Virtual Backpack

Welcome to the virtual Backpack for DeKalb Community Unit School District 428. The Virtual Backpack was created to distribute information in a more “eco-friendly” way. Flyers that are approved will be available through the district website. While this doesn’t eliminate all paper copies sent home with students, it will reduce the amount.
Prior to submitting, please review the Virtual Backpack Guidelines for Flyer Approval

Materials posted on this page are the responsibility of the organization represented, and endorsement by DeKalb Community School District #428 is neither direct nor implied.

High School Day and Residential Camps July 6-10, 12-17 and 19-24 A week on our college campus can be a life-changing experience. At our camps, you’ll: • Learn from NIU faculty. • Discover majors and career pathways. • Connect with college-bound peers who share your interests. • Gain hands-on experience in the labs, classrooms and maker spaces of a large research university. Topics include: • Science Detectives: Forensic Analysis • Health and Medicine Careers • Monster Makers: Frankenstein, Texts and Technology • 3D Design and Prototyping • Film Production • Physics Careers • Speech and Debate • And more! We have camps for all ages! Day and residential camps for grades 2-12. June 22-July 30, 2026 Your summer adventure awaits! Learn more and register at go.niu.edu/steamcamps Campamentos diurnos y residenciales para escuela secundaria (entrando grados 9 a 12) 6 a 10, 12 a 17 y 19 a 24 de julio una semana en nuestro colegio puede ser una experiencia que cambia tu vida. En nuestros campamentos, tu: • Aprenderás de empleados de NIU. • Descubrirás caminos de especialidades y carreras. • Conectarás con estudiantes destinados a colegio con tus mismos intereses. • Conseguirás experiencia práctica en laboratorios, salones y espacios de producción de una gran universidad investigadora. Incluye estos temas: • Detective Científico: Análisis Forense • Carreras de Salud y Medicina • Creador de Monstruos: Frankenstein, Texto y Tecnología • Diseño y Prototipo 3D • Producción Cinematográfica • Carreras en Fisica • Discurso y Debate • Y mucho más! ¡Tenemos campamentos para todas las edades! Campamentos diurnos y residenciales para los grados 2 a 12. 22 de junio-30 de julio ¡Tu Aventura de Verano te espera! Aprender más y ingresar en go.niu.edu/steamcamps Middle School Day and Residential Camps July 6-10 and July 27-30 DAY Energy Innovators: Green Energy Engineering Explore solar and wind power, insulation and energy efficiency to build your own sustainable model house. Robots in the Ocean: Deep Sea Exploration Adventures Design robotic submarines, investigate mysterious ocean environments and discover real-world ocean careers. STEAM Careers Try hands-on activities in medical laboratory science, genetics, engineering and other exciting STEAM fields. We have camps for all ages! Day and residential camps for grades 2-12. June 22-July 30, 2026 Your summer adventure awaits! Learn more and register at go.niu.edu/steamcamps Middle School Day and Residential Camps RESIDENTIAL ¡Tu Aventura de Verano te espera! Aprender más y ingresar en go.niu.edu/steamcamps 6 a 10 de julio y 27 a 30 de julio Campamentos diurnos y residenciales para escuela secundaria (entrando grados 6 a 8) Innovadores de Energía: Ingeniería de Energía Verde Explora energías solar y eólica, aislamiento y eficiencia energética para construir tu propia modelo de casa sostenible. ¡Tenemos campamentos para todas las edades! Campamentos diurnos y residenciales para los grados 2 a 12. 