APACHI NORTHSIDE

4 years – 7th grade + CIT

Watch Our Video Pricing & Registration

Apachi Combos

Apachi + Camp Chi

Twice the fun! Combine Apachi Day Camp with Camp Chi Overnight Camp for one incredible summer experience and save 20% on the cost of Camp Chi.
Pricing & Registration

Camp Activities

  • Arts & Creativity

    Dance • Drama & Improv • Theater Performance • Arts & Crafts • S.T.E.A.M • Design Lab • Busy Builders & Construction • Science • Nature • Music • Cooking

  • Sports

    Team Sports • Backyard Games • GaGa • Foursquare • Yoga • Team Building • Gymnastics

  • Special Activities

    Theme Days • Cross Town Classic • Artist-In-Residence

  • Jewish Culture

    Values • Shabbat Celebrations • Maccabi Games

  • Swimming

    Swim Lessons • Free Swim

  • Field Trips

    Archery • Kayaking • Mini Golf • Climbing Wall • Beach • Zoo

Apachi Northside In Action

Apachi Northside Details

Friendship requests

Apachi is a welcoming and inclusive environment, where all campers are encouraged to try something new and make new friends! Although not required, campers may submit friendship requests in the Spring, and we will do our best to accommodate at least one request if campers are entering the same grade (Trailblazers, campers entering grades 5th-7th, may request each other since groups may be mixed based on enrollment). Explorers are all gender groups. Pioneers and Trailblazers can request either single gender or all-gender groups.

Our program encourages all campers to explore and try a little bit of everything! We offer a range of activities including swim lessons, GaGa, foursquare, crafts & creative arts, sports & backyard games, dance, yoga, gymnastics, music, team building and much more!

For Juniors and Explorers, artists-in-residence visit weekly to expose younger campers to exciting experiences and teach new skills through magic, juggling, percussion, dance and other activities. For Pioneers and Trailblazers, they choose specialties to hone their skills or pursue new interests in sports, adventure, or creative arts. Everyone comes together for daily opening assemblies, Shabbat celebrations, cookouts, theme days, family nights, as well as our own fantastic carnival, Apachi Olympic Madness, and themed Maccabi Color War games.

American Red Cross Swim Program

Campers are taught to swim at Apachi Northside using the American Red Cross’ Learn-to-Swim program, which focuses on building skills one step at a time. By giving campers the opportunity to master one element before moving on to the next, it makes it easy to build confidence in the water. Safety is our priority and all members of our Aquatics staff are American Red Cross certified lifeguards with CPR training for the professional rescuer.

Testing, Placement and Progress Reports

Campers are tested at the beginning of summer and placed in an appropriate swim level based on their skills. They pass through levels based on both formal and informal testing. They’re also tested for endurance and water safety. Swim levels are sent home at the beginning of your camper’s session and progress reports are shared at the end of each session.

Car Drop-Off and Pick Up

Our convenient carpool line helps your camper get to their group easily and speed you on your way. Just enter the lot towards the south end of the building and follow the path around to the drop off areas in front of the building. 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.

Optional One-Way or Round-Trip Bus

For an additional fee, families can select to have their children take the bus to and from camp. Buses are driven by licensed, professional drivers and supervised by Apachi staff. Campers are required to wear seatbelts at all times. We have bus routes from several neighborhoods on the city’s North side. Our bus stops are “cluster stops” for groups of campers, not individual stops. We try to make the cluster stops convenient for families as well as safe and efficient.

View our proposed bus stop map.

Food

We provide pizza lunch on Tuesdays and a hotdog cookout on Fridays. Gluten free and/or dairy free pizza and vegetarian hot dogs are available upon request. For all other days, please send your camper with a small, sack lunch that we will refrigerate. A morning snack and afternoon frozen treat are also 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

Our Community Care team, made up of mental health professionals and special education teachers, ensure the ever-evolving social emotional needs of our campers are met so they can be successful at camp.

