In the enchanted land of Illinois, where the prairies sway, and the bustling city of Chicago roars, resides a delightful bunch of kids who have an unusual hobby. They are not astronauts exploring far-off galaxies or cowboys taming wild steeds; instead, they are the brave Sailing Sprites of Illinois! In this charming state, where skyscrapers touch the clouds and cornfields stretch as far as the eye can see, these kids have made the sprawling Lake Michigan their playground. The Sailing Sprites, as they are known, embark on thrilling adventures every day, navigating the glittering waters with laughter and courage. Leading the Sailing Sprites is their fearless captain, a whimsical character known as Nautical Nellie. With her hair as wild as the Chicago wind and a laugh as loud as a foghorn, Nellie is an extraordinary sight. Her imagination is as vast as the Illinois plains, and every sailing trip is an epic tale of swashbuckling pirates, hidden treasures, and mythical sea creatures. Nellie's sidekick is Shelly, a cheeky seagull with a penchant for pizza from the famous Illinois pizzerias. Shelly doesn't just accompany Nellie and her crew on their sailing escapades; she provides a constant stream of comedy, chattering away about her love for deep-dish pizza and her attempts to perfect the art of flipper-dipping. In Illinois, the Sailing Sprites and their hilarious companions turn every day into an adventure. They glide into the sunrise, their laughter echoing across the water, and their hearts filled with the spirit of Illinois - brave, lively, and ever ready to explore the uncharted waters of imagination and fun!
Read moremore sailing programs near Crystal Lake, IL


What began in a humble New York City apartment with just a single student, Spark, has since blossomed into an enriching program impacting thousands of children. Our unique educational approach combines the elements of art, yoga, meditation, and nature to create a holistic learning environment. This distinctive blend is what sets Spark apart, allowing us to reach and inspire a multitude of children in truly meaningful ways. With an array of offerings to accommodate various schedules and needs, Spark has something for everyone. Our services extend beyond the standard after school and weekend classes to include holiday and summer camps, birthday parties, portfolio preparation, private classes, and custom pods. We also welcome homeschool groups and are thrilled to announce the recent addition of a forest school program to our repertoire. You can find Spark on-site in various schools and at our main studio located in the Upper West Side. But we're not stopping there - we're also planning to expand to the Upper East Side and Brooklyn. For our families in Pennsylvania, we run the program from our family studio there. And if you're not in close proximity to any of our locations, don't worry. We offer in-home instruction and virtual options to ensure that Spark can reach you, no matter where you are. We invite you to explore all the ways you can experience Spark and look forward to helping bring our program to you.


Our travelers often come back with a better understanding of the world and the people in it. They are more aware of their global context and the need to make a difference. Through their service and stewardship of the natural world, our travelers learn to appreciate and respect the beauty of the places they visit. We strive to make a lasting impact on our travelers. We believe that the experiences we provide have the power to change young people’s lives. We are passionate about giving our travelers the opportunity to not only explore the world but also to make a meaningful impact on the places they visit. We want them to gain the skills, knowledge, and connections necessary to help make the world a better place.


At CLRC, our junior and masters rowing club based on Crystal Lake in the city of Crystal Lake, Illinois, we are committed to helping young adults get the most out of the sport of rowing. Our boathouse is located in Naoki Kamijima Park, and our Learn to Row camps are a great way for young adults in grades 8-12 to get an introduction to the sport and see if it is the right fit for them. Led by our experienced coaches and junior crew athletes, our camps provide an opportunity for young adults to learn the basics of rowing and get a feel for the sport. Whether they are interested in joining the crew or simply curious about the sport, our Learn to Row camps provide a great way for them to get their feet wet. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to learn the sport of rowing! Sign up for a spot on our waiting list with the link under this tab to be notified of upcoming sessions. We can't wait to meet you out on the water!


At the Northwestern University Sailing Center, everyone is welcome. We offer sailing classes, windsurfing, and paddle boarding for people of all skill levels, from first-time sailors to experienced skippers. On top of that, the center provides breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline. So, if you're looking for an exciting outdoor activity, why not try sailing? It's an experience you won't forget!


Sheridan Shore Sailing School has been offering students the opportunity to learn the exhilarating sport of sailing for over 50 years. Our courses emphasize both sailing skill and the importance of seamanship, and are designed for individuals of all levels of experience, from beginners to more advanced sailors. Our instructors are certified by U.S. or Canadian Sailing Associations and our classes have a low student to instructor ratio, allowing for plenty of personalized attention. With a wide variety of courses available, everyone can find something that’s right for them.