Best Illinois Travel Camps Summer 2024 Directory

CAMP FACILITIES: Explore 37 acres of action-packed activities including two heated pools, manicured sports fields, 20,000 sq. ft. air-conditioned cultural arts pavilion for hot or rainy days, athletic courts, baseball fields, nature area with hiking trail, climbing wall with challenge adventure and ropes courses plus Ga-ga, sand Volleyball and a zipline.

Elaine Frank Apachi Day Camp is also home to the Garoon Gateway to Science, the region's only state-of-the-art, outdoor science learning center.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Our full-time camp director works year-round to find the best programming and activities to delight your child, creating memories and friendships to last a lifetime. Counselors are guided by staff who are professionals in the fields of social work and education with camp expertise.

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: Leaders of tomorrow can participate in a fun,challenging program where 8th-10th grade campers who like working with young children, develop leadership and communication skills

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Financial aid available

OTHER CAMP INFO: JCC Day Camps are open to the entire community and includes daily snacks, a group photo, undernighters, twice weekly lunch, field trips, a camp t-shirt and twice daily swim.

Bust transportation is optional.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Visit our website for sessions, dates and fees.

CAMP FACILITIES: Facilities and accommodations vary from trip to trip.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: The Road Less Traveled as an organization was founded by Jim and Donna Stein in 1991, and has been successfully running safe, exciting, life-changing trips for teens ever since. Both Jim and Donna are still the current directors, and are integrally involved in every single aspect of the company. In the summer, they are on call 24/7, available both to parents as well as to our leaders in the field.

We are an ACA accredited organization with an impeccable track record. We believe in the process of accreditation. It allows us to compare our standards to other professionals in the industry. Our accreditation allows us to follow specific standards related to leader screening including use of application forms, reference checks, personal interviews, work history review, and background checks.

Many years ago, we were the first company serving young adults to require that all leaders have a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) medical certification. WFR training is far more advanced than standard first aid or wilderness first aid. In addition to this certification, we carry extensive first aid kits on all of our programs that include antibiotics and epinephrine. Contents, protocols, and standing orders are reviewed and updated every year by our Medical Director who is an MD.

Since our inception, RLT has been on the cutting edge of technological advances in communication. We began carrying Iridium satellite phones on all of our programs as soon as they were available. Today we continue to carry the latest in emergency communication systems. According to geographic location, programs are equipped with satellite phones, ground-to-air radios, and/or cellular phones providing the possibility of 24-hour access to medical help in case of emergency.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: We offer many need-based scholarships and financial aid packages. Visit Geography of Hope's website to learn more: Our Camp Website Link: www.geographyofhope.org

FAMILY CAMP SESSION(S): We offer Gap Year, custom trips as well as family programs in the winter, spring, and at the end of the summer. Please contact us at 773-342-5200 with any questions.

OTHER CAMP INFO: Flights, travel arrangements, and other trip-specific information is available on our website.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Visit our Program Chart to see all trips, dates, and prices: Our Camp Website Link: www.theroadlesstraveled.com

SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
Trip Leader/Co-Leader

Travel domestically and/or internationally with a group of high-school and/or middle-school students, monitoring and facilitating community service, language/cultural immersion, and/or wilderness adventure trips

Minimum Qualifications
• Minimum of 21 years of age
• Minimum of a bachelor's degree or in the process of completing a degree. Equivalent experience working with teenagers in related field will be considered if not currently enrolled in school
• Experience Previous program leader experience working with and or teaching young people age ranging in age between 12-19. Knowledge of and experience with group dynamics, teaching or facilitating groups, supervision of meal planning, food preparation and cooking, managing logistics. Ability to teach program specific skills, environmental awareness, and related scientific, cultural, and historical knowledge pertaining to the regions through which you will travel and their relationship to each other.
• Strong Physical Condition
• Current CPR for the professional rescuer
• Current Wilderness First Responder, WEMT or EMT certification
• Current Red Cross lifeguard or Swiftwater rescue certifications preferred but not mandatory
• Current unrestricted valid drivers license with no major convictions during the previous three year period; driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, reckless driving, hit and run, homicide or assault with a motor vehicle, drag racing, operating a motor vehicle without the owner's consent, license suspended or revoked within the previous three year period for accidents and or moving violations. Driving record should reflect no more than three moving violations and/or chargeable accidents during the previous three years

• For Adventure Programs: Knowledge of three or more wilderness travel methods. Whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, international trekking, biking, backpacking, technical rock or ice climbing and mountaineering. Mandatory requirements for adventure trips include: the ability to lead groups of students on backpacking trips of three to eight days, ability to comfortably lead through remote wilderness areas. This includes, but is not limited to, backpacking preparations, backcountry travel, route finding, campsite selection, equipment maintenance, Leave No Trace camping techniques in desert and alpine terrain and proper protocol in dense bear country.