 

For campers needing extra support, there are several support options available to ensure a successful summer. You can choose from support through JCC Chicago, Keshet, or your child’s paraprofessional depending on which option works best for your camper and family. For more information, please connect with your Apachi Day Camp Director.

Sample 50/50 block

EcoApachi

Specialty Program

Budding biologists, engineers, environmentalists and artists explore living things and our world through hands-on activities and experiments. Campers head outdoors on the wooded grounds of Northside College Prep, the North Shore Channel Trail and surrounding park areas.

This program is no longer being offered for Summer 2024.
Sample 50/50 block

Counselor in Training (CIT) Program

Campers in 8th-10th grade gain hands on experience working with children and learn vital skills needed to become an Apachi leader and thrive at camp, school and beyond! This plus daily camp fun makes for one memorable summer experience.

Learn More

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

beth millerBeth Miller

Director, Apachi Northside

Beth Miller has been Apachi Northside’s Director for the past 11 years and has been with Apachi Day Camp for over 30 years. Nothing makes her happier than to see campers and staff return to their summer home year after year. The Apachi Day Camp spirit is just part of Beth and she loves the community built at Apachi Northside. Her favorite thing about summer is engaging with her campers every day and being a part of funny “kid moments.”

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!

 

jacob rosenstein

Jacob Rosenstein

Site Director, Apachi at Bernard Horwich JCC
Oversees specialty programming for 3rd-7th graders and Week 8 Apachi programming

Growing up, summer camp always held a special place in Jacob’s life. He loved the endless opportunities available to try new activities and develop new skills, and camp gave him the confidence to know he could do anything he set his mind to. Inspired by the transformative impact his counselors had on him, Jacob knew, since he was ten years old, that he wanted to be a camp director so he could pay his special camp experiences forward. He previously worked as a counselor, Unit Head and Assistant Director at the overnight camp in Wisconsin he attended as a kid and prior to joining Apachi Day Camp, served as a Unit Head and Director’s Apprentice at a Jewish overnight camp in Pennsylvania. Jacob’s favorite part about summer is seeing campers escape the pressures of school, step outside their comfort zones and develop new skills in a supportive environment. Camp is truly a place of immense growth for campers and staff alike. Whether it’s dynamic problem solving, working as a team, or taking advantage of all the leadership opportunities camp provides, Jacob believes every member of our community can leave with something they’ll keep forever.

Jacob holds a B.Ed. in Elementary Education with a focus on social psychology and human development from Boston University, and he’s excited to bring his expertise and years of camping experience to Apachi Evanston. When not at camp, you’ll find Jacob rock climbing, jamming out to live music and cheering on his favorite Chicago sports teams.

 

natalie griffithNatalie Griffith

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!

Priority Registration for Returning Summer 2023 Campers & Their Siblings
October 10-24, 2023

Early Bird Registration
October 25- November 30, 2023

Please Note: We place campers in groups according to the Fall grade they are going into after summer camp. Ages and grades listed below are as of the 2024-2025 school year.

Juniors | 4 Years

Setting the stage for your child’s lifelong love of camp, counselors specially trained to work with young campers make our Junior Explorers feel safe and secure. Small group activities including swim instruction, sports, games, art, dance and music emphasize participation, building confidence and having fun. Junior groups are all-gender and grade specific.

Campers must be 4 years old and potty trained before the first day of camp.

SessionDatesEarly Bird
Ends 11/30/23
Winter
Ends 2/29/24
Spring
Through Camp
Session 1 | 4 Wks Limited space available 6/17-7/12$2,750$2,925$3,175
Session 2 | 3 Wks7/15-8/2$2,470$2,645$2,895
Full Summer | 7 Wks6/17-8/2$5,100$5,450$5,700

Register

 

Explorers | Grades K-2

The Explorers’ high energy day focuses on skill building, new activities, boosting self–esteem and forging new friendships. Explorers’ schedules include a wide variety of activities, including art, sports, drama, swim lessons, and a featured artist-in-residence each week! Explorer groups are all-gender and grade specific.

