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 2024 will open in the fall.
Information will be available before October 10.

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 for ages 12-21 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.

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.

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

Keshet also provides inclusion support at other nearby Jewish overnight camps.

JCC Camp Chi

Keshet and JCC Camp Chi partner to provide a fully inclusive camp experience.

campchi.com

3rd-10th grade

Avodah Corps at Camp Chi

Avodah is a vocational skill-building program at Camp Chi for 16-22 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.

16-22 years old

Gesher at Camp Chi

Gesher is designed especially for teens through age 22 who are seeking summer fun and a break from being at home. Gesher is a camp where “you can be you” with a choice of activities, structured free time and plenty of opportunities for fun. Support ratio of 1:1 or 1:2.

16-22 years old

Try Chi

Experience a summer’s worth of fun and adventure in 4 days/3 nights of overnight camp.

campchi.com

2nd-6th grade

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.

ramahday.com

Pre-K-8th Grade

Junior Gan Israel

A nurturing and Jewish environment for the youngest of campers.

skokiechabad.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, Program Manager at dmcnamara@keshet.org or 630.566.9859
Overnight Camp: Polly Cheeseman, Program Manager at pcheeseman@keshet.org or 630.566.9391

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 almost 30 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

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This school year, Keshet and Schechter have launched an inclusive kindergarten program, where students with disabilities will learn alongside typically developing peers. Not only does this commitment demonstrate a belief that everyone benefits when everyone is included, it also addresses a gap in services available in our community.

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Wake Up. Give Back. Sleep. Repeat.

Keshet is so fortunate to have incredible DSPs like Jordan Spiwak, who believe wholeheartedly in Keshet’s mission and care so deeply for our participants. Working at Keshet has completely changed his life for the better, giving him a sense of purpose and a deeper connection to his Jewish identity.

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From Camper to Intern

As the marketing and communication intern, I was able to get experience in a field I’m interested in, and learned that Keshet is so much more than their camp programs. Everyone at Keshet works hard to be able to provide all the programs we offer.

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