All leaders must possess the ability to make prudent decisions in adverse conditions. International Service Learning and Language Immersion Programs: Leaders and must be highly proficient or fluent in the spoken language of the program country (Spanish, etc.) and have extensive experience with community service, international travel, managing multiple responsibilities abroad, experience and/or living abroad, cultural immersion. Knowledge of the following is helpful but not mandatory: Sea Kayaking, Whitewater Rafting, Trekking, Surfing, and Snorkeling

• International Service learning and Language Exposure Programs: Leaders to have extensive experience with community service, international travel, managing multiple responsibilities abroad, experience and/or living abroad, cultural immersion. Knowledge of the following is helpful but not mandatory: Sea Kayaking, Whitewater Rafting, Trekking, Surfing, Snorkeling

• Service Learning Programs: Leaders to have extensive experience with community service, experience managing multiple responsibilities, construction experience preferred. Knowledge of the following is helpful but not mandatory: Sea Kayaking, Whitewater Rafting, Rock Climbing, Hiking, PADI Scuba certified
• Ability and experience supervising co-instructors and participants
• Valid Passport
• Ability to drive a standard transmission vehicle
• Ability to communicate and work with teenagers and co-instructors, and provide necessary instruction
• Ability to creatively schedule programs, facilities, and co-instructors
• Ability to observe participant behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity
• Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid
• Good character, integrity, and adaptability
• Enthusiasm, sense of humor, patience and self -control
• Ability to follow written procedures as outlined in the leader-training manual
• Ability to support program philosophy and implement procedures
• Ability to work long hours
• Ability and experience in facilitating groups

Specific Responsibilities/Job Description
1. Plan, coordinate and execute daily activities and trip logistics
2. Monitor co-instructor and participant assignments for the day
3. Monitor groups and supervise co-instructors' responsibilities
4. Act as a positive role model for participants
5. Responsible for the relationships with general public, people of the land, and subcontractors
6. Monitor ongoing safety and provide education for co-instructor and participants
7. Supervise the health and safety of the participants and environment
8. Together with co-instructor and participant, plan and execute the evening program
9. Identify and address inappropriate behavior with participant or with other co-instructor, for actions that put health and safety of a participant at risk
10. Together with co-instructor, plan and implement evening program as needed
11. Management of financials and accounting including monitoring of expenditures, record keeping, advances, bookkeeping and end of trip summary of information
12. Management of gear, vehicles, inventory, storage, documentation and end of trip summary information
13. Evaluate co-instructor and perform reviews and summer end evaluations
14. Evaluate program and current season and make suggestions for following season

Dates of Employment
June through August seasonally - recommend early application.

Remuneration
Salary is commensurate with experience/certifications/qualifications. Your salary with The Road Less Traveled includes all food, lodging and transportation from the beginning through close of your trip. We also offer pro-deals on outdoor equipment from a variety of well-known manufacturers.

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED
Laura Dunmire-Director
2331 N Elston Court
Chicago, IL 60614
employment[AT]theroadlesstraveled.com

Please visit: Our Camp Website Link: www.theroadlesstraveled.com

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Camperships are available for current members of Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois

FAMILY CAMP SESSION(S): We have two family camp sessions in 2014.
Special Guy Overnight - July 11-July 12 - Spend some time with the special guy in your life, whether it's dad, step-dad, uncle, grandpa, or older brother.

Me & My Gal Weekend - July 18-July 20 - Spend the weekend with the special gal in your life whether it's mom, step-mom, aunt, grandma, or older sister

SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
We are currently hiring for all camp positions - counselor, kitchen staff, waterfront staff, and specialty areas. Please contact Felecia for more information.