22 de junio-30 de julio DIA RESIDENCIAL Robots en el Océano: Aventuras de Exploración de Aguas Profundas Diseña submarinos robóticos, investiga entornos oceanicos misteriosos y discubre carerras oceanicos. Carreras en STEAM Intenta actividades manuales en ciencias de laboratorio médicas, geneticas, ingenierias y otras carreras STEAM. Middle School Day and Residential Camps July 6-10 and July 27-30 DAY Energy Innovators: Green Energy Engineering Explore solar and wind power, insulation and energy efficiency to build your own sustainable model house. Robots in the Ocean: Deep Sea Exploration Adventures Design robotic submarines, investigate mysterious ocean environments and discover real-world ocean careers. STEAM Careers Try hands-on activities in medical laboratory science, genetics, engineering and other exciting STEAM fields. We have camps for all ages! Day and residential camps for grades 2-12. June 22-July 30, 2026 Your summer adventure awaits! Learn more and register at go.niu.edu/steamcamps Middle School Day and Residential Camps RESIDENTIAL STEAMCamps Campamentos diurnos Primarias 22 a 26 de junio y 6 a 10 de julio LAS DOS SEMANAS Taller de Asombro Exploradores STEAM Deja que la curiosidad tome el control mientras construyes, pintas y embragas en proyectos manuales. SOLO EN JULIO Misión STEAMpossible Libera al agente que llevas dentro con una semana de aventuras STEAM inspiradas en espías. Batallas Robóticos: La Gran Confrontación Robótica Diseña robots listos para batalla, aborda carreras de obstáculos y pon a prueba tus habilidades. Meriendas STEAM: Comida y Diversión Experimenta aventuras culinarias del jardín a mesa. ¡Tenemos campamentos para todas las edades! Campamentos diurnos y residenciales para los grados 2 a 12. 22 de junio-30 de julio ¡Tu Aventura de Verano te espera! Aprender más y ingresar en go.niu.edu/steamcamps STEAMCamps Elementary Day Camps June 22-26 and July 6-10 BOTH WEEKS STEAM Explorers Wonder Workshop Let curiosity take the lead as you build, paint and engage in hands-on projects. Mission STEAMpossible Unleash your inner agent with a week of spy-inspired STEAM adventures. Robo Battles: The Great Robot Showdown Design battle-ready robots, tackle obstacle courses and put your skills to the test. STEAM Snacks: Food and Fun Experience culinary adventures from garden to table. JULY ONLY We have camps for all ages! Day and residential camps for grades 2-12. June 22-July 30, 2026 Your summer adventure awaits! Learn more and register at go.niu.edu/steamcamps STEAMCamps Campamentos diurnos para todas edades En el campus de Northern Illinois University 22 de junio - 10 de julio Campamentos disponibles para escuelas primarias, secundarias y preparatorias. (separados en dos grupos: grados 6 a 8 y grados 9 a 12) Incluye estos temas: • Batallas Robóticos: La Gran Confrontación Robótica • Innovadores de Energía: Ingeniería de Energía Verde • Detective Científico: Análisis Forense • Chispeando Cambio: ¿Que Hace una Revolución? • La Química Detrás de Diseño Medicinal • Y mucho mas... También tenemos campamentos residenciales! 12 de junio a 30 de julio ¡Tu Aventura de Verano te espera! Aprender más y ingresar en go.niu.edu/steamcamps STEAMCamps Day Camps For All Ages On the Campus of Northern Illinois University June 22 - July 10, 2026 Elementary, middle school and high school camps available. Topics include: • Robo Battles: The Great Robot Showdown E/MS • Energy Innovators: Green Energy Engineering MS • Science Detectives: Forensic Analysis HS • Sparking Change: What Makes a Revolution? HS • The Chemistry Behind Medicine Design HS • And more… We also have residential camps! July 12-July 30, 2026 Your summer adventure awaits! Learn more and register at go.niu.edu/steamcamps 2026 Make a Difference T-Shirt Design Contest! Hey Kids… Get your designs in NOW! Winner will be selected in the Spring. Deadline for Entries 5/15/26. HELP US DESIGN OUR 2026 MAKE A DIFFERENCE T-SHIRT! Winning Design will be featured on thousands of T-Shirts for the 2026 Feed My Starving Children Event. Winner will receive $100 plus a FREE T-Shirt! T-Shirt Contest Rules: 1. Submissions should be made on 8.5 x 11 white paper and contain the event title “Make A Difference DKC” *Artwork should be original design* 2. Designs should be relevant to the event’s mission of feeding starving kids through Feed My Starving Children. 