What makes Chicago Fire FC Residential Camps unique and what can I expect?
Chicago Fire FC Residential Camps are premium camps unlike any other in the Midwest, and are the only residential camps operated directly by a professional soccer club. We aim to create a fun and competitive environment where players can learn and grow. The camp strives to create a well-rounded curriculum with the intention of teaching as many first-team philosophies as possible.
Do I need to check in on the first day of camp?
Yes, check-in will take place at the Residence Hall on day 1 of your camp.
- 1:30pm - 2:30pm – Campus arrival and check-in at the Residence Hall
- 2:45pm - 3:30pm – Opening address
- 4:00pm - 5:30pm – Field Sessions
- 6:00pm – Commuter pick-up
- 6:00pm - 7:00pm – Dinner at the Dining Hall
- 8:00pm - 9:00pm – Age group meetings
Note: Players should eat lunch before arriving as dinner is not until 6pm. Once you have dropped off your child and they are settled in their dorm you are free to leave. Parents/guardians are, however, welcome and encouraged to stay for the opening address.
Is there a set check-out location and procedure?
Yes, check-out takes place following the closing address on the final day of camp. Players’ belongings should be packed and ready for departure directly following the closing address.
- 7:00am - 8:00am – Breakfast
- 8:30am - 9:00am – Technical warm-up
- 9:00am - 11:00am – Game session
- 11:30am - 11:45am – Closing camp address
- 11:45am – Campers clean out their dorm rooms and check out outside the Residence Hall
Note: Parents/guardians are invited to come and watch training and games on the final day. Following the closing address, players should proceed to the dorms to gather their belongings, then to check out with their parent/guardian(s) to officially check out from the camp.
What if I need to check my child in late?
It is important that players check-in during the scheduled time on the first day of camp. The camp opening address is conducted on the first day shortly after check-in. If you are not able to arrive during the scheduled time on the first day of camp, please contact Dean Arrowsmith at darrowsmith@chicagofirefc.com.
What do I do if I need to pick my child up early?
We expect all players to attend all sessions through the last day of camp. This provides the highest quality experience for every player and within their training group. We understand there may be unavoidable circumstances that make it necessary to check your child out before the last day. If a player needs to be picked up early, please notify Dean Arrowsmith as soon as possible at darrowsmith@chicagofirefc.com.
What if I need someone other than myself to pick my child up at check-out?
Please provide a signed note with the full name of the person you authorize to pick your child up. If the change occurs during the camp week please contact the personnel listed on the camp-specific FAQ and notify them of the change. Those individuals picking up the player will need to bring photo identification, matching the name provided. Please be aware that our staff will not allow any child to be picked up by someone that the child does not recognize. If there is someone not permitted to pick your child up, please contact Dean Arrowsmith at darrowsmith@chicagofirefc.com.
How are players grouped at our Residential Camps?
Players will be grouped based on their age and ability, after testing on day one. Grouping is reviewed at the end of each day and players may be moved accordingly to ensure they are in the correct development environment and are constantly being challenged.
Can my child choose a roommate?
You can make a request during the registration process. However, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate every request we receive. We will do our best to accommodate as many requests as we can.
Are players supervised at all times?
Yes, on and off the field camper health and safety is our number one priority. We follow a strict safety policy that ensures that there is always adequate camper supervision at all times. In addition to camp staff and coaches, we will also have same-sex Residential Assistants (RAs) who will stay on campus for the duration of camp. We also ensure that each camper is accounted for during the day as we move throughout the campus, and formally checked out of camp by an approved adult.
What will happen in cases of injury or illness?
There will be a qualified athletic trainer or EMT present during the week to provide on-field treatment. However, the usual course of action once any serious injury is stabilized, is to contact the parents/guardians and, if necessary, the local emergency services. In the registration process, we also ask important medical-related questions so that we are always aware of any pre-existing injury or illness.
What if my child needs to bring medication to an overnight camp?
If your child will be taking medication while at an overnight camp, the prescribing physician must provide signed approval on all medications, including over-the-counter medications. Campers are NOT ALLOWED to hold onto medication while at camp. If your child is found in possession of medication, either prescription or over-the-counter medication, parents/guardians will be called for immediate pick up from camp. At camp check-in, ALL prescription and over-the-counter medications along with a signed medication authorization form must be turned in to camp staff. Prescription medications must be in their original containers bearing the pharmacy label and have specific instructions for use (Child’s name, dosage, # pills inside, prescribing practitioner, pharmacy name & address, filler's initials, serial #).
