APACHI IRVING PARK

Kindergarten– 9th grade

Watch Our Video Meet the Director

Summer Adventures for Every Age

Kindergarteners through 5th Grade

The Perfect Mix of Unique Weekly Specialties and Classic Camp Fun

Weekly specialties spanning science, cooking, STEM, dance, sports and more.
Campers choose one specialty to focus on for the week.

Swim three times a week with expert instruction from Goldfish Swim School

Each week includes spirited Shabbat celebrations and classic camp day activities

 

Weekly Fun

Click on each week to see the details of our amazing weekly camp specialties!

hot shots sports logoHot Shots Sports, Illinois’ premier youth sports provider, offers fun and engaging programs for players of all ages and skill levels. Our summer camps feature rotating sports and unique, proprietary games you won’t find anywhere else. Campers develop technical skills and participate in interactive competitions led by expert coaches. With sports like volleyball, basketball, baseball, soccer, and flag football, your child is guaranteed a one-of-a-kind experience, whether they join for one week or all summer!

 

kidcreate studio logo

With guidance from Kidcreate Studios, your child will create fridge-worthy masterpieces, explore art concepts, experiment with a variety of art materials, and engage in exciting STEAM activities.

 

standstrong logo

(Grades 3-5)
The StandStrong Track at camp will offer the ‘Defender Self-Defense Course,’ designed to teach techniques for evading and de-escalating bullying situations.
Each class introduces new skills for participants to practice, focusing on defense—not fighting. Through fun team drills and games, the program promotes discipline, respect, and teamwork. With an emphasis on staying in control rather than being aggressive, the course boosts self-esteem and confidence in every participant.

 

Week 1: June 23-27

Fee: $600
Save 5% when you register for additional weeks!
Register

hot shots sports logoHot Shots Sports, Illinois’ premier youth sports provider, offers fun and engaging programs for players of all ages and skill levels. Our summer camps feature rotating sports and unique, proprietary games you won’t find anywhere else. Campers develop technical skills and participate in interactive competitions led by expert coaches. With sports like volleyball, basketball, baseball, soccer, and flag football, your child is guaranteed a one-of-a-kind experience, whether they join for one week or all summer!

 

Hip Hop Theatre

Join us for a week-long camp where students will explore the elements of hip-hop: rapping, beatboxing, breakdancing, DJing, and graffiti art. Campers will learn these skills and come together to perform an original theater piece for friends and family, featuring themes of peace, family, friendship, and the vibrant spirit of Chicago.

Each day includes acting games, breakdancing lessons, DJing with a loop machine, and creating a backdrop for the show.

Meet Your Instructor: Yuri Basho Lane
Yuri Basho Lane is a Chicago-based actor, beatboxer, and teaching artist with over 25 years of experience in the hip-hop arts. He has toured internationally with acclaimed solo shows like “From Tel Aviv to Ramallah: A Beatbox Journey” and “Soundtrack City.”

Starting at a Boys and Girls Club in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury, Yuri has performed with notable companies such as A.C.T. and Berkeley Rep. His television credits include Nash Bridges and Party of Five, and he has graced stages at the Apollo Theater and the Hip-Hop Theatre Festival.

A viral sensation on YouTube, Yuri’s beatbox harmonica skills have inspired many, leading to performances at global events like the World Economic Forum in Davos and the Chicago Bulls halftime show.

 

junior chefs kitchen logoOur Summer Camp offers your child a fun and interactive culinary experience! Junior chefs will explore various ingredients and cuisines while building foundational cooking skills, including knife skills, stove safety, and egg cracking. Each day, they’ll prepare two themed recipes.

Junior Chefs Kitchen provides hands-on cooking classes and nutrition education for children ages 2-18 at our Lincoln Park studio in Chicago. Our curriculum, developed by a Registered Dietitian, emphasizes the nutritional benefits of whole foods while fostering independence, confidence, leadership, and healthy habits.

 

Week 2: June 30-July 3

Fee: $480 (reflective of 4-day week)
Save 5% when you register for additional weeks!
Register

hot shots sports logoHot Shots Sports, Illinois’ premier youth sports provider, offers fun and engaging programs for players of all ages and skill levels. Our summer camps feature rotating sports and unique, proprietary games you won’t find anywhere else. Campers develop technical skills and participate in interactive competitions led by expert coaches. With sports like volleyball, basketball, baseball, soccer, and flag football, your child is guaranteed a one-of-a-kind experience, whether they join for one week or all summer!

 

snapology logoJoin us as we bring Minecraft® to life using LEGO® bricks. Your child will embark on adventures, design worlds, and create their own LEGO® Minecraft® character filled with mobs, animals, and buildings.

