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 2023 opens this fall.

Winter Camp and Winter Break Day Camp information coming soon.

Learn about Fall Family Camp

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, Camp Nageela Midwest and Ramah Day Camp.

Our Camps

Keshet’s very own day camp provides a structured program, positive peer interaction and a nurturing environment.

Days are filled with camp activities -sports, art, music, fitness, drama, yoga, science, dance and more. Special events include community outings to go swimming, explore nature, play at parks and volunteer with community organizations.

A highlight each summer is the Teen & Tween Overnight Trip for 4 days/nights at a nearby overnight camp.

Registration for Summer 2023 opens in the fall.

A TRADITION OF INCLUSION

For over 30 years, Keshet has had a unique partnership with JCC Chicago to foster inclusion at each Apachi Camp site. This allows for campers to go to camp in their home communities often with their classmates from school.

Inclusive camp programming is made possible through the collaboration of Keshet, JCC Chicago and Jewish United Fund.

APACHI J CAMPS | apachi.org

Registration for Summer 2023 opens in the fall.

Keshet and JCC Camp Chi partner to provide a fully inclusive camp experience at Camp Chi for children and teens entering 3rd-10th grades. Session lengths range from 4 days through 8 weeks.

In addition, Keshet offers the Avodah Corps, a unique program combining the development of life and job skills development with opportunities for recreation for older teens and young adults.

Inclusive camp programming is made possible through the collaboration of Keshet, JCC Chicago and Jewish United Fund.

JCC Camp Chi | campchi.com

Registration for Summer 2023 opens this fall.

Keshet also provides inclusion support at other nearby Jewish overnight camps. Contact us for more details.

Ramah Day Camp | ramahday.com

Junior Gan Israel | skokiechabad.org

Registration for Summer 2023 will open this fall.

It's never too early to think about camp

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

Day Camp: Drew McNamara, Program Manager at dmcnamara@keshet.org or 630.566.9859
Overnight Camp: Joelle Kelenson, Recreation Director, at jkelenson@keshet.org or 847.656.3411

keshet-campers-watering-garden

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 Anca at 847.205.1234 for more information.

See the impact of Keshet at camp

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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 more than 20 years, Keshet has proudly supported campers and fostered disability inclusion at Apachi Day Camps and Camp Chi.

Our partner camps

Apachi Day Camp logo.

Apachi Day Camps
Camp Chi logo.

Camp Chi
Ramah Day Camp logo

Ramah Day Camp
Logo of Junior Gan Israel

Junior Gan Israel
Camp Nageela logo.

Camp Nageela

Read the Keshet Chronicles

All Articles

When We Get There

As the new year approaches and I reflect on Keshet’s mission, I know without a shadow of a doubt that we will get there—all communal spaces will be inclusive and welcoming to people with disabilities.

Read The Article

Visit to Camp Chi

Almost fifty years after her first time going to overnight camp, Michelle is now experiencing what camps are like when they partner with Keshet. She’s finding more than just inclusion; it is true belonging.

Read The Article

Welcome New Board Members

Keshet is thrilled to announce three new volunteers who are bringing their skills and expertise to the Board of Directors

Read The Article

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