Day Camps
With so many camp options to chose from, we've consolidated a list of camps that have been successful for and recommended by one or more parent(s). We recognize that the needs of each child and parent differ, so please use this as a starting point to learn more about possible camp and recreation programming.
By accessing this listing, the reader accepts that it is intended to be a vehicle for informal parent to parent recommendations and not a comment by PASS 39 or Wilmette School District 39 as to the qualifications or competency of any listed individual, agency or camp program. PASS 39 and Wilmette School District 39 expressly do not endorse, recommend or make comment upon any listed individual or agency.
Click here for OVERNIGHT SPECIALIZED CAMPS
Day Camps
Wilmette D39 Offers a Summer Enrichment Program which offers enrichment classes as well as learning support classes for children with IEP's who require continued education through the summer to support and maintain IEP goals. Information on D39's Summer Enrichment Program can be found here. Summer Enrichment through D39 is available for ages 3 years through 8th grade. Wilmette Park District camps offer the camper with special needs additional support via NSSRA. Wilmette Park District camps are available as full day, or half day options that can extend a campers day past the Summer Enrichment Program hours. The Wilmette Park District camp brochure is typically available in January.
Local Day Camps
Regarding special needs support: While many camps aren't specifically designed to accommodate special needs, a wide range of kids with special needs have had great experiences with many local day camp offerings. To help decide if the camp is right for your child, be sure to contact the camp director in advance to inquire about available support options.
Learning/Special Needs Focused Camps...
NSSRA offers day camps held throughout the year that facilitate social interaction and activities within a structured recreational atmosphere. These camps give participants a chance to drop their backpacks off at the door and experience the adventure of learning in a setting outside of the classroom.
NSSRA offers inclusion support for any recreation program within 13 partner agencies. Many, if not all, of these agencies offer summer programming for children ages 3-14. Camp brochures are available online. These agencies include:
Deerfield Park District ; Glencoe Park District ; Glenview Park District ; Park District of Highland Park ; City of Highwood ; Kenilworth Park District ;Lake Bluff Park District ; City of Lake Forest Recreation Department ; Northbrook Park District ; Northfield Park District ; Village Riverwoods ; Wilmette Park District ; Winnetka Park District
Summer Day Camp supporting children with social language skills deficits. Over five weeks, campers write and perform their own plays, play sports and enjoy arts and crafts with plenty of support from caring counselors. Campers are placed in groups according to school grade and social language abilities, and the curriculum adapts to the needs of each group. For kids entering grades 1-8.
Summer Treatment Program for ADHD and related disorders. Camp STAR is an award-winning treatment program for children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and related difficulties. This unique program allows children to enjoy fun, recreational activities in a day camp setting while receiving therapeutic services. 7 weeks, Grades 1 – 7.
The Cove School, Northbrook
Offers academic and recreational summer programing for children grades K-12 with learning disabilities.
JCYS offers a North Shore Day Camp and a NSDS Sports Camp in Highland Park for campers grades K-6. JCYS does not provide any 1:1 or specialized support for campers, however, they welcome parent hired aides. Additionally, support can be arranged through Keshet for JCYS camps.
Keshet offers inclusion support within JCC’s summer day and overnight programming. The day camp support is an inclusion model for children ages K-6th grade. For campers with special needs, Keshet offers a Teen and Tween Specialized camps – both with an optional overnight week at Camp Chi in early August.
Tween Camp, Skokie - Keshet’s Tween program offers an educational summer experience for individuals ranging in age from 10 through 16. A structured camp program, positive peer interaction, and a nurturing environment within an exciting and fun-packed day from 9:30am to 3:00pm. Campers can have a successful summer while increasing recreational skills, social skills, a sense of personal responsibility and a more positive self-image. Campers will go on weekly field trips and will swim daily at a park district pool. Camp ends with a great overnight trip to the Perlstein Resort with integrated programming at Camp Chi.
Teen Camp, Skokie - Keshet’s Teen program offers an educational camp environment for individuals ranging in age from 17 through 21. Young adult campers will enjoy the fun-filled days of summer camp from 9:30am to 3pm while learning practical social, recreational and life skills. Campers will participate in volunteering in the community, shopping and vocational instruction. Daily activities encourage campers to work on building relationships, motivating them to build important foundations of self-confidence, self-efficacy, personal growth and independence. Campers will go on field trips twice a week and will swim daily at a park district pool. Camp ends with an adventurous overnight trip to the Perlstein Resort with integrated programming at Camp Chi.
