JCC Elaine Frank Apachi Day Camp

Our Program Grows
with Your Child

Ages and grades listed are as of September 1 following camp.

Junior Explorer

4–5 Years Old (PreK)
Our Junior Explorer summer program is designed to provide “big kid” camp excitement for your child and piece of mind for you. Small group sizes give each child the attention he or she needs to have a positive first camp experience. Junior Explorers engage in a full spectrum of activities where the emphasis is on building confidence, making friends and having fun. Campers take part in daily American Red Cross swim instruction, stories and arts & crafts, led by nurturing and experienced staff.

Explorers

K–3rd Grade
The Explorers’ non-stop schedule focuses on experiencing a variety of new and favorite activities, building independence, spending time with friends and living and learning Jewish values. Campers swim twice daily (one period devoted to swim instruction.) Field trips and under/overnighters build camaraderie and add excitement to the daily schedule.

Pioneers

4th–6th Grade
The Pioneer Program helps campers make good choices and prepare for the overnight experience. Campers self-guide their camp schedule, which allows them to choose their favorite activities including league play, climbing wall and the GaGa pit. Campers swim twice daily (one period of instruction,) take part in weekly field trips and enjoy a late night and one overnighter at camp.

4+4: Spend the Whole Summer with JCC Camps

4th–7th grades
Campers get the best of both worlds—four weeks of fun at a JCC Day Camp and four exciting weeks at JCC Camp Chi. Parents get peace of mind knowing that their children’s  summer will be filled with high-quality programs, nurturing staff and Jewish values.

This program comes with special loyalty pricing for families, our biggest camping discounts ever, to help make the full summer experience affordable. To find out about these substantial savings, call your local Day Camp office for more information.

In addition to the loyalty pricing, first-time overnight campers enrolled in the 4+4 experience are eligible to receive an additional $1000 off their camp tuition from the Campership Program of Illinois.

2+2+4: Day/Overnight Camp Combo

4th–7th grades
The 2+2+4 program is a great way to introduce JCC Camp Chi to 4th–7th graders. Campers spend two great weeks at a JCC Day Camp where they will meet peers also going to JCC Camp Chi and get special advice on overnight camp from experienced staff members. Then they travel to Camp Chi, where they experience
a summer’s worth of overnight camp fun in two weeks as part of the Yeladim or Kadima sessions. Campers return to day camp for the final four weeks of the summer. This program includes special discount pricing.

Pioneer Plus

7th–8th Grade
For the seasoned camper, this incredible on-the-go experience combines outdoor adventure and a traditional camp experience. Three times a week, campers head out on trips that include hiking, rock climbing, biking, sporting events, trips to Great America, city festivals and more. Two days are spent enjoying favorite camp activities, such as free swim, and taking part in weekly Tikkun Olam projects that make a difference in the community.

Note: This program is run through JCC “Z” Frank Apachi Day Camp. Drop-off and pick-up will be at a cluster bus stop. 

Counselor-In-Training (CIT)

9th–10th Grade
This fun and challenging training program promotes maturity and allows the CIT to become a role model for younger children. CITs, with a love of the outdoors, work and learn in a fun camp environment while developing leadership and communication skills. After successful completion of this program, a CIT can choose to interview for a staff position the summer before entering 11th grade.

Try Chi Post Camp

3rd–6th Grade
JCC campers and EFA staff head to JCC’s Camp Chi overnight camp near the Wisconsin Dells for four days and three nights of cabin life and activities including waterskiing, horseback riding, swimming, arts & crafts, late night camp fires and more.
Click for more Try Chi Information