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.
Register TodayKeshet 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 Keshet-On-the-Go have the option to add-on the Overnight Trip at Bradford Woods in Indiana. Registration opens Jan 23.
Keshet High School, Skokie
12:00-3:30pm
Jun 16-Aug 1
Ratio: 1:1 or 1:2
14-21 years
$4,550
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 Bradford Woods in Indiana. Registration opens Jan 23.
Keshet High School, Skokie
9:30am-3:30pm
Jun 16-Aug 1
Ratio: 1:3 or 1:4
14-21 years
$6,250
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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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
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
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
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 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.
A nurturing and Jewish environment for the youngest of campers.
Dates and pricing coming soon.
Gesher is designed for teens and young adults who are looking for a summer filled with fun, adventure and personal growth. With four unique sessions across different camps across the Midwest, Gesher offers a variety of experiences to meet the needs of all participants. Each camp provides a mix of structured activities, free time and opportunities to explore new interests, all while fostering a sense of belonging and community.
Campers can apply for up to two sessions, with roundtrip transportation to/from Skokie provided. Registration is first come, first serve. All programs have limited space. Apply early to get a spot.
Registration for Gesher opens January 23rd. For information about Avodah, please reach out to Polly Cheeseman.
Looking to learn more about Gesher and determine which program is right for you? We put together this resource!
Camp Courageous in Monticello, IA, is a fully accessible camp with a history of creating meaningful experiences for people with disabilities. Campers will enjoy sports, archery, swimming (lake and pool) and nature exploration, while staying in an air-conditioned retreat center. Campers return home in time to celebrate the 4th of July afternoon with their families.
Camp Courageous, Monticello, IA
Jun 29-Jul 4
13-21 years
1:1
$2,570
Experience the beauty of the outdoors at Bethel Horizons in Wisconsin! This wooded camp offers activities like rock climbing, spelunking, boating, ceramics and outdoor adventure, with opportunities to connect with nature and animals. Campers stay in comfortable lodge-style accommodations and will also celebrate Shabbat. There will be opportunities for inclusion with other campers at Bethel Horizons.
Bethel Horizons Camp & Retreat Center, Dodgeville, WI
Jul 6-Jul 18
13-21 years
1:1
$4,100
Nestled near the Wisconsin Dells, JCC Camp Chi offers a vibrant camp experience with inclusive activities like art, music, swimming (lake and pool) and Shabbat. Campers will also enjoy a thrilling field trip to a local waterpark, making this 13-day session an unforgettable summer adventure. Limited spaces are available for this program. Priority will be given to campers not enrolled in another session at Chi this summer.
JCC Camp Chi, Lake Delton, WI
Jul 20-Aug 1
13-21 years
1:1
$5,460
Set at Indiana University’s Outdoor Center, Bradford Woods is designed to be accessible for people with disabilities while offering incredible outdoor adventures. Campers will enjoy arts and crafts, hiking, boating, swimming (lake and pool), archery and zipline in a beautiful and welcoming environment. Cabins provide a cozy retreat after action-packed days.
Bradford Woods – Indiana University Outdoor Center, Martinsville, IN
Aug 4-Aug 8
13-21 years
1:1
$2,970
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
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.
Day camp applications are due February 1, 2025 and overnight camp closes March 1, 2025.
Keshet is proud to be recognized by the National Inclusion Project (NIP) as a leader and change maker in inclusive recreation. Through our partnership, we’ve set a national standard for inclusion, and we’re honored to advance our mission of fostering disability inclusion at JCC camps and beyond. Keshet also co-authored Best Practices for Inclusive Camps, providing valuable guidance for programs striving to create more inclusive environments.
For over 30 years, Keshet and JCC Chicago have partnered to serve children with disabilities in summer day and overnight camps. Keshet proudly supports campers and fosters disability inclusion at Apachi Day Camps. We also offer an inclusive overnight camp experience in partnership with JCC Milwaukee at Camp Interlaken.