Best Illinois Christian Camps Summer 2024 Directory

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Our week-long Overnight Camps not only focus on training in musical theater skills like singing, acting, and dancing, but also encourage the campers to delve deeper into their spiritual lives through teen-focused devotions.

Camp staff includes professional local artists, CYT Production Artistic Teams, and theater specialists. These counselors are high energy, experienced, and love working with kids! CYT aims to hire counselors who are great role models for our students. All CYT counselors have been background checked and adhere to our CYT Mission and Values.

Registration includes:
All lodging and meals at Judson University
Age appropriate bible studies and worship time
An exclusive Overnight Camp t-shirt
Vocal, Acting, and Dance Training with Theater Professionals
A chance to develop new friendships
An All Camp Musical Showcase performed on Friday evening

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: We offer limited financial aid for our overnight camps. More information can be found on our website or by calling out office.

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: CYT Chicago offers high quality performing arts classes in 16 different locations across Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. With emphasis in drama, dance, musical theater, and vocal studies, any child ages 6-18 is sure to find a class that will pique their interest. Our classes are each 10 weeks long culminating with a showcase performance during the final week.

CYT Chicago also offers over 30 professional quality musical theater productions each year. Each production stars an auditioned cast of up to 120 talented students who are currently enrolled in one of our performing arts classes. With several public and school day shows, a CYT production is the perfect outing for anyone looking for a great theater experience!

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
2019 Overnight Camp Schedule
June 17–21 — High School Camp (Ages 14–16*)
June 24–28 — Middle School Camp (Ages 12–14*)
July 8–12 — Pre-College Camp (Ages 16–18*)

*Age is counted by the Friday of the camp week.

Early Bird: Only $415 (Ends March 20th)
$430 regular rate.

CAMP FACILITIES: We partner with area churches, utilizing their full indoor spaces for learning and other activities, and frequently enjoying the weather for themed activities outside.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Our camp staff team consists of 100+ dedicated leaders who’ve worked in theater education or youth ministry. Staff members include Counselors age 18+, and adult Camp Coordinators who oversee each camp location. Our counselors have trained experience in dance, voice, and drama instruction. They enjoy working with campers to help them gain confidence, grow as performers, and most importantly have FUN!

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: We offer financial aid for all of our camps. More information can be found on our website.

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: CYT Chicago offers high quality performing arts classes in 16 different locations across Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. With emphasis in drama, dance, musical theater, and vocal studies, any child ages 6-18 is sure to find a class that will pique their interest. Our classes are each 10 weeks long culminating with a showcase performance during the final week.

CYT Chicago also offers over 30 professional quality musical theater productions each year. Each production stars an auditioned cast of up to 120 talented students who are currently enrolled in one of our performing arts classes. With several public and school day shows, a CYT production is the perfect outing for anyone looking for a great theater experience!

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Early Registration ONLY $195.00 (Ends March 20th)
$15.00 Sibling or Multiple Day Camp Discount
Standard rate is $210.00

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Professionally Trained Staff
Our caring counselors are professional role models

ACA Accredited
We maintain the highest standards regarding program safety and quality

Swimming
Kids cool off in the pool under the close watch of lifeguards

Healthy Kids Focus
Dedicated to building healthy, confident, connected and secure children

Financial Assistance Available
We believe every child should have the opportunity to experience Y camp

Extended Care Available
Extended Care is available before and after hours to accommodate working parents, and is included in the price.

Field Trips
Unique opportunities to explore nature and experience new places

23 Locations in Chicagoland
Close to where you live and work

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: With the YMCA, everyone can afford to keep their kids healthy and safe this summer!

Scholarships are available for those needing help to pay for camp through Action for Children. If you qualify, Action for Children assistance can be applied for all weeks of summer camp. Applications for assistance through Action for Children may be picked up at the Member Service Desk. You may also contact Action for Children directly at 312.823-1100 or by visiting Our Camp Website Link: www.actforchildren.org

Action For Children is state provided assistance. You do not have to be a YMCA member to qualify.

If you do not qualify or were denied funds through Action for Children, you may apply for funds through the Lake View YMCA. Lake View has scholarships available through our Annual Campaign, which is supported by donations and gifts from staff, members and the community. YMCA Scholarship forms are available at the Member Services Desk. Assistance is based on annual income, family size and supported documentation.

A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit per week is required to hold your child's spot in camp, even if you have applied for Action for Children or a YMCA Scholarship. This deposit may be applied to your co-pay. For more information on financial assistance or scholarships, contact us at 773.248-3333.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
2017 Sessions:
Mini Week: Jun 21-23
Week 1: Jun 26-30
Week 2: July 3-7 (no camp July 4)
Week 3: July 10-14
Week 4: July 17-21
Week 5: July 28-28
Week 6: July 31-Aug 4
Week 7: Aug 7-11
Week 8: Aug 14-18
Week 9: Aug 21-25
Week 10: Aug 28-Sept 1

Call for pricing

SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
Counselors are the primary caregivers for each camper. The Counselor is responsible for planning, teaching, coordinating, and carrying out activities and guiding campers in their personal growth and daily living skills.

Please apply at the following link: Our Camp Website Link: www.ymcachicago.org

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Christian Laettner is the only NCAA player to start in four Final Fours. He was the Wooden Award winner in 1992, which goes to the NCAA Men's Player of the Year.

Christian had a distinguished 14 year NBA career as well, scoring over 11,000 points and playing in the 1997 All-Star game.

