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 and Junior Gan Israel.
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.
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.
Keshet Day School, Northbrook
9:30am-3:30pm
Jun 16-Aug 1
Ratio: 1:3 or 1:4
14-21 years
$6,250
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 Day School, Northbrook
9:30am-3:30pm
Aug 11-15
1:1 or 1:2
5-12 years (K-6th grade)
$875
Check to see when your school district begins before registering.
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!
Congregation Beth Shalom, Northbrook
9:30am-3:30pm
Aug 11-15
1:3 or 1:4
13-21 years (7th grade-Transition)
$875
Check to see when your school district begins before registering.
RegisterA 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
Registration closed
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
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.
Campers can apply for up to two sessions, with roundtrip transportation to/from Skokie provided. All programs have limited space. Apply early to get a spot.
Looking to learn more about Gesher and determine which program is right for you? We put together this resource!
RegisterActivities everyone can enjoy, like sports, archery, swimming (lake and pool) and nature exploration, while staying in an air-conditioned retreat center. Campers head home in time to celebrate the 4th of July afternoon with their families.
Accessibility: Fully accessible grounds and activities
Camp Courageous, Monticello, IA
Jun 29-Jul 4
$2,570
Registration closed
Experience the great outdoors with inclusive activities like rock climbing, spelunking, boating, ceramics and outdoor adventures. Connect with nature and animals, stay in comfortable lodge-style accommodations and celebrate Shabbat together.
Accessibility: Partially accessible grounds; activities adapted for accessibility
JCC Camp Chi, Lake Delton, WI
Jul 6-Jul 18
$5,460
Registration closed
Gesher 3 offers a vibrant camp experience with activities like art, music, swimming (lake and pool) and Shabbat. Campers will also enjoy a thrilling field trip to a waterpark in the Wisconsin Dells and stay in a retreat center with shared rooms.
Accessibility: Partially accessible grounds; activities adapted for accessibility
JCC Camp Chi, Lake Delton, WI
Jul 20-Aug 1
$5,460
Priority will be given to campers not enrolled in another session at Chi this summer.
There’s something for everyone to enjoy—arts and crafts, hiking, boating, swimming (lake and pool), archery and ziplining—all in a beautiful and welcoming environment. Cabins provide a cozy retreat after action-packed days.
Accessibility: Fully accessible grounds and activities
Bradford Woods – Indiana University Outdoor Center, Martinsville, IN
Aug 4-Aug 8
$2,970
Campers at Camp Keshet South and Keshet On-The-Go are encouraged to register for this program.
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.
Session 1 (Jun 13-Jul 7): $7,950
Session 2 (Jul 10-Aug 3): $7,950
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.
Lubavitch Chabad, Skokie
9:30am-1:00pm (Half-Day) | 9:30am-3:30pm (Full-Day)
Jun 23-Aug 1
3-6 years old
Half-Day: Session 1 or 2: $2,079 | Full Summer: $4,053
Full-Day: Session 1 or 2: $3,305 | Full Summer: $6,421
Pricing includes fees for both Junior Gan Israel and Keshet. Families will register entirely through Keshet.
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
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.