Please send email to: fdupczak[AT]girlscoutsni.org or visit our website at Our Camp Website Link: www.girlscoutsni.org for application materials.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Camp Wego is fully committed to developing life and social skills for individuals with special needs ages 14 and up. We believe that our travel trips are a great way to experience independence, improve social skills, and increase self-esteem in a secure, safe and also an exciting environment. Our primary goals are to help travelers build self-esteem, develop better social skills and self-expression, make and maintain friendships, improve fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and sensory integration.

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: Camp Wego travels year around.

OTHER CAMP INFO: No Financial aid offered.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Most trips cost $1000 and up

For complete info visit Our Camp Website Link: www.campwego.com

SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
Camp has a huge impact on girls through a supportive community. Are you up to the challenge to build that community? We are seeking hard-working, positive, enthusiastic, and caring adults ages 18+ to fill counselor and leadership positions at all of our camp locations. Apply online!
Our Camp Website Link: girlscoutsgreaterchicagoandnwindiana.applytojob.com 

CAMP FACILITIES: In addition to several expansive athletic fields, there is a spacious wooded area for recreation out of the sun. Campers enjoy the use of tennis courts, swimming pool, basketball court, fishing pond, sand volleyball court, miniature golf course, archery range, gymnastics area, climbing wall, gaga pit, mountain biking trails, trampball court and much more! Several large buildings accommodate indoor activities during inclement weather.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Decoma is proud to offer the following options:

SHORTENED DAY PROGRAM for children ages 3 – 5
provides a fun-filled day led by adult counselors and includes bus transportation, daily swimming instruction, lunch, and numerous sports and activities all appropriate to the age, attention span, and energy level of three through five-year-olds.

FULL DAY PROGRAM for children ages 4 – 13
Campers swim twice a day, and exceptional Red Cross instruction is provided by trained staff in our spacious, heated pool. The fun continues on land with tennis, team sports, trampball, climbing wall, crafts, dance, archery, drama, fishing, gymnastics, martial arts, mountain biking, photography, circus arts, theme days, field trips and much more!

OPTIONAL SPECIALTY CAMPS for children ages 7 – 13
in GOLF, HORSEBACK RIDING, and TENNIS. Specialty Camp presents the unique opportunity for campers to concentrate in specific areas of interest at state-of-the-art facilities, combined with a blend of traditional camp activities.

Our accreditation by the American Camping Association and the American Red Cross continues to prove our commitment to the highest standards for our campers.

OTHER CAMP INFO: Since 1949 Decoma has provided generations of children with fantastic summers, special friendships and memories to last a lifetime. Highlights include: individual attention, small staff/camper ratios, mature experienced counselors and flexible programming (5 or 3 days a week--4 week minimum--choose any weeks). Decoma is about having summer fun while learning new skills, making lasting friendships, and enhancing self-esteem and self reliance. At Decoma each child is special to us. We pride ourselves on getting to know every camper as an individual and work with the family to provide the best possible summer experience. WE TREAT YOUR FAMILY LIKE FAMILY!

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
2020 DATES -- Our 72nd Summer!
YOU CAN DESIGN YOUR CHILD'S SUMMER PROGRAM TO FIT YOUR NEEDS!

8-WEEK CAMP SEASON: JUNE 8 TO JULY 31

POSTCAMP WEEK:
August 3 to August 7

Campers are required to enroll in a minimum of four weeks of camp. However, many campers enroll for 5,6,7,8 or more weeks. Camper weeks do not have to be consecutive. CHOOSE ANY WEEKS!

Our camp fee INCLUDES daily hot lunch, transportation, free extended care, and swimming twice/day with expert instruction.

Please see our Website for more information and to view fantastic photos from the summer. You'll see how much fun we have at Decoma Day Camp!

Feel free to contact us at any time with any questions you may have or to schedule a tour or home video presentation. We look forward to hearing from you!

SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
Decoma is currently hiring for the summer.  If you are enthusiastic, energetic, sun-loving and enjoy working with children this is the summer job for you!  Apply on-line at Our Camp Website Link: www.decomadaycamp.com or give us a call at 847-945-4455.

CAMP FACILITIES: Campers utilize four main rustic living units – Rustling Oaks, Setting Sun, White Cloud, and Shining Star – that provide platform tents and unit houses. These unit houses have electricity, indoor bathrooms, hot water, and kitchen facilities.