 

chicago loves dance logoUnder the guidance of Chicago Loves Dance instructors, students will learn fun choreography to the latest pop songs and get creative in freestyle sessions. We focus on boosting self-esteem and socialization through dance. The final class includes a parent watch day for a short performance showcasing their new talents.

  • Break-Dance & Hip Hop: Students will learn break-dance choreography, poses, and freestyle techniques, along with fun hip hop dance moves. The program wraps up with a parent watch day, where students will showcase a short performance.
  • Youth Yoga: Kids will learn basic yoga movements and terms through fun games. Yoga helps build listening skills, self-esteem, and social emotional learning.
  • Tumbling/Gymnastics: Students will stretch, jump, and progress from somersaults to cartwheels and round-offs in this energetic class.

 

Week 3: July 7-11

Fee: $600
Save 5% when you register for additional weeks!
Register

hot shots sports logoHot Shots Sports, Illinois’ premier youth sports provider, offers fun and engaging programs for players of all ages and skill levels. Our summer camps feature rotating sports and unique, proprietary games you won’t find anywhere else. Campers develop technical skills and participate in interactive competitions led by expert coaches. With sports like volleyball, basketball, baseball, soccer, and flag football, your child is guaranteed a one-of-a-kind experience, whether they join for one week or all summer!

 

Hip Hop Theatre

Join us for a week-long camp where students will explore the elements of hip-hop: rapping, beatboxing, breakdancing, DJing, and graffiti art. Campers will learn these skills and come together to perform an original theater piece for friends and family, featuring themes of peace, family, friendship, and the vibrant spirit of Chicago.

Meet Your Instructor: Yuri Basho Lane
Yuri Basho Lane is a Chicago-based actor, beatboxer, and teaching artist with over 25 years of experience in the hip-hop arts. He has toured internationally with acclaimed solo shows like “From Tel Aviv to Ramallah: A Beatbox Journey” and “Soundtrack City.”

Starting at a Boys and Girls Club in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury, Yuri has performed with notable companies such as A.C.T. and Berkeley Rep. His television credits include Nash Bridges and Party of Five, and he has graced stages at the Apollo Theater and the Hip-Hop Theatre Festival.

A viral sensation on YouTube, Yuri’s beatbox harmonica skills have inspired many, leading to performances at global events like the World Economic Forum in Davos and the Chicago Bulls halftime show.

 

chicago loves dance logoUnder the guidance of Chicago Loves Dance instructors, students will learn fun choreography to the latest pop songs and get creative in freestyle sessions. We focus on boosting self-esteem and socialization through dance. The final class includes a parent watch day for a short performance showcasing their new talents.

  • Cheer/Poms: Students will learn 3-4 new cheers and poms choreography weekly, improving form and adding to their routine. The last class will feature a parent watch day for a final performance.
  • Youth Yoga: Kids will learn basic yoga movements and terms through fun games. Yoga helps build listening skills, self-esteem, and social emotional learning.
  • Tumbling/Gymnastics: Students will stretch, jump, and progress from somersaults to cartwheels and round-offs in this energetic class.

 

Week 4: July 14-18

Fee: $600
Save 5% when you register for additional weeks!
Register

hot shots sports logoHot Shots Sports, Illinois’ premier youth sports provider, offers fun and engaging programs for players of all ages and skill levels. Our summer camps feature rotating sports and unique, proprietary games you won’t find anywhere else. Campers develop technical skills and participate in interactive competitions led by expert coaches. With sports like volleyball, basketball, baseball, soccer, and flag football, your child is guaranteed a one-of-a-kind experience, whether they join for one week or all summer!

 

snapology logoIn Snapology’s Pokémania program, your child will dive into the Pokémon world, building training gyms and unique battles while creating their own generation of Pokémon. They’ll also explore real-world science by examining Pokémon habitats and characteristics, ensuring a fun and educational experience!

 

kidcreate studio logoWith guidance from Kidcreate Studios, your child will create fridge-worthy masterpieces, explore art concepts, experiment with a variety of art materials, and engage in exciting STEAM activities.

 

Week 5: July 21-25

Fee: $600
Save 5% when you register for additional weeks!
Register

hot shots sports logoHot Shots Sports, Illinois’ premier youth sports provider, offers fun and engaging programs for players of all ages and skill levels. Our summer camps feature rotating sports and unique, proprietary games you won’t find anywhere else. Campers develop technical skills and participate in interactive competitions led by expert coaches. With sports like volleyball, basketball, baseball, soccer, and flag football, your child is guaranteed a one-of-a-kind experience, whether they join for one week or all summer!

