Camp Compass 2026: That’s a Wrap!

July 16, 2026 Camp Compass Updates

Another Blockbuster Summer of Learning and Adventure

Cue the lights and roll the cameras! Since opening day on June 16, Camp Compass has put on another amazing performance, bringing together 476 campers in grades K-5 at three camp sites: Addams Elementary, Matheny-Withrow Elementary, and Fairview Elementary.

Every great production starts long before opening day.

Behind the Scenes

Before campers ever walked through the doors, our incredible cast and crew were hard at work preparing for a successful summer. Certified teachers, camp counselors, site administrators, and Compass staff gathered for a few days of professional development, participating in engaging training sessions, collaborating as teams, and planning lessons that would help every camper succeed both academically and socially.

Thank you to Courtney Blankenship, Erica Austin, Tia Mahr, and David Ziebler for sharing your knowledge and leading training sessions with the camp staff.

Opening Preview Party

Each Camp Compass site kicked off the summer with a Family Kick-off Event, welcoming campers and families with foam parties, face painting, games, and snacks. It was the perfect way to introduce campers to their site while building excitement for the adventures ahead.

A Summer Worthy of Five Stars

Every morning, campers worked alongside certified teachers to strengthen their literacy and math skills. Pre- and post-assessments allow us to measure the proven impact of Camp Compass and the academic growth campers achieve.

Afternoons were filled with opportunities for campers to explore new interests, build friendships, and create lasting memories through interactive and creative enrichment activities, outdoor play, and fun field trips.

Field trips included:

Nelson Center Swimming Pool
Kidzeum
Adams Wildlife Sanctuary
BounceTag
King Pin Bowling
Memorial Wellness Center
Illinois State Museum

Campers also welcomed an incredible lineup of community partners and special guests who helped bring learning to life, including:

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Autumn’s Exotic Animals
Central Illinois Wildlife
Chess with Steven
David Ziebler
Dominican Sisters
Family Guidance Center
First Bankers Trust
Gay Sybert
Girl Scouts of Central Illinois
Gracie Humaita JiuJitsu
Granny Bee
Hoogland Center for the Arts
Jim Endris
Lincoln Library
MadeWright
*Magician Richard Landry
Medics First
*Music Therapy Connections
National Park Service
National Weather Service
Pawsitive Therapy Dogs
*Salsa 29 Productions
Shirley McCandless
Springfield Police Department
*Tater Tots Rock
UIS Starlab
Zoe & Friends Music Theatre

*Several of this summer’s arts experiences were made possible through generous support from a grant provided by the Springfield Area Arts Council.

Taking the Story Home

Through our Backpack Feeding Program, campers had access to nutritious food. Each Friday, every camper headed home with a bag filled with shelf-stable food to help provide meals over the weekend.

This important effort was assisted by the incredible volunteers who stepped in behind the scenes. Throughout the summer, teams from Springfield Women’s Action Network, Bank of Springfield, Security Bank, Brooklyn Klatt and Friends, and the Jewish Federation generously gave their time to pack more than 400 bags of food for the weekend each week.

The Backpack Feeding Program is one more way Compass for Kids supports the whole child, providing resources that help campers feel cared for, supported, and ready to succeed.

Every Camper Has a Chance to Shine

When the final week arrived, the spotlight was on our campers.

Each Camp Compass site wrapped up the summer with a Talent Show, where campers celebrated their accomplishments by sharing their unique talents with friends, families, and staff. From music and dancing to comedy, creative performances, and plenty of cheering, Talent Show Day was the perfect finale to another unforgettable summer.

The Final Credits Are Still to Come

While Camp Compass concluded on July 17, the story isn’t over yet.

We’re currently compiling assessment data to measure the academic and social-emotional growth our campers achieved this summer, and we can’t wait to share the results. Every year, those numbers tell an incredible story of progress, confidence, and brighter futures.

Until then, enjoy the photo galleries below for a behind-the-scenes look at another blockbuster Camp Compass summer. Thank you to our dedicated Certified teachers, camp counselors, site administrators, Compass staff, volunteers, community partners, and supporters who helped make this season one our campers will never forget.