CAMP FACILITIES: We have tree house cabins, St Noel Retreat Center, three lakes, recreation dining hall, horse stables, and a rustic amphitheater.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Camp Ondessonk a residential youth camp provides summer camp programs for children ages 8-18 years old. We are proud to be accredited by the American Camp Association. This accreditation means that Camp Ondessonk thoroughly reviews operational practices, seeks the wisdom of other summer camp professionals, and continually makes improvements within our summer camp program to comply with more than 300 written standards. Only one-fourth of the summer camps in the United States have earned this mark of distinction. In addition, Camp Ondessonk’s Equestrian Program is accredited by the Certified Horsemanship Association.

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: The CIT program is a two week leadership development session designed to prepare participants for possible future counselor positions. Applicants to the CIT program must be 15 years old by May 30, 2017.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: In an effort to make Camp Ondessonk more accessible to children of all economic means, three scholarship opportunities are available. General and St. Kateri scholarship recipients receive partial tuition coverage. Monsignor Fournie Scholarship recipients receive full tuition coverage.

FAMILY CAMP SESSION(S): Fall Family Camp
September 15 at 4:00 pm - September 17 at 11:30 am
Event Navigation
Camp Ondessonk Fall Family CampCamp is for everyone! Join us for a weekend of family fun and experience a taste of summer camp as the leaves change and the weather turns down-right pleasant. Many of our best traditional camp activities will be available at Fall Family Camp. Go for a canoe paddle or an afternoon swim, take a horse ride or climb our climbing tower. For a taste of the extreme, give our high ropes course a try. Experience a Camp Ondessonk weekend the whole family can enjoy!

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: Women in the outdoors IL Event March 31-April 2
Wildflowers, Waterfalls & Wineries April 7-9
Spring Lodge Reunion April 21-23
Father Son Weekend April 28-30
Camp Ondessonk Saturday Spectacular April 29
Camp Ondessonk 1980s Reunion May 5-7
First Time Camper Open House May 13
Annual Open House and Homecoming June 3
Camp Ondessonk Metro East Annual Golf Benefit June 16
2017 Great American Eclipse Event Aug 19-21
22nd Annual Camp Ondessonk Golf Benefit Sept 9
Fall Family Camp September 15-17
Mother Daughter Weekend Oct. 6-8

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Visit Our Camp Website Link: www.Ondessonk.com for session dates and fee information.

CAMP FACILITIES: We have 6 modern cabins, multipurpose building that includes a gymnasium, dining hall, conference rooms and a game room. We also have an outdoor basketball court, playground, amphitheater, and canoes that we take kids out on the Fox River.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Please see our website for more information on who we are as an organization: fvchristianaction.org.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: All of our kids attend for free if the qualify to attend based on parents income and they must live in Kane County, IL.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Contact Recruiter in Mid-May to find out information on session dates: recruiter[AT]fvchristianaction.org

SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
Various Summer Camp Positions are available for those willing to become summer missionaries.  The minimum stipend is $2475 for the summer plus room and board.  

For more information on various positions, please visit: Our Camp Website Link: riverwoods.wordpress.com.

CAMP FACILITIES: We have 12 modern, brand new cabins with heat and air conditioning. A brand new indoor climbing wall, covered pavilion, 250 seat amphitheater, and more make Camp Benson fun. Take a look around our site and discover why the Chicago-Tribune called our property one of the 7 wonders of the modern world.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: It is the mission of YMCA Camp Benson to provide a safe, fun, transformational and educational experiences for our campers through the demonstration of the four core values.; caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility and by practicing a camper first philosophy. Sending a child to camp is an act of great faith by parents. As directors, we take that responsibility very seriously. We strive to maintain an environment that both encourages personal growth and creates an unforgettable summer experience. The Camp Benson Community is a caring and supporting one, and at the core of everything that takes place at camp.

ADVENTURE camp is our most popular camp. This is a 7 day overnight camp with every activity to chose from based on your age. ADVENTURE CAMP is for those who are ages 8 -14. Your camper will take their summer to new heights. From zip-lining, swimming, and climbing to exploring a cave, high ropes, archery, and campfires. ADVENTURE camp is everything you need for one amazing week of camp.

EXPLORER camp is our starter camp. This is your 4 day overnight camp with fun activities to chose from based on your campers age. Explorer CAMP is for those who have completed kindergarten through 8 years old. Never been to YCB before or still in their first couple of summers at camp? Then EXPLORER camp is just for them. It's one week of camp packed into 4 days. With skits, big games, campfires, songs, and more, your camper is sure to have a great time.

SPECIALTY camps are the camps that have a certain niche to them They include; MEGA camp, TEEN camp, and LITERARY camp. MEGA camp is more than twice the fun! This 14 day camp gives campers the chance to try more activities, participate in the special middle-weekend stay-over, and get to know their counselors and fellow MEGA-campers much better If you are ages 8-14, register early for this one. It will fill quickly. TEEN camp is the one that no camper ages 12-17 wants to miss.

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: Simply put, an SDP (staff development participant) is a student entering the 9th-12th grade in the fall of 2014. While often this age group is overlooked and underutilized, this is not true at YMCA Camp Benson. SDPs attend Camp Benson for a week at a time serving and learning, growing and expanding, in both leadership and character. There are 4-levels of the Staff Development Program and placement is based on their grade in school, their attendance at weekend retreats, and an application process.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Every child deserves a camp experience. Just one summer at camp can positively influence a child’s life forever. Our confidential Financial Assistance Program allows numerous children, who would otherwise not be able to attend, to experience all that YMCA Camp Benson has to offer.

Applications for assistance will be made available on our website beginning in November with submissions being accepted after that.

FAMILY CAMP SESSION(S): Every spring and fall YMCA Camp Benson hosts a Family. For more information visit Our Camp Website Link: srfymca.org

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Check out Our Camp Website Link: srfymca.org for rates, dates, and discounts.