Setting Sun, Rustling Oaks, White Cloud and Shining Star units are available for camping. Each unit with the exception of Rustling Oaks, has a unit house and platform tents. Rustling Oaks contains a unit house only. The unit houses are all equipped with indoor flush toilets (White Cloud has composting toilets), full kitchen with cooking equipment, fireplaces, electricity, tables, chairs and mattresses (no cots), and electric heat. The platform tents are available April 15 through October 15 and house 3-4 people per tent with cots and mattresses. Each unit has a fire circle and comes with standard basic outdoor cooking equipment.

Setting Sun sleeps 20 indoors and 26 outdoors in platform tents.
Rustling Oaks sleeps 16 indoors and has a shower.
Shining Star sleeps 24 indoors and 35 outdoors in platform tents.
White Cloud sleeps 24 indoors and 35 outdoors in platform tents.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Your group can experience many activities while staying at Camp Tapawingo including team building on our high and low ropes courses, test your aim on our archery range or take a relaxing ride through the property on horseback. A small paddling lake can be explored in a canoe. If exploring on your own, hiking trails wind throughout the property. These activities are dependent on trained staff and/or volunteer availability.

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: We have both CIT and LIT programs as well as Leadership Camps and camp assistants.

If you love working with younger campers and hanging out with older Girl Scouts at camp, you’ll love this two-week session! You’ll spend the first week improving your camping and leadership skills and observing the counselors in action as you begin the sisterhood journey. The second week you’ll be paired with a unit to lead daily camp activities. As a CIT, you’ll have plenty of time to stay up late making midnight grilled cheese and playing goofy games.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Financial assistance is available.

FAMILY CAMP SESSION(S): Our summer activities are open to all girls, including non-Girl Scouts. Any girl entering first grade through twelfth grade is welcome at camp. You don’t have to have any camping experience to come to camp, and you don’t have to come with friends or a troop. You’ll make new friends while you’re here. The GSCI summer camp experience is available in many forms: resident camp; day camp; family events; and core camping, where troops stay at camp and camp staff run activities.

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: Camp Tapawingo is a year-round camp with mainly activities and camping.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Please visit: Our Camp Website Link: www.getyourgirlpower.org

SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
For camp jobs info please visit: Our Camp Website Link: www.getyourgirlpower.org.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Camperships are available for current members of Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois

FAMILY CAMP SESSION(S): Family Fun Overnight - July 25-26 - A family that camps together, makes a s'more together! Splash in the pool, go for a hike, and make something in arts & crafts to remember this camp session together.

SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
We are currently hiring for all camp positions - counselor, kitchen staff, waterfront staff, and specialty areas. Please contact Felecia for more information.

Please email fdupczak[AT]girlscoutsni.org or visit our website nat Our Camp Website Link: www.girlscoutsni.org for application materials.

CAMP FACILITIES: We are a small camp with nearly 1/2 mile of lake frontage. Our 10 cabins are neat and clean they have electricity and heat for those cool summer nights. See more pictures and video on our website Our Camp Website Link: snc.camp

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Swift Nature Camp is an overnight nature camp for boys and girls ages 6-15. Our focus is to blend traditional summer camp activities while increasing a child's appreciation for nature, science and the environment.

Our special Discovery Camp is a nurturing program for first-time overnight campers, offering additional staff to provide support and encouragement to overcome homesickness and build confidence. The program welcomes no more than 50 first-time campers, and the special attention that this intimate group receives is the reason that more than 92% of them wish to return.

Swift Nature Camp offers traditional summer camp activities along with an environmental focus. Campers enjoy an active Nature Center, Pet Zoo, and Department of Natural Resources sponsored programs, plus recreational activities that include canoe and backpack trips, horseback riding, swimming, arts & crafts, team courses, archery, sailing, water skiing, tubing and sports.

In addition to these traditional activities, Swift Nature Camp is so much more. We are a child-centered program located away from technology, celebrity culture and academic pressures. Through fun activities and positive staff role models, we help children develop lifelong skills such as confidence, teamwork, leadership, compassion and communication. Our small size allows us to promote each child's personal development by providing fun, friendship and leadership in a supportive and noncompetitive environment. While away from home, children will have the opportunity to act on their own, become self-reliant, and try things for themselves.