 

standstrong logo

(Grades 3-5)
The StandStrong Track at camp will offer the ‘Defender Self-Defense Course,’ designed to teach techniques for evading and de-escalating bullying situations. Each class introduces new skills for participants to practice, focusing on defense—not fighting. Through fun team drills and games, the program promotes discipline, respect, and teamwork. With an emphasis on staying in control rather than being aggressive, the course boosts self-esteem and confidence in every participant.

 

junior chefs kitchen logoOur Summer Camp offers your child a fun and interactive culinary experience! Junior chefs will explore various ingredients and cuisines while building foundational cooking skills, including knife skills, stove safety, and egg cracking. Each day, they’ll prepare two themed recipes.

Junior Chefs Kitchen provides hands-on cooking classes and nutrition education for children ages 2-18 at our Lincoln Park studio in Chicago. Our curriculum, developed by a Registered Dietitian, emphasizes the nutritional benefits of whole foods while fostering independence, confidence, leadership, and healthy habits.

 

Week 6: July 28-Aug 1

Fee: $600
Save 5% when you register for additional weeks!
Register

Sample Daily Schedule:
  • 9:30–9:45am  |  Boker Tov (Morning Cheers)
  • 9:45–11:00am  |  Block 1*
  • 11:00–11:15am  |  Snack
  • 11:15am–12:30pm  |  Block 2**
  • 12:30–1:15pm  |  Lunch & Play
  • 1:15–2:30pm  |  Block 3***
  • 2:30–3:00pm  |  Popsicles & Closing
  • 3:00–3:15pm  |  Carpool & Pick-up

*Daily: Two blocks will focus on your child’s chosen specialty activities.
**Three Days a Week: One block will be dedicated to swimming lessons with Goldfish Swim School.
***Two Days a Week: One block will be for Shabbat celebrations, GaGa, playground time, and other fun camp games and activities.

Apachi Irving Park Details

Friendship requests

Friendship requests won’t be available, but rest assured, our warm and inclusive environment ensures every camper will make new friends and enjoy unforgettable moments.

Goldfish Swim School Program

Campers will swim at Goldfish Swim School in Lincoln Park (a short drive from Apachi Irving Park) three times a week. Goldfish Swim School’s philosophy is rooted in The Science of SwimPlay® which helps kids develop life skills in and out of the water using their one-of-a-kind, play-based learning in a fun and safe environment. Campers build confidence in the pool as they build skills one step at a time. Goldfish Swim School ensures each child receives the proper attention and individualized support they need. They always keep their classes small and ensure a max student-to-teacher ratio of 4:1.

goldfish swim school

 

Testing, Placement and Progress Reports

Campers are tested at the beginning of summer and placed in an appropriate swim level based on their skills. Parents will be given a Goldfish Swim School account to access updates of their child’s swim progress throughout the summer.

Car Drop Off and Pick Up

Our convenient carpool line helps your camper get to their group easily and speed you on your way. A staff member will come to your car rain or shine to help your child out of their seat. You’ll get to see your camper with a smiling counselor by their side and you never even have to get out of your car. At pick up time, just use the carpool line again. We will bring your child to you, buckle them in, and you will be on your way.

Food

Please send your camper with a small, sack lunch that we will refrigerate. A morning snack and afternoon frozen treat are provided by camp daily.

Food allergies

Safety and inclusion are top priorities at Apachi Day Camps. Our camps are committed to being allergy-safe. While our camps are not allergen-free, we strive to make our camp environments as safe as possible for children with food allergies using a customized approach and working closely with each family to develop an action plan for the child. More information can be found here.

Immunizations & Health Forms

To participate in camp, campers must have a completed health form signed by a physician on file. We also require documentation of immunizations.

Camper Care

While there will be no onsite nurse, we’ll still have trained staff ready to handle minor first-aid needs. Inclusion support is not available for this specific program, but we’re committed to ensuring every camper has a great summer experience. For families seeking specialized accommodations for campers who need extra support, we invite you to explore Apachi Old Town and Apachi Northside.

For Apachi Irving Park campers in K-8th grade:

Families that are applying for three or more weeks that are not applying for fee assistance will be charged a $500 deposit; $250 of which is refundable until February 1. After February 1, the deposit is nonrefundable.

Families that are applying for one or two weeks that are not applying for fee assistance will be charged a $250 deposit; $125 of which is refundable until February 1. After February 1, the deposit is nonrefundable.

All families who are applying for fee assistance will be charged a $150 deposit, regardless of the number of weeks and will follow the standard deposit refund policies.

Grades 6-8 | Apachi On the Go Travel Program

Taking the Apachi fun outside of camp to explore the best of Chicago!

Apachi On the Go is an exciting program designed for campers in grades 6-8 to experience daily adventures together! Each week, your child will embark on memorable field trips to water parks, beaches, sporting events, museums, and unique group outings like golf and kayaking. These daily excursions are all about fun and building friendships, while embracing the Apachi Ruach (spirit) and sense of community. It’s the perfect way for your child to explore, grow, and create lifelong memories this summer!

