COOL SUMMER EXPERIENCE

We believe students learn best by talking and doing! Our award-winning summer program, Cool Summer Experience, for rising second through twelfth graders combines creativity + curiosity + fun.  Each week’s adventures align with CLE’s focus areas:

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Environmental Citizenship: Our teachers utilize an inquiry and project-based approach to equip students with the tools and desire to build a more just and sustainable future. Second and third graders focus on the fundamentals of sustainability practices and enjoy native plant gardens that double as learning laboratories. Grades four and five focus on healthy soil and visit the Greentown Grows community garden each week for stewardship and service learning. Our sixth and seventh graders uncover the mysteries of the local branches of the Lake Michigan watershed and sharpen their advocacy skills. Students in grades eight and up focus on building confidence and leadership, as they explore career options and ways to best share their gifts with the world. No matter their age, all students are able to explore the fun and beauty of nature while building their skills, confidence, and creativity.

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Creative Expressions: Our staff incorporate the creative arts, such as photography, music, poetry, filmmaking, dance, and more, into their lesson plans on a daily basis. Past projects have included a mural, upcycled structural art, photography displays, and short films and music videos.

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Social Connections: Each week, students enjoy exciting eco-excursions and unstructured outdoor play. Our unique blend of authentic opportunities for peer engagement and instruction in cultural, social, and emotional literacies gives families plenty of reason to celebrate!

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CLE's Celebration of Our Learning (COOL) is our signature event which draws families, friends, and partners to watch the children showcase their summer discoveries. The interactive celebration includes class presentations, a Community Fair and refreshments. Past fairs have included a Farmer's Market featuring produce grown by students in the CLE garden, a Waukegan oral history digital exhibition, and even a song about water protection and conversation co-written by the students and a professional musician.