Frequently Asked Questions: Summer@IMSA

A. Summer@IMSA programs are first-come, first-serve, and programs fill quickly, so register as soon as you select the best program for your student.

A. You may opt for an alternate program or elect to join the waiting list (online) for your preferred program.

A. No—our programs are great opportunities to learn and have fun with other students of similar ages.

A. A limited number of financial-need-based scholarships are available for all of our programs. Look for the “Apply for a Scholarship” button. Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis, so it is to your advantage to complete all parts of the scholarship application in a timely manner.

For Aurora and Springfield programs (excluding Integrated Science - please see this page for specific details on this program), the student’s family must submit evidence of their financial need to qualify for a scholarship. If a family qualifies for SNAP or Free/Reduced lunch, they are eligible for an IMSA scholarship. If you do not have a document in your possession showing SNAP/Free/reduced lunch participation or have difficulty getting it from your school or IDHS, you may submit a screenshot showing eligibility. Alternatively, a 2021 or 2022 federal tax return showing proof of family income may be submitted. Please contact us at studentenrichment@imsa.edu if you have difficulty with this requirement.

For Metro East Day Programs, students can qualify for summer program scholarships either through military affiliation OR financial need. Please see this page for details. 

Applying and qualifying for a scholarship does not guarantee you will receive a scholarship award, nor does it hold a spot for you in the programs since our scholarships are limited. Award recipients will be notified via email and must reply to the scholarship offer within the time period indicated in the email. WATCH YOUR EMAIL and CHECK YOUR SPAM FOLDER! Scholarship recipients must pay an administrative fee to confirm their attendance in our weeklong programs - $30 for day programs and $50 for residential programs.

You may either pay for program registration OR apply for a scholarship and await award notification. Your scholarship application will not be considered if you complete a paid registration.

A. Please choose your programs carefully. The refund policies are as follows: 

Day Programs: Full tuition refunds (less the non-refundable $50 registration fee for in-person programs) will be honored through April 15. Any cancellations after April 15 and through June 1 will receive a refund of 50% of the tuition (less the $50 non-refundable registration fee). Requests for tuition refunds (less the $50 non-refundable registration fee) must be written by email to studentenrichment@imsa.edu. Please include the program name and date, your child’s name, and your name. Phone call requests for refunds will not be accepted. No refund requests whatsoever will be granted after June 1. No refunds will be made to a camper/student who, for disciplinary reasons, is asked to leave Summer@IMSA. We do not issue credits for any days students may miss.

Residential Programs: Full tuition refunds (less the non-refundable $50 registration fee for in-person programs) will be honored through April 15. Any cancellations after April 15 and through May 15 will receive a refund of 50% of the tuition (less the $50 non-refundable registration fee). Requests for tuition refunds (less the $50 non-refundable registration fee) must be written by email to studentenrichment@imsa.edu. Please include the program name and date, your child’s name, and your name. Phone call requests for refunds will not be accepted. No refund requests whatsoever will be granted after May 15. No refunds will be made to a camper/student who, for disciplinary reasons, is asked to leave Summer@IMSA. We do not issue credits for any days students may miss.

A. For select programs, there may be more than one pod (classroom) for each program. IMSA will do its best to honor one mutual friend's request to pair two students in the same program pod. Please note only one mutual friend request to be placed in the same class— the first one we receive–will be honored. No exceptions. Due to the small class size, we will not honor requests to put groups of 3 or more students together. 

Participants must request each other for the request to be fulfilled. Requested parties must be registered for the same program (i.e., a participant in the 3-4 program cannot be grouped with a participant in the 5-6 program). The form must be completed again for multiple events/registrations. The form is due two weeks before the program starts. We cannot accommodate requests made after this date. Please note we reserve the right to separate friends if their pairing results in disruptive behavior. This form can be filled out online by logging in to your ACTIVE.com account after completing registration. This information will also be communicated in the confirmation email you will receive right after registering.

A. Tell us your concerns in the Health Information section of the registration form. We cannot allow students with acute contagious conditions to attend our programs, but students with conditions such as asthma or ADHD can attend and enjoy our programs. Students with Epi-pens and inhalers are required to carry their own medication. Our nurse is on duty from 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Other personnel are trained in first aid.

A. We do not administer prescription medications during day programs and will only provide children with over-the-counter medications (i.e., ibuprofen) if you permit the nurse. If your child has a prescription that they need during the day, they must carry it and administer it themselves. If your child requires a narcotic prescription during the day, a parent/guardian will need to come to campus to administer this unless advance, specific arrangements are made directly with the IMSA health office.

For residential programs, campers will turn in their prescription medications to the Residential Counselor (RC) upon arrival on campus. The nurse and RC will coordinate prescription medication dispensing.

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A. We will work within the State of Illinois, CDC, and American Camp Association recommendations to provide a COVID-Careful camp experience. We will keep registered families updated as to what our policies and expectations will be as we get closer to summer. Please note that as a residential school, IMSA is considered a congregate setting and may have different health protocols than a typical school setting.

A.

For Aurora day programs, nothing, unless they would prefer to bring lunch due to allergies or dietary restrictions. Campers change classrooms frequently, so we recommend a backpack if needed because losing or leaving things behind is easy.

For residential programs, here is a suggested packing list.  All meals, materials, and equipment will be provided. 

For Metro East and Springfield programs, students just need to bring just lunch and a refillable water bottle. Materials and equipment are all provided. 

A. Our device policy is similar to many schools—they are not allowed during the program day except at lunch (for all students). Teachers may confiscate phones if they are being used inappropriately.

A. You will receive a more detailed letter with additional information before the start of the program, but for day programs, be prepared to check in with program personnel and meet your students’ group leader on the first morning. 

For residential programs, students arrive after dinner on Sunday. There will be a short meeting for families to review the program expectations and meet program staff, and then campers will move into the residence hall. 

A. We do not provide extended care. Please be timely and prompt with drop-off and pick-up for the best and safest experience for every participant. IMSA day programs end at 3:00 p.m. Any parent/guardian picking up a child late will be assessed a fee of $15 per child for any pickup 15 minutes late and $5 per 5-minute period after that (i.e., 15-19 min. late = $15, 20-24 min. late = $20, 25-29 min. late =$25, etc.). Late fees are due on the child’s next day of camp.

A. We cannot give out personal information about other participants. In the past, parents have introduced themselves to others to connect and form carpools.

A. Please authorize the other driver on the Emergency Contact and Health form during online registration. It’s also helpful to speak to your child's group leader so they are aware that a different person may be picking up your child.