3. Design will be for front of shirt only. 4. Contest open to Students K-12. Include student name, grade and school on submission. Send submissions to kcarnahan@suterco.com or drop off at The Suter Company, 1015 Bethany Road, Sycamore, IL. For inspiration & ideas, go to FMSC.org or check out Make A Difference DKC on Facebook to see designs from previous years. Flyer with the text: TRY SCOUTING DAY April 18th 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM • • RUSSELL WOODS - GENOA, IL . • Fun for Everyone! Perfect for Youth Grades 5-8 Activities Include: • Climbing Wall • Range & Target Activities • Outdoor Scout Challenges • Hands-on Adventure Stations MEET LOCAL TROOPS! • Connect with Scouts and Leaders and learn about: • Outdoor adventures • Skills & leadership • What Scouts BSA is all about No registration required - just show up! - Dress for outdoor activities - Three Fires Council Join the adventure. Beascout.org. QR Code. Flyer with the text: DESSERT & DIALOGUE Join us for engaging community conversations! October 9, 2025 - “ Bridging community through connection and conversation” Ellwood House Museum, 420 Linden Pl., DeKalb February 19, 2026 – “Highlighting local historical spaces” Ellwood House Museum April 30 – “Exploring how place, identity, and shared stories shape us” Sycamore Park District, 480 Airport Road, Sycamore Child care available September 24 – “Hearing YOUR perspective—and finding ways to meet in the middle” Ellwood House Museum Gather at 6:30 p.m. and bring a friend Register at dekalbcountyhistory.org Flyer with the text: Family Service Agency Strengthening Individuals & Families SIXTEENTH ANNUAL Walk to End Child Abuse Saturday April 25th 2026 Walk with us to raise awareness and support children affected by abuse and violence in DeKalb County. Hopkins Park 1403 Sycamore Rd DeKalb, IL 60115 Registration begins at 9:00am   Flyer with the text: Camp Maple Leaf 7 weeks of Summer Fun for all abilities and all • Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association school ages! Wage: Weekly field trip to Mardi Gras Lanes Visit local pools and splash pads Play water activities Make art projects Enjoy nature activities Create sensory projects Play sports Have fun When and where is it? June 1-July 17, 2026 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Hopkins Park Shelter 1403 Sycamore Rd, DeKalb What is the price? Full day Full session E.B- $1,289/ $1,697 $1,359 / $1,767 Half day Full session (7 weeks) E.B- $646/ $850 $681/ $885 Summer school option *E.B = Early Bird Pricing March 1 - March 31 Regular Pricing: April 1- May 17 (First 4 weeks Half Day, second 3 weeks Full day) E. B- $943/ $1,241 $993/ $1291 For more information, contact Dawn Schaefer email dschaefer@kishsra.org or 779-777-7285 Flyer with the text: NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY Jerry L. Johns Literacy Clinic College of Education NIU Summer Literacy Camp June 1st through June 24th, 2026 The Jerry L. Johns Literacy Clinic at Northern Illinois University is forming a cohort of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-grade students to receive free, in-person reading tutoring. Has your child struggled with reading? We’re recruiting fi rst- through third-grade students to join a cohort of children to attend our summer literacy camp at the Jerry L. Johns Literacy Clinic at NIU. Under the direction of Dr. David Paige, the reading needs of each child are diagnosed. These results are used to design individualized instruction that meets the child’s specifi c reading needs. The literacy camp will take place Monday through Thursday morning from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the NIU Wellness Center located at 3100 Sycamore Road, Suite 2003 in DeKalb. Camp dates are June 1-4, 8-11, 15-18, and 22-24 and parents must provide transportation for their child. Children are expected to attend each camp session. Interested parents or legal guardians should e-mail Dr. David Paige for information at dpaige2@niu.edu. Enrollment in this year’s camp is limited so contact Dr. Paige now. Dr. David D. Paige, Director Flyer with the text:Nature Explorers Camp 2028 Beat summer boredom by signing your child up for one or all day camps! Choose from three week-long programs, each with a different theme. Camp will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Nature Explorers Camp meets at the Natural Resource Education Center located in Russell Woods Forest