Camps

Summer is meant for camp

With Keshet support, kids, teens and young adults thrive at day and overnight camps. Whether learning a new swim stroke or participating in a talent show, camp provides the ideal setting for campers to continue growing, learning, socializing and, of course, having fun. Keshet sets the stage for creating lifelong memories and friendships.

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Keshet ensures that everyone is included

Model of inclusion

Keshet is a national leader in facilitating inclusive camp programs where campers with disabilities participate to the greatest possible extent in the full camp experience. Campers with and without disabilities do all camp activities together, eat together and, at overnight camp, live together.

Personalized support

Campers with developmental disabilities or other complex needs benefit from Keshet’s expertise in providing individualized accommodations, behavioral supports and one-on-one care. Each camp site has a Keshet site director and/or inclusion coordinator who works closely with staff to make sure each camper’s individual needs are met.

The right fit

Keshet works with outstanding partner camps and organizations that are deeply committed to promoting inclusion. With 18 day and overnight camp locations, Keshet has a camp program that fits nearly any interest, special need and background. We are proud to partner with JCC Chicago day and overnight camps, Junior Gan Israel and Ramah Day Camp.

Our Camps

Keshet’s day camps offer uniquely supportive environments where children and teens thrive through engaging activities, friendship-building and personal growth. With experienced staff, individualized support and innovative programming, Keshet camps provide safe and enriching summers where kids can be themselves and have fun.

 

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Camp Keshet North

Camp Keshet North is a warm, welcoming summer camp designed for both first time and experienced campers in elementary and middle school. The half-day program provides a supportive environment where kids thrive through multi-sensory play experiences, including water play, art, movement, music and outdoor exploration. Campers swim weekly at a local public pool. Our trained camp counselors and paraprofessionals ensure that each child’s unique needs are met, fostering a sense of belonging, growth and joy.

Camp Keshet North is open to campers who attend ESY in the mornings with Keshet or another school or are looking specifically for a half-day camp.

Keshet Day School, Northbrook
12:00-3:30pm
Jun 16-Aug 8
Ratio: 1:1 or 1:2
5-13 years
$5,200

Camp Keshet South

Camp Keshet South is perfect for teens who are looking for summer fun in an encouraging and supportive environment. This half-day program promotes social-emotional growth through traditional camp activities, such as music, art, fitness and games led by specially trained instructors. Weekly trips include swimming at local pools and gymnastics. Fridays are special theme days or field trips.

Campers who opt into the half-day program typically attend ESY at Keshet or other public schools before joining us at camp.

Campers who attend Camp Keshet South have the option to add-on the Overnight Trip at a nearby sleepaway camp. Dates and pricing will be released in November.

Keshet High School, Skokie
12:00-3:30pm
Jun 16-Aug 1
Ratio: 1:1 or 1:2
14-21 years
$4,550

Keshet-On-the-Go

Every day is an adventure! Most days will be “on-the-go” with trips to places like local beaches, amusement parks and water parks. The group also regularly swims at local pools and plays at Viking Gymnastics along with volunteering in the community. Dedicated and experienced staff ensure that safety, vocational and life skill building, and fun are at the heart of every day, making it a summer that teens will never forget.

On-The-Go is designed with a lower staff ratio for campers who need supportive guidance to navigate social situations or high-sensory environments, but are independent in self-care. Campers should be experienced in staying with the group while in public places, following directions and open to trying new things.

Campers who attend Keshet-On-the-Go have the option to add-on the Overnight Trip at a nearby sleepaway camp. Dates and pricing will be released in November.

Keshet High School, Skokie
9:30am-3:30pm
Jun 16-Aug 1
Ratio: 1:3 or 1:4
14-21 years
$6,250

Camp is SNOW much fun in the winter! Grab your hats, gloves and friends for an un-brrr-ievable good time.

Choose which days you want to attend or participate in all of them. Each day of Winter Day Camp includes a field trip along with regular camp activities—sports, games, art or movies.

Winter Day Camp is open to kids and teens of all abilities, with separate programs for ages 5-13 (K-8th grade) and 14-21 (9th grade-Transition). Drop-off and pick-up is at Keshet Day School in Northbrook. 1:1 or 1:3 support ratio.

