As a result of the February 5, 2025 Special Meeting of the Village of Antioch Board of Trustees, this page has been dedicated to offer communication and resources regarding the recent closure of the Camp Crayon Program.

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Recreation Programming and Camp Crayon FAQs

  1. Why was the Camp Crayon preschool program ended so abruptly?
    Village staff had been working to address challenges and explore opportunities to strengthen its recreation programs, facilities, and communication tools. Through the research, it was discovered Camp Crayon had been operating without the necessary legal licensing or exemptions in accordance with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Operations were suspended on Wednesday, Feb. 5 with the advice and consent of the village board and staff. The decision followed a “thorough legal review and discussion,” by village and park officials.
  2. Why is this just now being discovered?
    Changes made in the interpretation of DCFS licensing rules occurred sometime between 2015 and 2019. These changes included a state licensure requirement. Upon researching the program, we discovered that department leadership had failed to notify elected officials and village administration about the expired deadline for an extension that was filed by them some years prior. Unfortunately, such information could have been brought up at weekly staff meetings or at monthly park board meetings. As a result, Camp Crayon had been operating in violation of the licensing requirements. A recent review showed prior department leadership was aware of the licensing requirements in 2022 but did not act toward compliance. We continue to gather evidence to substantiate these beliefs and will immediately notify the appropriate legal authority of any suspected criminal wrongdoing so that outside parties can conduct the appropriate investigations.
  3. Why can’t Camp Crayon parents and teachers use the Band App anymore to communicate anymore?
    A decision was made by the Village to temporarily suspend use of the Band app for communication to ensure compliance with Illinois’ Local Records Act and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which requires certain communications be retained and accessible. We are working to find a solution that meets these legal requirements while still providing a convenient and reliable way to stay connected.
  4. Is all this why the Village of Antioch is sending its recreation programs to Lindenhurst?
     The Village began exploring potential partnerships with the Lindenhurst Park District at the direction of the Village Board several months ago. The intent of this is to form a collaboration—or an intergovernmental agreement—to bring new opportunities, enhance programming, and improve facilities for both communities, thus creating a sustainable future for our programs.At the same time, staff began looking at ways to enhance Camp Crayon’s facilities to address safety concerns, improve accessibility, and create a better environment for our children and staff. This led to the discovery of the incompliance.
  5. Would the IGA with Lindenhurst Park District result in the elimination of village staff or the dissolution of the Parks Department entirely?
    No. In fact, the IGA’s intent is to enable the Village to evaluate ways to make our recreation programs stronger. It is our hope that by having Lindenhurst temporarily manage our camps and programs, Antioch’s Parks and Recreation staff could focus on the much-needed renovation of our parks while working on ways to better serve the recreation needs of our community. These efforts will be led by the village’s new Parks and Recreation Director, who is expected to start this spring.
  6. Are any communication alternatives being considered?
    Yes. Other app-based communication platforms more commonly used by educational institutions focusing on FOIA compliance and other relevant regulations are currently being evaluated. By carefully evaluating these platforms and implementing appropriate archiving solutions, we can maintain effective communication with parents while ensuring compliance with FOIA requirements.For now, the Village is staying in communication with parents and teachers via email. If you would like to start receiving these updates, email Rachel Alcozer at ralcozer@antioch.il.gov.
  7. What is the Village doing to help parents whose children were enrolled in the program at the time of its closure?
    The Village is working with the Lindenhurst Park District to transfer students to their preschool program in the interim. Staff is also in communication with other nearby entities, and discussions between Village leadership and DCFS are taking place daily as we work toward short- and long-term solutions.
  8. How will the closure of Camp Crayon affect staff and teachers?
    Teachers will be paid their full wages through the end of the current school year.
  1. When will Camp Crayon open back up?
    It is hard to say currently. We understand there are many concerns regarding this abrupt change. We will continue to engage with the community as we all work together as we explore our options.
  1. Will parents of children enrolled in Camp Crayon be receiving refunds? What about scholarship recipients?
    The board is expected to approve full refunds to parents for the tuition they have paid to date.  Those who paid in full, will receive a full amount.  Those who pay monthly will receive a refund of all payments made to date.