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.

Registration for Summer 2026 opens in October. More details are coming soon.

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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 and Junior Gan Israel.

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.

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.

 

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.

KEYS (Keshet Extend Your Summer)

Unlock your best weeks of camp with KEYS! Let Keshet fill your days between camp ending and school starting. Campers get to take the reins to create an experience that’s uniquely theirs. Each day is filled with themed, choice-based activities, along with guest specialists, field trips and more. With plenty of opportunities for exploration and creativity, KEYS is the ultimate end-of-summer adventure that lets you finish the season with a blast!

 

Keshet Center Stage

Make a splash at Keshet Center Stage! This one-week performing arts camp in partnership with Special Gifts Theatre empowers campers of all abilities to build confidence and self-expression. Mornings with SGT will focus on theater, using creative and therapeutic techniques to develop drama skills and bring water-themed musicals and movies to life. In the afternoons, campers will dive into creative arts like music, dance and art. The week wraps up with an exciting showcase where campers will shine onstage!

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.

apachi.org

Gesher is designed for teens and young adults (13-21 years-old) who are looking for a summer filled with fun, adventure and personal growth. With four unique sessions across different camps in 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. Support ratio of 1:1-1:3.

Avodah is a vocational skill-building program at Camp Chi for 16-21 year-olds who are ready (or close to ready) for independent work. Through rotations and assigned job placements throughout camp, participants will gain life and job skills while also having opportunities for recreation. Support ratio 1:3.

Junior Gan Israel

Junior Gan Israel’s Expanding Horizons program is a nurturing and Jewish summer camp where campers enjoy crafts, sports, special events and swimming. Half-day and full-day options available. Lunch is available for an additional fee.

juniorganisrael.org

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 at [email protected] or 630.566.9859
Overnight Camp: Polly Cheeseman at [email protected] or 630.566.9391

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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.

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Leaders in inclusive camping

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.

Group of campers in Apachi t-shirt and holding a long snake

Partners in inclusion

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.

Keshet makes sure you'll have the best summer ever

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