Kindergarten Countdown Camp
Thank you to our generous funders: BMO, The Grainger Foundation, Schreiber Philanthropy, and United Way of Lake County’s Women United.
Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC) is a free summer learning program for children entering kindergarten this fall with little to no preschool experience.
Held in local elementary school classrooms and led by licensed teachers, KCC helps children build confidence, practice classroom routines, and strengthen foundational skills for a smooth transition into kindergarten.
Research shows that children who participate in early learning experiences are more likely to start kindergarten socially and emotionally ready to succeed.
Kindergarten Countdown Camp
Registration
Program Dates & Details
Registration is now full for Summer 2026. Thank you for your interest in Kindergarten Countdown Camp. Please check back in spring 2027 for information about next year's program.
To participate, your child must:
Be entering kindergarten this fall,
have limited or no preschool experience,
live in a participating school district, and
be registered for kindergarten with their school district before KCC begins.
Antioch School District
June 8–June 30 (Monday–Thursday)
8:00 AM–12:00 PM
W.C. Petty Elementary School
850 Highway Dr, Antioch
Beach Park School District
July 13–August 6 (Monday–Thursday)
8:00 AM–12:00 PM
Kenneth Murphy Elementary School
11315 W Wadsworth Rd, Beach Park
LEARN John and Kathy Schreiber Campus
Contact LEARN Charter in Waukegan for KCC opportunities.
Round Lake School District
June 1–June 25 (Monday–Thursday)
8:00 AM–12:00 PM
Beach Elementary School
1421 Ardmore Dr, Round Lake Beach
Waukegan School District
June 2–June 30 (Monday–Thursday)
8:30 AM–12:30 PM
Robbie Lightfoot Early Learning Center (EPIC)
1721 N McAree Rd, Waukegan
QUESTIONS?
Contact Marissa Gomez
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 847-775-1058
(Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM)
Positive Results
Readiness Skill Growth
In 2025, students made measurable gains in kindergarten readiness.
At the start of camp, 39% of students were “in progress” or better in key skills.
By the end of KCC, 74% reached that level — a 90% increase in just one summer.
Children build readiness in areas teachers say matter most, including:
- Recognizing letters, numbers, shapes, and colors
- Writing their name
- Early reading skills (like rhyming and book familiarity)
- Fine motor skills
Featured Stories
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Kindergarten Countdown Camp, including eligibility, schedule, and what to expect during the program.
What is Kindergarten Countdown Camp?
Kindergarten Countdown Camp is a free summer learning program that helps children get ready for their first day of kindergarten. Led by licensed kindergarten teachers, the program helps children build confidence by practicing classroom routines, making new friends, and strengthening skills like recognizing the letters, numbers, and shapes.
Who is eligible to attend?
Children who will enter kindergarten in Fall 2026 and have less than 6 months of preschool experience may be eligible. To participate, your child must be registered for kindergarten and live within one of the participating school district boundaries listed above.
Is the program really free?
Yes. Kindergarten Countdown Camp is provided at no cost to families through United Way of Lake County in partnership with local school districts. Each child’s spot is fully funded and includes classroom supplies and materials for the program.
You can view a checklist of items to bring on the first day here.
Are meals or transportation provided?
Meals and transportation may be available at some locations, but details vary by school district. Please review the location information above for the most up-to-date details.
Where is Kindergarten Countdown Camp located, and what are the hours?
Kindergarten Countdown Camp takes place at participating elementary schools in each district. Program dates, times, and locations are listed above. Please review the details for your school district before submitting your interest form.
How do I sign up and what documents do I need?
To get started, complete the Interest Form for your school district using the links above.
You must also complete your child’s official kindergarten registration with your school district to qualify for a spot.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
We’re here to help you and your child prepare for this big milestone.
Please contact Marissa Gomez at [email protected] or 847-775-1057 if you have questions about Kindergarten Countdown Camp.