creative side through art projects, and develop lifelong relationships. In her free time, Sarah enjoys running 5K’s with friends and family, yoga, shopping, scrapbooking, and cooking. While working towards a degree in Physical Education, I have also grown skills in rock climbing, high ropes courses, team building, and have received certification as a water safety instructor as well as in CPR and AED. It is my hope that I can inspire my campers to find enjoyment in being active, creative, and develop lasting friendships.

 

Professional Team Leaders: Kids Playing Camp hires professional teachers, social workers and instructors to serve on the Leadership Team. Our Professional Team Leaders are from throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs with one thing in common...they know how to play and have fun while ensuring your children our safe and secure under our care.  ALL LEADERSHIP TEAM LEADERS ARE CERTIFIED IN CPR/FIRST AID and receive training in program planning and age-appropriate activities for camp settings.  All Professional Team Leaders have background checks each year.

College Coaches: Kids Playing Camp Inc. hires college students from throughout the country to be a part of our team. Our College Coaches attend McAllister, Loras, University of Notre Dame, Marquette, University of Michigan, University of Illinois, Augustana College, DePaul, Carthage and University of Wisconsin - Madison; just to name a few!  ALL COLLEGE COACHES ARE CERTIFIED IN CPR and receive training in age-appropriate activities.  All College Coaches have background checks each year.

Guest Coaches: Kids Playing Summer Camp will have weekly guest coaches from the Chicago area to teach the children in the areas of music, arts and crafts, child safety and Kids in the Kitchen.

-     Wild Side

-     Self Defense

-     Brunger Chocolate Magic

-     Local Police and Firefighters

-     Visiting Artists of ALL talents

High School Youth Leaders: Area students will serve as youth leaders for the summer. These outstanding young women and men will assist in playing games and activities with the campers, serving as a role model one-on-one and assisting in administrative tasks.  They attend Trinity High School, Gordon Tech, Whitney Young, Trinity, St. Ignatius, Notre Dame College Prep, Loyola Academy and Evanston Township High School.

Bottom line, we know kids.
And we know how to have fun.