Note: Apachi On the Go is a 6-week program, but you can sign up by the week. The cost is $850 per week. Please note that the week of 6/30–7/4 is a 4-day week, and the price is $680 for that week.

Register

Grades 7-9 | City LIFE

Have fun with friends exploring different neighborhoods in the City of Chicago, learning to navigate the CTA, gaining valuable life skills, and giving back to the community all at the same time! Exciting activities include an improv class, a Michigan Avenue scavenger hunt, and a cooking class—offer fun ways to build confidence and independence.

Learn More

K-5th Grade | Post Camp

Keep the Apachi fun going all summer long!

Campers will enjoy all their favorite activities like sports, art, music, drama, gaga, imaginative outdoor play, water play and more. Plus, our spirited Friday Shabbat celebration will still be a highlight. Please send your child with their own lunch—we’ll provide a daily snack and a frozen treat to end each day. This week is carpool only, and spots are limited, so don’t miss out! Camp Hours: 9:30am-3pm.

SessionDatesFee
Post Camp8/4-8/8$600

Register

Sample 50/50 block

Overnight Camp

Try Chi

Try Chi is our 4-day, 3-night overnight camp experience for 2nd-6th graders at Camp Chi in Lake Delton, WI. Campers meet new friends and live in cabins with experienced, caring counselors who help them feel comfortable right away. They’ll feel the spirit of camp with cookouts, campfires, sing-alongs and great evening programs.

Learn More

Refer a Friend and Save!

As a thank you for spreading your Apachi love, for every new camper that registers and lists you as their referral source.

You’ll get:
Now through Nov. 4: $100 off your camp fee
Nov. 5 through the start of camp: $75 off your camp fee
Now through April 13: Raffle entry to win a FREE camp session. Winner announced on April 14.

Learn More

Alicia VinocurAlicia Vinocur

Camp Director, Apachi Irving Park

Summer camp has always held a special place in Alicia’s life growing up. In high school, Alicia worked as a camp counselor at the Columbus JCC for 3 and 4-year-olds. She then worked for Camp Ramah in Wisconsin and Ramah Day Camp in Wheeling, first as their Registrar for five years and then as their Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten Unit Head.

Alicia holds a B.S. in Business with a minor in Hebrew from Indiana University as well as a Certificate in Baking and Pastry from The French Pastry School. During the school year, she teaches Junior Kindergarten at Chicago Jewish Day School.

Alicia is ecstatic to bring her years of camping and education experience to Apachi Irving Park!

 

natalie griffithNatalie Viancourt

Manager of Operations, Apachi City Camps

Summer is such a special time for Natalie. What she loves most about camp is seeing campers gain confidence in the skills they learn during the summer. Through watching campers participate in the summer’s best activities including art, sports, swimming, sports and performing arts, she sees campers’ confidence grow as they step outside their comfort zones and become more comfortable with their groups, counselors, and instructors.

Natalie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago, and one of her favorite hobbies is golf. She grew up playing the sport, and she’s always so excited to get back on the course once the Midwest winters are done!

 

beth millerBeth Miller

Senior Director, Apachi Day Camp

Beth Miller has always lived and breathed camp, never missing a summer since she began attending camp at the age of 3. From being a camper at various camps, including Camp Chi where she was a SIT, her Apachi Day Camp journey started as a unit head at ‘Z’ Frank Apachi. She later helped launch and grow Apachi Northside, serving as its director for 11 years. Beth also played a key role in opening Apachi Old Town, Hyde Park, and Irving Park, driven by her passion for building strong camp communities. With over three decades at JCC, Beth’s dedication to camp is unwavering.

Now the Senior Director of Apachi Day Camp, Beth takes great pride in bringing ruach (spirit) to all Apachi locations and watching campers grow into staff who pass on cherished traditions. Beth holds an Undergraduate degree in Communications and History from the University of Kansas, a Master’s degree in Education from National Louis University, and was a former teacher. Beth is a mother of three boys, all who spent many summers at Apachi Day Camp, and she loves playing board games…mahjongg, rummikub, you name it!

Financial Solutions for Families in Need

Illinois Action for Children

A state-based program providing funding to help families in need of childcare, can also be used for day camp!

Fee Assistance

This financial aid helps offset a portion of JCC program fees and is made possible through JCC Chicago and Women’s Auxiliary funding in addition to the generosity of donors.

Learn More

Contact Us

For more information, contact us at 847.763.3504 or email apachiirvingpark@jccchicago.org.

Looking for a different Apachi Day Camp?

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