We’re thrilled to invite your middle schooler to kick off their summer with Summer Spark—a special 2-week experience at The Center, created and led by teens, just for younger youth!
As part of our Summer Fun at The Center series, Summer Spark is where imagination, leadership, and creativity come together. From hands-on projects and creative challenges to team-building activities and fun surprises, every session is crafted by our trained teen mentors who are passionate about making summer unforgettable for the next generation.
It’s designed by teens, so it’s fun, fresh, and relatable
It encourages middle school youth to explore, express, and create
It builds confidence, community, and leadership skills
It’s the perfect warm-up for the rest of the summer’s activities!
Our Summer Fun AM Sessions are designed for campers who want to build their voice, sharpen their creativity, and discover the world beyond the block. With a focus on self-expression, hands-on arts, and weekly adventures around the city, this session empowers youth to explore who they are and where they’re going.
Includes:
Speak IT- Mondays 9am-12-pm
Your voice matters. Speak IT is all about sharing your thoughts, and letting your words be heard. Whether it's podcasting, journaling, storytelling, or spoken word, this block helps you find the power in your voice while building literacy skills in creative ways.
Create IT- Tuesdays/Thursdays 9am-12pm
This is where your creativity shines. Whether you're painting, designing, crafting, writing poems, or spitting bars — this block is all about expressing yourself and telling your story through art. From freestyle sessions to hands-on projects, Create IT gives you the space to dream big, make bold moves, and let your imagination take the lead.
Explore IT- Wednesdays 9am-4pm
Lets take camp beyond the walls and into the city. From lakefront water parks and urban hikes to iconic Chicago landmarks and hidden neighborhood gems, this is your chance to see something new and experience the world outside your block. Whether we’re in the woods, at the beach, or flying over the city, this is about opening your eyes, stretching your comfort zone, and having the kind of fun you’ll never get from a screen.
Fees: Onsite Activities Free (Fee required for Trips)
Fees: FREE
To participate in our Summer programs, families must register in person at the South Side Help Center. Programs are reserved for City of Chicago residents and are open to youth ages 9–19.
Registration Deadline:
Friday, June 20, 2025 — or until all spots are filled (whichever comes first). Space is limited and filled on a first come, first served basis.
What You’ll Need to Register:
Completed Registration Form (One completed per registered child)which includes
Emergency Contact & Medical Information
Consent Form (Required for youth under 18)
Proof of Residency (State ID, Driver’s License, Utility Bill, etc.)
Please Note: Youth under 18 will not be allowed to participate in activities until a signed consent form is on file.
In-Person Registration Location:
South Side Help Center
10420 S. Halsted
Once registration is complete, a confirmation will be sent to the parent/guardian’s email.
For questions or support, contact:
Marcus Flenaugh
Youth Development Director
773-445-5445 ext 4241 Mflenaugh@southsidehelp.org
At South Side Help Center, we are committed to making summer programming accessible to all families. Below is a breakdown of the fees associated with each component of our Summer Fun at The Center offerings:
Fee-Based Programs
Speak IT (Journaling & Spoken Word)- $75 (Covers supplies and programming cost)
Create IT (Arts & DIY Projects) $75 (Covers supplies and programming cost)
Explore IT (Weekly Field Trips) $300 (pre-payment for trips)**
Kick IT: Tornado University Martial Arts & Mentoring
**Field Trip can also be paid individually. Pay Schedule will be provided at Orientation.
FREE Programs. Sponsored by Chicago Department of Family and Support Services
Chill IT (Self-Care & Creative Expression)- Free
Move IT (Physical Fitness & Games)- Free
Pick IT (Free Choice & Supervised Activities)- Free
Summer Spark Camp
Payments are non-refundable. We accept cash, credit or money orders made payable to: South Side Help Center.
We are proud to provide free nutritious meals for all youth enrolled in our summer programs, thanks to support from the USDA Food and Nutrition Program, administered by the Illinois State Board of Education, and sponsored by the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Meals are distributed by our local food service partner, Gourmet Gorilla.
Youth under 18 participating in programming are eligible to receive one free meal per day during the summer.
All meals are reviewed by a registered dietitian and designed to meet the nutritional needs and taste preferences of growing youth.
Youth are welcome to bring their own meals or snacks to enjoy during designated meal periods.
Youth under age 14 will not be allowed to leave the premises to purchase lunch.
Youth will be required to bring Lunch on field trips unless otherwise provided.
Our goal is to ensure every participant has the energy and nourishment to fully enjoy and engage in summer activities.
To ensure a smooth and successful summer, South Side Help Center will host a Parent/Caregiver Orientation for all families registered in our summer programs.
During orientation, we will review program expectations, safety procedures, daily schedules, and answer any questions you may have. We strongly encourage all parents and caregivers to attend one of the scheduled sessions.
Orientation Dates:
June 3 – In-Person & Virtual
June 11 – In-Person
June 16 – In-Person
Location: South Side Help Center
💻 Virtual Option: Available on June 3 (link will be sent to registered families)
Once you register, a member of our team will contact you with more details and your assigned orientation date.
Orientation is an important step to ensure a positive experience for your child—we look forward to partnering with you for a great summer!