In this episode, hosts Sonia and Linus sit down with Ms. Konkol, Bennett's summer camp director and Early Childhood and Lower School art teacher, for an inside look at what makes Bennett Summer Camp the launchpad for your child's next great adventure.

They dig into the mix-and-match magic of Art, Movement, and STEM tracks, the beloved Water Wednesday tradition, and the brand-new Field Trip Fridays, weekly chaperoned adventures to some of Chicago's most exciting destinations. Ms. Konkol also breaks down the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program for middle schoolers, what a typical camp day looks like, and why Bennett Summer Camp is open to kids from across the city and beyond.

If you're looking for a summer that matches the joy of camp with real-world exploration, where kids choose their own path and come home ready for what's next, this is your inside look.

Bennett Day Camp runs from June 8 to August 21, 2026, for kids ages 4–15. Mix, match, and explore. Learn more at bennettday.org.

Bennett Insiders is a podcast for and by kids at Bennett Day School in Chicago.

What does high school actually feel like at a school with no bell schedule, no traditional grades, and projects that tackle real-world problems? In this episode of Bennett Insiders, Marina and Aniston sit down with four people who know: three current upper schoolers, and an alum fresh off her Junior year at USC. Together, they pull back the curtain on PBL in high school, the House system that bridges middle and upper school, and what the college application process looks like through the Mastery Transcript. Turns out, the skills you build at Bennett—curiosity, collaboration, and independence—follow you further than you'd think.

Bennett Insiders is a podcast for and by kids at Bennett Day School in Chicago.

What does it take to go from camper to counselor? In this episode of Bennett Insiders, sixth-grade ambassadors Camilla and Linus sit down with Coach Vevers and Mr. O to dive deep on Bennett's Counselor-in-Training program—the summer gig where middle schoolers get CPR certified, design their own activities, and yes, occasionally dip their fries in a Frostie. Two CIT veterans share what it's really like to go from being a camper to being the person the little kids point at in the hallway. Plus: field trips are back, a giant inflatable slide is on the way, and Water Wednesdays are very much still a thing.

Spots for this summer’s program are still available. Register here: https://bennett.campbrainregistration.com/

Bennett Insiders is a podcast for and by kids at Bennett Day School in Chicago.

Tickets to the spring play are available here:

https://bennettday.org/tenminutes

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Join 7th-grade ambassadors Evelyn and Finn as they sit down with theater director Mr. Steven Slaughter to peel back the curtain on Bennett Day School’s unique theater program.

In this episode, we dive into:

• The Art of Casting: Why Mr. Slaughter looks for "character" backstage as much as talent on stage.

• Student Agency: How students take creative control by designing 3D-printed props and sewing original costumes.

• First Looks: A preview of our upcoming play, 10 Minutes on a Bench, and news about our theater's transformation into a professional black box space.

Whether you’re a seasoned performer or thinking about auditioning for the first time, tune in to hear why theater at Bennett is more than just a play—it’s a family.

Join Athletic Director Bobby Starks and Coach Bridget Lipke as they discuss how Bennett Day School is working to "build the nest" through a growing athletic program rooted in student leadership and resilience. In this episode, our hosts explore the unique evolution of Bennett Athletics—from carpooling to off-site practices to the opening of a spectacular, sun-filled new gymnasium that serves as the heart of the community.

Beyond the scores and stats, Coach Starks and Coach Lipke share their personal journeys from collegiate athletes to mentors, highlighting how competitive sports at Bennett serve as a laboratory for social-emotional growth. Listen in to learn how the program empowers student-athletes with a seat at the table, the importance of "coaching up" life skills, and why the Bennett community’s support creates an energy unlike any other school.

In this episode of Bennett Insiders, fifth-grade ambassadors Finnegan and Saveer sit down with Chef Christine Lee, the owner of Monarch Catering and the force behind Bennett's beloved lunch program. Chef Christine shares her wild journey from business consultant to Peace Corps volunteer to cold-calling one of America's most famous chefs—and landing a job. Find out how following your passion can take you places (even a school cafeteria) and why that's a really, really good thing. Plus: sneak peeks at what's coming to Bennett's lunch program next year.

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About Bennett Day School At Bennett, a PreK-12 school in Chicago, we believe learning isn't just preparation for life—it's participation in it. Our students learn by doing, engaging in dynamic, project-based experiences that are driven by their own curiosity. As this podcast demonstrates, Bennett empowers students to take true ownership of their education, giving them the voice, choice, and real-world experience needed to confidently step up and shape the future.

Welcome to Bennett Insiders, the official podcast of the Bennett Day School Middle School Ambassadors! This show is your all-access pass to everything happening in our community.

Whether we’re diving into the fascinating history of our campus—from its origins as a settlement house in 1901 to its starring role in Chicago Fire—or interviewing the leaders and students who make our school great, we’re here to give you the inside scoop.

Inspired by the courage, adaptability, and persistence of our Blue Jay mascot, we aim to share diverse viewpoints and stories that celebrate our school’s legacy and its bright future.

It’s time to spread our wings! Tune in and get the insider's view.