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With summer on the horizon, many Naperville parents are searching for camps and workshops that offer meaningful sessions for their school-aged children, and those seeking creative experiences for their kids are sure to find them.<\/p>\n
Naperville Park District, DuPage Children\u2019s Museum, and Naperville Art League are just a few of the sites that offer impactful and fun educational opportunities that stimulate imagination, encourage experimentation, and inspire emotional expression.<\/p>\n
For students interested in choral or instrumental music, one option is Amatones, a new nonprofit that is gaining momentum. After a successful pilot phase, the organization expanded its offerings and scheduled several camps, serving students in grades 2 through 12, including graduates of the Class of 2026.<\/p>\n
Sessions run throughout June, with dates and times varying by camp. Each program provides planned rehearsals led by experienced musicians and concludes with a public concert or recital. Camps are held at Grace Pointe Church, 1320 E. Chicago Avenue, Naperville, and range in price from $40 to $85.<\/p>\n
\u201cAmatones was founded out of a desire to make high quality musical opportunities more accessible to young people in our community,\u201d said Alex Amato, founder and creative director. \u201cAfter leading a teen run choir program and seeing the confidence, musicianship, and sense of belonging it created, I recognized the need for arts programming that empowers students to grow both artistically and personally.\u201d<\/p>\n
With an abundance of energy and a cache of ideas, this driven entrepreneur is also a peer to those he teaches.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a high school student leading a nonprofit, I bring a perspective that is both relatable and inspiring to younger students,\u201d Amato said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause I am close to their age, I understand the challenges they face and can connect with them in a way that feels approachable and encouraging.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the same time, my experience as a pianist, vocalist, and artistic director allows me to model leadership, discipline, and commitment in a way that shows younger students what is possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a rare kind of leadership \u2013 one that meets students where they are and helps them see how far they can go.<\/p>\n
Additional information on classes and registration can be found on amatones.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n Art Talk \u2013 The Morning DJ(s) on WONC<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n