 

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Dec 20 | Trampoline Park
  • 10:00am-1:15pm
  • Trip: Sky Zone, Vernon Hills
  • $68

 

Dec 23 | Sports & Adventure
  • 10:00am-4:00pm
  • Youth Trip: Willow Dome, Northbrook
    Teen Trip: Navy Pier, Chicago
  • $135

 

Dec 26 | Bowling
  • 10:00am-4:00pm
  • Trip: Bowlero, Buffalo Grove
  • $135

 

Dec 27 | Hanukkah Party
  • 10:00am-1:15pm
  • In-house day filled with a challah bake, Sufganyiot (jelly-filled donuts) games and more
  • $68

 

Dec 30 | Waterpark Undernighter
  • 10:00am-8:00pm
  • Trip: Great Wolf Lodge, Gurnee
  • $175

 

Jan 2 | Ice Skating
  • 10:00am-4:00pm
  • Trip: Glenview Ice Arena
  • $135

 

 

Jan 3 | Winter Wonderland
  • 10:00am-1:15pm
  • Trip: Sledding, tubing & building snow forts at Wood Oaks Green Park, Northbrook
  • $68

 

 

Jan 6 | Arcade
  • 10:00am-1:15pm
  • Trip: Dave & Busters, Vernon Hills
  • $68

 

 

A TRADITION OF INCLUSION

For over 30 years, Keshet has fostered inclusion at JCC Chicago day camps. Hundreds and hundreds of families have relied on Keshet to ensure that their child has the individualized supports needed for a successful summer.

At Keshet, our sole mission is to make inclusion possible and then create experiences that allow for genuine belonging. Our experienced social workers, special education teachers, therapists and recreation professionals do this 365 days/year and bring their expertise to creating the best possible camp experiences for all.

Three or four week sessions are available in some situations. Contact Drew McNamara at [email protected] to discuss details.

 

A Note About Pricing

Families will pay a discounted camp tuition to JCC Chicago and also pay Keshet for a support counselor.

Keshet does everything we can to address pricing, including lowering our fees this year. Additionally, through the Special Camp Scholarship Endowment Fund all families can receive a $300/week discount. The pricing below reflects these savings.

The Optional Fees for Keshet Support are to provide a counselor to ride the bus or attend before/after care with your camper. If you would like to add these services, you will need to indicate this under “Additional Options” while registering with Keshet to ensure availability. JCC has additional enrollment fees for these items.

Need-based fee assistance is also available from Keshet for Keshet’s fees.

JCC Chicago is offering campers with Keshet support a 20% discount on their camp tuition. Bus, before care and after care are full price. You can see Apachi pricing on their website.

 

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Apachi Northside

Limited spaces available

Jun 16-Aug 1
Pre-K-7th grade
Full Summer: $4,150
Session 1: $1,780
Session 2: $2,370

Optional Fees
for Keshet Support

Bus: $665
Before Camp Care: Included
After Camp Care: $902

 

Apachi Old Town

Limited spaces available

Jun 16-Aug 1
Pre-K-7th grade
Full Summer: $4,150
Session 1: $1,780
Session 2: $2,370

Optional Fees
for Keshet Support

Bus: $665
Before Camp Care: Included
After Camp Care: $902

 

Elaine Frank Apachi

Limited spaces available

Jun 16-Aug 8
3 years-7th grade
Full Summer: $4,740
Session 1: $2,370
Session 2: $2,370

Optional Fees
for Keshet Support

Bus: $760
Before Camp Care: Included
After Camp Care: $1,030

 

‘Z’ Frank Apachi

Limited spaces available

Jun 16-Aug 8
3 years-7th grade
Full Summer: $4,740
Session 1: $2,370
Session 2: $2,370

Optional Fees
for Keshet Support

Bus: $760
Before Camp Care: Included
After Camp Care: $1,030

 

Ramah Day Camp

Ramah Day Camp ensures that every camper feels at home, with a deep connection to Jewish values and traditions. Keshet provides 1:1 support for campers, fostering inclusion and belonging for campers of all abilities.

Pre-K-8th Grade
Jun 16-Aug 8

The entire registration process takes place through Ramah’s website.

Junior Gan Israel

A nurturing and Jewish environment for the youngest of campers.

skokiechabad.org

Dates and pricing coming soon.

Information about Avodah, Gesher and inclusive overnight camps coming soon.

Reserve your spot for the best summer ever

Complete the application to let us know your interest. Our staff will then be in touch with next steps.

Please contact us with any questions or to discuss which program option is best for you child.

Day Camp: Drew McNamara, Program Manager at [email protected] or 630.566.9859

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Fee assistance

Need-based fee assistance is available for camp for those who qualify. Awards are made on a rolling basis until funds have been fully distributed. It is important to register for camp early to ensure funding is available for your family.

Families will indicate their interest in receiving assistance when they register online. Our team will then be in touch with you about next steps. Contact Katherine at 847.205.1234 for more information.

Applications are due February 1st, 2025.

National Inclusion Project Logo

Leaders in inclusive camping

Keshet’s inclusion program at three JCC camps have earned the highest level of accreditation from the National Inclusion Project, an honor that only a small group of programs around the country have received. National Inclusion Project has designated Keshet as a leader and change maker in inclusive recreation, and we are grateful for their partnership and belief in Keshet’s mission.

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Partners in inclusion

Keshet and JCC Chicago are partners in serving children with disabilities in summer day and overnight camps. For over 30 years, Keshet has proudly supported campers and fostered disability inclusion at Apachi Day Camps and Camp Chi.

Our partner camps

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