Everything you need to know
We’re thrilled to welcome your child to Ahead Academy’s Braid Camp this summer! Below is everything you need to know to help them prepare and get the most out of their experience.
📅 Camp Dates & Hours
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Camp runs 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
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Monday–Thursday
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Camp groups:
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Grades 3rd–5th
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Grades 6th–8th
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📍 Location
Boxville – 330 E 51st St, Chicago. This summer, we’re thrilled to host Braid Camp in our brand new space at Bronzeville’s Boxville! Campers will learn and create inside our one-of-a-kind shipping container classroom, enjoy group lunches and activities in the Bronzeville Incubator space, and make use of Boxville’s outdoor areas for fun and movement throughout the day.
👯♀️ Small Group Experience
To create the best possible experience for your child, camp is intentionally limited to just 6 participants per session.
This small group size allows us to provide a low student-to-adult ratio — meaning each camper receives personalized, hands-on support throughout every part of the day.
🥪 Meals & Snacks
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We break for lunch around 11:15–11:30 AM, usually on the rooftop at the Bronzville Incubator.
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We provide lunch and light snacks for all campers. If your child has any dietary restrictions, please notify us asap.
The full schedule:
9:00 AM | Arrival & Check-In
Campers settle in, connect with friends, and get ready for the day.
9:15 AM | Welcome & Daily Overview
We introduce the day’s goals and activities in a fun, welcoming circle.
9:30 AM | Icebreaker
Interactive games that help campers build friendships and confidence. Examples include "Get to Know You Bingo," Tetris Tumble, and Color Sorting.
10:00 AM | Hair Braiding Lesson
Campers learn professional braiding techniques — such as cornrows, large box braids, curly styles, and more — using mannequin heads. They’ll also explore the cultural history and significance of these styles.
11:30 AM | Lunch
Lunch is served from local Black-owned restaurants on the rooftop at the Bronzeville Incubator (weather permitting).
12:15 PM | Braiding Continued
Campers practice and refine their braiding skills while expressing creativity and trying new styles.
1:00 PM | Self-Love & Empowerment Activity
Campers engage in guided discussions and hands-on activities focused on building self-confidence, self-love, hair pride, and resilience. Projects include creating Strengths Lists, Self-Love Jars, Hair Affirmation Cards, and "Open When" letters.
2:00 PM | Free Choice & Snack
Campers choose from a variety of relaxing and creative activities, such as yoga, drawing, coloring, friendship bracelet making, hairstyling practice, vision board creation, reading, icebreaker games, jump rope, and badminton.
3:00 PM | Dismissal
Parents pick up campers, who leave feeling empowered and inspired!
Still have questions? Shoot us a text or give us a call at 317-500-8664!