Limited space available in Explorer K and Explorer 2. Explorer 1 is now full.
To be added to the waitlist, please contact bmiller@jccchicago.org.
Check out our amazing summer experiences at Apachi Irving Park and Apachi Hyde Park.
SessionDatesEarly Bird
Ends 11/30/23
Winter
Ends 2/29/24
Spring
Through Camp
Session 1 | 4 Wks6/17-7/12$2,750$2,925$3,175
Session 2 | 3 Wks7/15-8/2$2,470$2,645$2,895
Full Summer | 7 Wks6/17-8/2$5,100$5,450$5,700

Register

 

Pioneers | Grades 3-4

New for Summer 2024!
Up to twice a week, campers will be bussed to Bernard Horwich JCC to participate in specialties that aren’t currently offered at Apachi Northside including archery, rock climbing & low ropes, taekwondo, gymnastics, volleyball and baseball.

The Pioneers’ schedule introduces choice to our campers. In addition to participating in all of camp’s activities and weekly swim lessons, each Pioneer will choose one specialty activity per session to focus on in camp, and they’ll also travel out of camp on two field trips each session as a unit. This will allow for exploration, skill building and meeting new friends. Pioneers can request either single gender or all-gender groups.

Limited space available.
Check out our amazing summer experiences at Apachi Irving Park and Apachi Hyde Park.
SessionDatesEarly Bird
Ends 11/30/23
Winter
Ends 2/29/24
Spring
Through Camp
Session 1 | 4 Wks6/17-7/12$2,965$3,140$3,390
Session 2 | 3 Wks7/15-8/2$2,635$2,810$3,060
Full Summer | 7 Wks6/17-8/2$5,500$5,850$6,100
Thinking about overnight camp? Combine Apachi with Camp Chi for one incredible summer and save on the cost of camp. Learn more.

 

Trailblazers | Grades 5-7

New for Summer 2024!
Up to twice a week, campers will be bussed to Bernard Horwich JCC to participate in specialties that aren’t currently offered at Apachi Northside including archery, rock climbing & low ropes, taekwondo, gymnastics, volleyball and baseball.

The Trailblazers’ schedule emphasizes choice. In addition to participating in all of camp’s activities and weekly swim lessons, each Trailblazer will choose one specialty activity per session to focus on in camp. This will allow for exploration, skill building and meeting new friends. Trailblazers will also choose one outdoor adventure trip to participate in both sessions, which helps our campers meet other campers with similar interests and develop a new skill. Additionally, Trailblazers will attend one field trip as an entire unit each session. Trailblazers can request either single gender or all-gender groups.

Limited space available.
Check out our amazing summer experiences at Apachi Irving Park and Apachi Hyde Park.
SessionDatesEarly Bird
Ends 11/30/23
Winter
Ends 2/29/24
Spring
Through Camp
Session 1 | 4 Wks6/17-7/12$3,180$3,355$3,605
Session 2 | 3 Wks7/15-8/2$2,805$2,980$3,230
Full Summer | 7 Wks6/17-8/2$5,900$6,250$6,500
Thinking about overnight camp? Combine Apachi with Camp Chi for one incredible summer and save on the cost of camp. Learn more.

 

EcoApachi | Grades 3-7

Budding biologists, engineers, environmentalists and artists explore living things and our world throughout hands-on activities and experiments. Campers will explore life science by collecting samples, learning about habitats, planting trees, constructing bird houses and recording findings in a technology gateway. Plus, there’s time each day for swimming. Learn more about EcoApachi.

This program is no longer being offered for Summer 2024.

 

CIT | Grades 8-10

Highly motivated and responsible campers entering grade 8th-10th are invited to join us for our Counselor-In-Training (CIT) program. The CIT curriculum is designed to develop necessary skills needed to take care of children, foster creative and critical thinking, and enhance communication and collaboration efforts needed in social and professional settings. The CIT program helps teenagers explore new areas of development in a safe environment, all while learning vital skills needed to be an Apachi leader and beyond. Learn more.