Preserve; one mile west of Genoa, IL on State Route 72. Children will have fun learning-about nature through handstand activities, games, and nature awareness. Camps fill quickly and space is ~ limited to 20 per camp! Registration today! TRAILBLAZERS CAMP June 22 - June 26: Ages 9-11 Anyone who loves exploring the outdoors and discovering how nature works will feel right at home at this camp! Campers will step into the role of real adventurers, participating in hands-on exploration, solving challenges, and uncovering the secrets of the forest. From plants and animals to rocks and hidden ecosystems, each day is filled with exciting discoveries, active learning, and plenty of fun in the great outdoors. COLD-BLOODED CRITTERS CAMP July 6 - July 1 0: Ages 7-9 (Must have completed 1st grade) Registration https://go.illinois.edu/ Nature Explorers Campers will have fun learning about our local reptiles and amphibians. We will get up close and personal with our resident cold-blooded creatures and learn Flyer with the text: CHICAGO BLACK COLLEGE EXPO High school students are invited to attend the Chicago Black College Expo to connect with colleges, explore scholarships, and learn more about the admissions process. Saturday, April 4, 2026 • Depature: 9 a.m. from New Hope parking lot • Lunch: Priscilla's Ultimate Soul Food • Return: Around. 3 p.m. to New Hope Students should bring $20 for lunch and are encouraged to bring copies of their transcripts if available. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED ® www.newhopeofdekalb.org newhope missionary Baptist church Sponsored by Project Hope and New Hope Missionary Baptist Church Flyer with the text: Spots Are Filling Up Fast! Register now to secure your week A.D.O.P.T. Summer Camp Weekly Camp Themes: Week 1 & 5: Baby Animals Week 2 & 6: Canine Week 3 & 7: Feline Week 4 & 8: Exotic Animals Register now. Several weeks are already full! adoptpetshelter.org/summer-camp   Flyer with the text: After-hours Concert: NIU Steel BandFriday April 17 @ 6:30Pm main Lobby for all ages. Join us for an after-hours concert performed by the Northern Illinois University’s renowned Steelband! The concert will be an eclectic program of musical styles highlighting the versatility and profundity of the steelpan. For more information, please contact us at samanthah@dkpl.org or ex. 1701. Enrich. Inform. Entertain. Inspire. Flyer with the text: FRIENDS OFTHE DEKALB PUBLIC LIBRARY -·-· -·-· - ·-· - Friends of the Library SPRING BOOKSALE April 24-26 Lower Level, for all ages During library open hours* *The book sale will end 30 minutes before the library closes each day. Visit the library's lower level for an astonishing selection of great quality hardcovers and paperbacks at bargain pricesl -·-· -·-· - ·-· - For additional information, contact the Friends at (815) 756-9568, ext. 1030, or email friends@dkpl.org. Enrich. Inform. Entertain. Inspire. Flyer with the text: INFORM ENCOUNTERS: INTRODUCTION TO SELF DEFENSE FOR TEENS Wednesday, April 22 @ 3:30 p.m. Teen Room, for grades 6-12 DEKALB PUBLIC LIBRARY Are you interested in learning the basics of self-defense? Inform Encounters is a self-defense awareness program that empowers teens with skills to prevent and manage difficult encounters through a combination of awareness, verbal de-escalation, and physical techniques. For more information, please contact YooNek at yooneks@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 6110. Enrich. Inform. Entertain. Inspire. Flyer with the text: Teen events April Recycled Words: Found Poetry Friday, April 3 @ 1:30 p.m. DEKALB PUBLIC LIBRARY Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio Vibe-Check Saturdays Saturday, April 4 @ 1:00 p.m. Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio NIU STEM Cafe: The Physics of Skateboarding Thursday, April 9 @ 5:00 p.m. Fargo Indoor Skate Park American Video Games and Technology for Teens Friday, April 17 @ 1:30 p.m. Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio For more information, please contact Steven at stevenm@dkpl.org or ext. 3400. Enrich. Inform. Entertain. Inspire.  