A self-administration process is used on overnight camps. Self-administration of medications will only be allowed for those individuals determined to be "self-directed". The determination as to whether or not a camper should be considered for self-administration will be conducted by the Camp Director and will be based on the camper's ability to correctly identify the medication, dosage, and reason for need. Additionally, we do not keep supplies of over-the-counter medication at camp.
Does Residential Camp cater for special dietary needs?
Menu flexibility varies. Our goal is to offer healthy and varied food options. There are times, however, when a dining hall can’t accommodate all special dietary needs. If your child has a special dietary need, please contact Youth Soccer staff via phone at (872) 710-0563 or via email at gsanchez@chicagofirefc.com to see if the dietary request can be accommodated.
What happens if there is inclement weather?
If there is just rain, we play! However, if the weather presents a safety concern on the field, there are opportunities for indoor activities. The common areas will be set up for usage during potential rain delays with indoor activities. If available, a gym space may be used to continue training sessions. Indoor shoes or sneakers are required for most gym floors, so please pack accordingly. The health and safety of our players remains our number one concern.
What happens if there is extreme heat?
The Camp Director is responsible for monitoring the weather forecast daily. If the heat index rises to extreme or dangerous levels the camp day will be adjusted accordingly. There are a number of possible activities that the players will have the opportunity to partake in that will allow them to safely avoid the heat. As stated previously, the health and safety of our players remains our number one concern.
How can my child contact me or how can I contact my child throughout the week?
If your child has a cell phone they may use it only in their rooms. We do not allow players to carry their phones around campus or have them during mealtimes. You will also have the cell phone number of the Camp Director and an on-site supervisor, who you can contact in an emergency.
Are the parents/guardians allowed to come and watch during the week?
Yes, parents/guardians may attend to watch sessions or games in the evening from 6:30pm - 8:00pm. However, we will be limiting parent-child interaction in order to keep our groups together and to stay on schedule. No visits are allowed outside these hours. We believe that the more you allow your child to immerse themselves in the soccer environment, the more they will get out of the experience. Although we encourage our players to call home periodically, calling them several times a day can be counter-productive. Quite often, a text message is better. Please bear this in mind when communicating with your child. For child protection reasons, when visiting, parents/guardians are not allowed to enter the dormitories. If you are bringing extra clothing/equipment for players, please meet them outside the dorms or give the extra clothing/equipment to a coach or RA.
What will ‘evening entertainment’ consist of?
We will spend some time each night doing fun team-building activities, trivia, watching movies, and analyzing soccer matches on tv.
What clothing should my child wear at our Residential Camps?
A complete recommended packing list will be emailed closer to camp. For meals, downtime, meetings, and evening entertainment, players are free to wear comfortable clothing. During training and games, though, players will be required to wear the provided camp kit. Ensure that your child brings plenty of soccer socks as that is NOT included in the kit. Please also have your player prepared for inclement weather.
What should my child refrain from bringing to our Residential Camps?
Please be sure that your player refrains from bringing the following items: expensive or cherished items (jewelry, clothing, etc.), unnecessary electronics (iPads, laptops, etc.), refrigerators, air conditioners, or other large electronics/small appliances, excessive food, and any junk food, soda, and candy, and any other dangerous items.
Can I provide my child with food for their dorms?
Yes, limited food is allowed in the dorms. However, the food must be in sealed containers and be nonperishable. There is no refrigeration available. Please refrain from bringing any candy or other junk food. Please also be conscious of other players' allergies when packing certain foods.
Do the dorms have air conditioning?
Yes, all dorm rooms will be fully air-conditioned in the Residence Hall.
Will bedding be provided and if not, what should I bring?
Bedding will not be provided. Campers will be responsible for bringing their own linens, pillow, towels, and any other bedroom-related items. Linens are available from the college at an additional cost. You will need to reach out to Dean Arrowsmith at darrowsmith@chicagofirefc.com immediately to get them ordered ahead of time.
What is the cancellation policy after payment has been made?
If payment has already been made, you may receive a refund up to one (1) month before camp (minus a 25% cancellation fee).
After May 16th (Michigan) and June 7th (Illinois), no refunds will be given for any reason.
What is the dorm room configuration at each location?
All dorm rooms will be double occupancy, two players to a room. All players will be in the same building at theResidence Hall.
Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