Special Camp Pricing for Returning CITs

As a thank you for being a CIT with us again this summer,
• Enjoy 20% off camp fees | 2nd Year Returning CITs
• Enjoy 30% off camp fees | 3rd Year Returning CITs

Pricing listed on the website reflects the full price of the CIT program. Your discount will be applied once registration is complete.

SessionDatesFee
Session 1 | 4 Wks6/17-7/12$1,235
Session 2 | 3 Wks7/15-8/2$1,095
Full Summer | 7 Wks6/17-8/2$2,200
Thinking about overnight camp? Combine Apachi with Camp Chi for one incredible summer and save on the cost of camp. Learn more.

 

Apachi Northside + Camp Chi

Combine Apachi Northside with 2 or 3.5 weeks of amazing overnight camp at Camp Chi to create an extraordinary summer!

SessionApachi DatesChi DatesGradesFeeCanteen
Camp Chi Session 1 + Apachi Session 27/15-8/26/16-7/104-7$7,570$130
Apachi Session 1 + Camp Chi Session 26/17-7/117/12-8/44-7$7,740$130
Camp Chi Take Two + Apachi7/1-8/26/16-6/284-7$6,250$80
Camp Chi Mini Session 1 + Apachi6/17-6/26, 7/11-8/26/27-7/103-7$6,505$80
Camp Chi Mini Session 2 + Apachi6/17-7/11, 7/29-8/27/12-7/263-7$6,060$80

Register

 

 


Try Chi

2nd–6th grade
Try Chi is the best way to get a taste of quality Jewish overnight camping. 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

Apachi Northside + Camp Chi

Combine Apachi Northside with 2 or 3.5 weeks of amazing overnight camp at Camp Chi to create an extraordinary summer!

SessionApachi DatesChi DatesGradesFeeCanteen
Camp Chi Session 1 + Apachi Session 27/15-8/26/16-7/104-7$7,570$130
Apachi Session 1 + Camp Chi Session 26/17-7/117/12-8/44-7$7,740$130
Camp Chi Take Two + Apachi7/1-8/26/16-6/284-7$6,250$80
Camp Chi Mini Session 1 + Apachi6/17-6/26, 7/11-8/26/27-7/103-7$6,505$80
Camp Chi Mini Session 2 + Apachi6/17-7/11, 7/29-8/27/12-7/263-7$6,060$80

Register

Add-Ons

Session3 Weeks4 Weeks7 Weeks
NOW FULL Before Care
Please email bmiller@jccchicago.org to be added to the waitlist.
$230$260$480
NOW FULL After Care*
*After Care will not be provided on August 2
Please email bmiller@jccchicago.org to be added to the waitlist.
$440$485$870
Transportation - 1 Way$320$360$675
Transportation - Round Trip$530$580$1,090
Birthday Celebration$35 (per birthday)

Register

 

New for Summer 2024!

Extended Camp at Bernard Horwich JCC | 4 Years-7th Grade

Continue the Apachi fun for an 8th week! Campers will enjoy a fun-filled week jam packed with the best of the summer’s activities including sports, rock climbing, adventure ropes courses, arts and crafts, entertainment, and free swim. Groups are all-gender and grade specific. Please note, bus transportation and before & after care will not be available and friendship requests can’t be honored. This program is run by Jacob Rosenstein, Site-Director at Bernard Horwich JCC.

DatesFee
8/5-8/9$550

Register

Refer a Friend and Save!

Share Your Apachi Love! Apachi is very special and we want to thank you for telling your friends and family about camp. Receive $75 off your camp fee for each NEW camper that registers for Apachi and lists you as their referral source!

Learn More

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

Extra Support for Campers

There are several support options available to ensure a successful summer for your camper. You can choose from support through JCC Chicago, Keshet, or your child’s paraprofessional depending on which option works best for your camper and family. For more information, please connect with your Apachi Day Camp Director.

keshet and jcc chicago logos

Contact Us

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

Looking for a different Apachi Day Camp?

We have options throughout the Chicagoland area.

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