Flyer with the text: Glow-in-The-Dark Teen Egg Hunt. Ages 11-18. Thursday, April 2. 8:00 - 9:00 PM. Lions Park Shelter. Resident: $5 | Non-resident: $6 Join us for a night of glowing fun! Grab your friends and get ready to hunt for glowing eggs filled with candy, prizes, and surprises. This will be an individual hunt only, but feel free to run around with your friends! Prizes will be awarded to the top three participants that collect the most eggs. • Glow-in-the-dark eggs hidden across the field • Special prize eggs with gift cards & more • Free glow necklaces & bracelets at check-in • Music, games, and a photo-op DeKalb park district Explore & engage. QR Code with text that reads Register Here.  Flyer with the text: DYFL 2026 SEASON REGISTRATION begins 2/22 & ends 6/15 Email us at info@mydyfl.com Visit our Website dyfljrbarbs.com Competition Cheer • Grades 3-8 • $430- Includes a new uniform, bow, shoes, warm-ups, and a bag to keep! • Payment plans are available • Season runs July 20th to mid-November (mid-December if national qualifying) • Practices M/T/Th 5:30-7:30pm *Please note--cannot do both sideline and competitive cheer **Additional costs will incur if nationals qualifying; nationals is encouraged but not required • $150 (payment plan available!) • Season runs July 20th to mid-October • Includes warm-up outfit & bow to keep • Uniform supplied by DYFL K-2 • Practices Tuesdays & games Thursdays 5:30-7pm • Might perform at the Princess Gala in October 3-5 • Will travel with the tackle program and cheer at their games on weekends • practice Tues. and Thurs. from 5:30-7pm *Please note--cannot do both sideline and competitive cheer • Grades K-5 • Girl's Flag Football grades 6-8 • $150 (payment plan • available!) • Season runs July 20th to mid-October • Practices M/T/Th 5:30-7pm (until games start) • Games on Thursdays from 5:30-7pm • Includes a jersey, shorts, and a bag to keep! Email us info@mydyfl.com Visit our Website dyfljrbarbs.com DYFL 2026 SEASON REGISTRATION begins 2/22 & ends 6/15 *Be on the lookout for communication regarding pre-season camps! **DYFL Jr. Barbs is a feeder program but not affiliated with D428. Sideline Cheer Flag Football Tackle Football • Grades 1-5 • $430 (payment plan • available!) • Season runs July 20th to mid-October • Practices M/T/Th 5:30-7pm (until games start) • Games on weekendstime TBD • Includes a jersey, pants, and a bag to keep! • Helmet and pads supplied by DYFL **Please note this is a travel team. *Be on the lookout for communication regarding pre-season camps. ** DYFL Jr. Barbs is a feeder program but not affiliated with D428.   DeKalb Public Library Flyer with the following text: Vibe-Check Saturdays. Saturday, March 7, April 4, and May 2@ 1PM Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio, for teens in grades 6-12 Vibe Check Saturdays provide a safe, supportive and uplifting space for you through fun group activities and mentorship! DeKalb Public Library. For additional information, please contact Cheyenne at cheyennet@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 6109. ENRICH. INFORM. ENTERTAIN. INSPIRE DeKalb Public Library Flyer with the following text: Let us know which books, games, programs, and services you want at your library. Develop interpersonal skills, earn volunteer hours, contribute to your community, and have fun, too! Snacks will be provided. Wednesday, March 11, April 8, and May 13 @ 4:30 p.m. Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio, for teens in grades 6-12. For additional information, please contact Steven at stevenm@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 3400. ENRICH. INFORM. ENTERTAIN. INSPIRE DeKalb Public Library Flyer with the following text:Air Hockey Tournament Friday, March 27, April 24, and May 22 @ 3:30 PM Teen Room, for grades 6-12 For additional information, please contact Steven at stevenm@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3400. Challenge your friends, enjoy snacks, and show off your skills on the Teen Room's air hockey table to win prizes in a monthly air hockey tournament! No registration is required. Dekalb public library. Enrich. Inform. Entertain. Inspire. DeKalb Public Library Flyer with the following text:Anime-Manga Club March 6 and 20 April 3 and 17 May 1 and 15 @ 3:00 PM Nancy D. Castle Collaboration Studio, for teens ages 13-17 Join us to discuss anime and manga, play some games, and of course, watch anime! This program is intended for teens in grades 6-12. For more information, please contact Hadley at hadleyo@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2851.  