Programs

Juniors — 4 & 5 Year-olds

Our nurturing, experienced staff, and small group size gives each child the attention he or she needs to have a positive first camp experience. In this shortened-day program, campers take part in a variety of activities, including daily Red Cross swim instruction, where the emphasis is on participation, building confidence and having fun.

Chaverim — K–3rd Grade

The Chaverim non-stop schedule focuses on activities that build skills, boost self-esteem and create memories. Groups are grade-level specific, allowing age-appropriate programming that offers new experiences and options each summer. Campers swim four days a week, with time for both instructional and free swim. Field trip frequency and destinations are determined by grade level. Third graders even have a special camp overnighter!

Chaverim Sports — 2nd–6th Grade

This all-action program emphasizes skill development, sportsmanship, teamwork and personal growth through fun skill drills, daily contests, game play and team-building activities. Campers swim four days a week and enjoy field trips to sporting events, water parks and other local attractions, as well as a super sports overnighter (third grade and up).  

PAC (Performing Arts Camp) — 3rd–5th Grade

Staff from JCC’s Young Actors Ensemble direct this sensational camp at Kaplan’s Elaine and Zollie Frank Theatre. Professional actors and artists teach acting, dance, musical theatre, improvisation, stage makeup and backstage. Sessions culminate with a spectacular performance that features every camper. Exciting field trips to theatres, concerts, galleries, museums and water parks, plus swimming, an overnighter and Shabbat cookouts make Performing Arts Camp a uniquely creative summer experience.

PAC Plus — 6th–9th Grade

Young people entering grades 6-9 enjoy honing and expanding their skills among peers who share their love of theatre. More advanced workshops for the older, more experienced performers include: monologues, scene study, auditioning, singing, dance, and design. Weekly field trips and swimming 4 days a week. Each session concludes with a Broadway Revue show featuring numbers from hit Broadway musicals!

City Adventures — 4th–8th Grade

Seasoned campers love this on-the-go experience that combines urban discovery with outdoor adventure. Campers head out for fun at Oak Street Beach, Chicago museums, waterparks, challenge courses and an amazing three-day trip to JCC’s Camp Chi in the Wisconsin Dells. City Adventures also includes social action and volunteer opportunities where kids can really make a difference. Campers also spend time enjoying swimming, sports, art, games and more at The Children’s Center at Mayer Kaplan JCC.

CIT — 8th–9th Grade

The Counselor-In-Training (CIT) program is a great way for teens to learn the skills and responsibilities of a JCC counselor. CITs assist teachers and counselors with swimming, sports, art and more, while also participating in field trips and special service projects. Through hands-on experience, teens develop leadership and communication skills. Most importantly, they have the opportunity to work, learn and make new friends in a fun, relaxed camp environment. CITs will not be placed in Performing Arts Camp or City Adventures.

Try Chi Post-Camp — 3rd–6th Grade 

Try overnight camp! Campers and staff head up to JCC’s Camp Chi overnight camp in the Dells for four days and three nights of cabin life, water skiing, horseback riding, swimming, arts & crafts, late night camp fires and more. For campers enrolled in a JCC day camp program only.