Many of our kids return year after year saying that "Swift allows me to be my real self with real people." And we feel that's a good thing!

All of this happens in the fun and sun of the north woods of Wisconsin. For staff and campers alike, Swift Nature Camp is more than just a place to be: it is their summer home. So why not have your child join our summer camp family this summer?

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: Yes we have a leadership program for those who are 16 & 17 years old.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: YES, scholarships are available. Please, see our website.
Our Camp Website Link: swiftnaturecamp.com

OTHER CAMP INFO: We are most excited by 1st Time Camper Program that is only for children that have never been to summer camp before. This program has only 5 children in a cabin with 2 counselors. Allowing us to give every child loads of attention for their first time away from home.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Our programs begin mid June and go till mid August

DISCOVERY CAMP (2 WEEKS), June 4-June 16
Boys & Girls 6-12, Cost $1550

PATHFINDER CAMP (2 WEEKS), June 18-June 30
Boys & Girls 6-12, Cost $1550

EXPLORER CAMP (3 WEEKS), July 2-July 21
Boys & Girls 7-15, Cost $2400

EXPLORER CAMP (3 WEEKS), July 23-August 11
Boys & Girls 7-15, Cost $2400

ADVENTURER CAMP (6 WEEKS), July 2-August 11
Boys & Girls 7-15
Cost $4600

CANADIAN CANOE TRIP (5 days), August 10-14
Boys & Girls 14-17, Cost $599

See our Dates & Rates for more Information
Our Camp Website Link: swiftnaturecamp.com

SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
Swift Nature Camp is looking for great young people to be Camp Counselors and activity specialist. So if you want to spend your summer outside, being a role model to kids be sure to see our website.

Also we need a camp nurse and Outdoor Education Director. Interested, please see our website.

You can change a child's life this summer and in turn change yours.

Watch Our Swift Nature Camp Jobs Video at: Our Camp Website Link: swiftnaturecamp.com

Watch Our Swift Nature Camp Promo Video at: Our Camp Website Link: swiftnaturecamp.com

CAMP FACILITIES: Camp delegates are assigned to live in cabins with other junior high students and one or two Junior Counselors. Delegates will not be housed with students from their home school. The cabins have bunk beds with foam rubber mattresses. Delegates must provide their own bedding. Delegate cabins are located in close proximity to the Senior Staff and the Camp Nurse.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: >During the week of camp, each delegate is assigned to a mock Student Council of 15-20 students. In order for the delegates to meet students from other schools, each delegate is placed in a council with students from schools other thatn his/her home school. Each mock Student Council elects officers, establishes committees and has camp responsibilities to complete. Councils meet at least once during each day with a member of the Senior Staff and 2 or 3 Junior Counselors.

General Sessions are held each day for all camp delegates. These are learning sessions presented by members of the Senior staff and include such topics as job training, brainstorming, and much more. In addition, the Senior Staff presents information about planning agendas, project plannng, parlimentary procedure, and evaluation during the council meetings.

Recreation is held at least once a day. Delegates can go swimming, boating, shoot archery, play volleybal, or make crafts. The camp store is open at this time so delegates may purchase snacks.

The evening acivities include special events: a square dance, a picnic and junior olympics, and a dance. The final evening activity of the week is a banquet followed by Achievement Night which inlcudes a candle lighting ceremony. Each day ends with time to reflect and sing around the campfire.

Camp Staff
The Senior Staff is made up of teachers who are student council advisors in their home schools. In addition to the camp Director, and Senior staff, there is a staff nurse. The Junior Counselors (JC's) are high school students who attended IAJHSC Leadership Camp as junior high/middle school students. They are also involved in leadership experiences in high school. The Junior Counselors are a carefullly selected group of higly capable, responsible, and enthusiastic individuals.

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: Leadership Camp.

OTHER CAMP INFO: Camp delegates are assigned to live in cabins with other junior high students and one or two Junior Counselors. Delegates will not be housed with students from their home school. The cabins have bunk beds with foam rubber mattresses. Delegates must provide their own bedding. Delegate cabins are located in close proximity to the Senior Staff and the Camp Nurse.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
June 18-24, 2023