DeKalb Public Library Flyer with the following text: Teen art Club. Thursday, March 26, April 23, and May 21 @ 4:30 pm. Teen room, for grades 6-12. Draw, craft, or make-and-take and display your creativity at Teen Art Club! We'll have new projects and art materials to try at every meeting. For additional information, please contact Jesus at juanb@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3401. Enrich. Inform. Entertain. Inspire.  Flyer with the following text: Now Enrolling Youth Mentees! FSA is seeking youth to participate in our mentoring program designed to support personal growth, confidence, and positive decision-making. Our program connects young people with caring, trained mentors who provide guidance, encouragement, and a safe, supportive environment. We partner with parents to help youth build skills for success at school, at home, and in the community. CONTACT: SHATOYA JACKSON DIRECTOR OF YOUTH PROGRAMMING SJACKSON@FSADEKALBCOUNTY.ORG 815-758-8616 X1204. Family Service Agency, Strengthening Individuals and Families      Flyer with the following text: Dance Recital Classes. Dekalb Park District Explore and Engage. THURSDAYS I JANUARY 8 - MAY 7 Recital Date: May 14th at Huntley Middle School Auditorium From the studio to the stage, watch your dancer shine! Our recital classes are designed to build on the fundamentals of dance, technique, confidence, and creativity while preparing dancers for a spring stage performance. With quality instruction in a fun , supportive environment, students of all abilities can shine as they develop their skills and discover the joy of performing. Resident: $220.00 I Non-resident: $275.00 (This session includes 17 classes.) MUNCHKINS COMBO: AGES 3-4 I 3:45 - 4:30 PM Let your little one take their first steps into the wonderful world of dance! Our nurturing instructors will introduce the fundamentals of each dance style, helping children discover the joy of movement while building coordination, creativity, and confidence. PETITE COMBO: AGES 5-6 I 4:30 - 5:15 PM Take your child's dance journey to the next level! In this dynamic combo class, students will continue exploring the exciting worlds of tap, jazz, and ballet. Each session will build on foundational techniques while encouraging creativity, coordination, and self-expression. BALLET: AGES 5-8 I 5:15 - 6:00 PM Watch your little one blossom into a budding dancer! Each class focuses on foundational ballet techniques, including posture, footwork, and graceful movement, while fostering creativity, coordination, and self-expression . TAP: AGES 5-8 I 6:00 - 6:45 PM This lively and engaging class introduces young dancers to the exciting world of tap. Dancers will learn foundational tap techniques, timing, and rhythmic patterns through fun exercises and choreography. JAZZ/LYRICAL: AGES 5-8 I 6:45 - 7:30 PM Get ready to groove and express yourself! Students will explore the upbeat rhythms and sharp movements of jazz alongside the expressive, story-driven style of lyrical dance. COMBO: AGES 5-8 I 7:30 - 8:15 PM In this fun-filled class, students will experience multiple dance styles, from ballet and jazz to hip hop, while developing their technique, rhythm, and expression . To learn more about our Dance Recital Classes, please visit our website at dekalbparkdistrict.com or scan the QR Code. Please reach out to Emily Kvasnicka at ekvasnicka@dekalbparkdistrict.com, or call (815) 758-7756!                           All services performed by Barber students in training under the supervision of a licensed Barber Instructor. Haircuts $15. 2337 Sycamore Rd. Dekalb IL 60115. 815-970-8030. Appointments and walk-ins available. 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