Keshet Inclusion Support in JCC Camp Programming
Keshet offers the only eight-week full day and overnight mainstream options for individuals with intellectual challenges, ages 3-21. Programs are offered in 15 locations in the Chicago area and into Wisconsin. By mainstreaming children into existing Jewish camps, Keshet provides unparalleled opportunities for campers with developmental disabilities to enjoy a summer full of fun, friends, and growth.
For Keshet support in any of the JCC Camp options, register through Keshet. Supported camp programs include:
- “Z” Frank Apachi Camp in Northbrook – Camps for ages 3-5th grade. Overnight options
- Apachi Northside in Chicago
- Apachi Village at Weinger JCC in Northbrook – Camps for children ages 3-5
- Mayer Kaplan JCC in Skokie – Camps from ages 3- 6th grade
- Ramah Day Camp in Wheeling – K-6th grade
YMCA Camps
Many Summer Day Camps available for all ages. Does not provide 1:1 support (except NSYMCA). Parents can work with the Y to arrange for support, but it is the parent’s responsibility to provide any dedicated support for the camper if needed. If minimal support or “check ins” needed, the & does have social workers and counselors on site to check in on campers. This support should be arranged with the specific Y camp prior to enrollment to be sure that the supports are available.
The NSYMCA has a huge selection of day camps to choose from. Additionally, the NSYMCA has a wonderful support and camp program called: HAWKS.
H.A.W.K.S. - HELPING ALL WONDERFUL KIDS SUCCEED
The NSYMCA actively supports inclusion and welcomes kids of all abilities. Recognizing the need for quality, adaptive programming for individuals in the North Shore area, the H.A.W.K.S. (Helping All Wonderful Kids Succeed) programs help individuals gain confidence, promote independence and responsibility, work together and nurture a healthy and active lifestyle. All programs are supervised by qualified individuals who help promote a safe, friendly, and supportive environment. NSYMCA believes that consistency is of the utmost importance and welcomes any aides provided by the family to attend camp with their child. All aides must be interviewed by the NSYMCA and are required to attend NSYMCA camp training activities. If your child needs any special accommodations or if you have questions please contact Special Services Coordinator, Ellen Mirochnick.
Many therapy providers offer summer camp or recreation programming…
- Autism Family Center, Winnetka - Summer programming can be tailored to the individual. Summer or recreational offerings are posted on the website in the spring.
- Capable Kids of the Northshore, Northbrook - Many mini camps and social groups.
- KGH Consultation, Northbrook - Full range of specialized summer programs.
- Kids in Sync, Northfield - 8 week summer camp program, 2 week bike riding intensive and more.
For younger children, be sure to investigate local preschools…
- Banner Preschool, Wilmette - Camp programming for ages 3-6.
- Cherry Preschool, Evanston - Camp programming for ages 3-6 and special needs.
- Summer Stuff, Camp programming for ages 2-7 years.
- Trinity Church Nursery School Camp Amigos, Wilmette - Half day camp for children ages 3-6.
Other camps to consider, by interest...
If your child has specific support needs, be sure to speak with the program director prior to enrolling in any camps or classes to be sure your child's needs can be met and/or that the program or class will be suitable.
- The Actors Gymnasium Circus & Performing Arts Camp, Evanston – Ages 8-15 for 2 or 4 weeks during the summer.
- Bit Space, Wilmette - Week long camps throughout the summer for ages 6+. Each week is focused around a theme that will allow campers to use a variety of tools and techniques.
- Camp CBG: Botanic Gardens Camps, Glencoe - Various weekly programs for children ages 6 mos – 15 years.
- Camp Galileo, Winnetka - Full day, weekly explorer and adventure camps for campers K-8th grades.
- Center for Gifted, Skokie - Worlds of Wisdom and Wonder Summer program for grades preK-8.
- Center for Talent Development, Evanston - Weekly enrichment camps at Northwestern University. Ages preK-12th grade.
- Digital Adventures, Wilmette - Half day, weekly computer coding and techie camps.
- Evanston Art Center Camps, Evanston - Weekly camps for ages 4-18.
- Hi-Five Sports Camps, Northbrook - Pre-K – 7th grade – sports, sports, sports!!
- Hot Ground Gym, Northbrook - Weekly day camps for children ages 8-14. Activity based camps that will strengthen your kids and keep them moving!!
- iDTech Camps, Evanston - STEM tech camps for ages 7-17 at Northwestern University.
- Rock House Rock n Roll Band Camp, Wilmette - week long music/band camps throughout the summer. Must be at least 8 years old & have at least 6 months of experience on chosen instrument to participate. Each week ends with a band showcase.
- Steve & Kates Summer Camp, Evanston - Daily and weekly full day camp options for the camper who likes to structure their own day. Montessori style camp programming.