APACHI ROGERS PARK
AT BERNARD HORWICH JCC

4 Years – 6th grade + CIT

Watch Our Video Pricing & Registration

Sample 50/50 block

 

Summer 2023 Health, Safety, and Programming

Detailed information on Summer 2023 safety measures will be provided in Spring 2023.

 

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 and field trips make for one memorable summer experience.

Learn More

Calendar

View our Calendar for Apachi-wide Events

Camp Activities

  • Arts & Creativity

    Dance • Drama & Improv • Arts & Crafts • Busy Builders & Construction • Music • Cooking

  • Sports

    Sports Play & Games • Gaga • Yoga • Floor Hockey • Taekwondo • Flag Football • Gymnastics • Basketball • Baseball • Soccer • Volleyball

  • Swimming

    Swim Lessons • Free Swim

  • Jewish Culture

    Judaic Learning • Camp Rabbis • Color War • Chesed • Daily Davening • Social Action • Jewish Values

  • Adventure

    Climbing Wall • Field Trips • Derech Teva Outdoor Adventure Specialty • Archery

  • Special Activities

    Theme Days • Field Trips • Special Guests

Sample 50/50 block

Specialty Program

Performing Arts Camp

(4th-6th grade)
Guided by experienced theatre professionals, campers develop their acting, dance and musical theatre skills. Campers in 4th – 6th grade will showcase their talents and all the skills they learned in a musical performance.

This program will not run in Summer 2023.

Learn More

Apachi Rogers Park at Bernard Horwich JCC In Action

andrea merfeld

Andrea Merfeld

Director, Apachi Rogers Park

Andrea Merfeld has been part of the JCC family for over 30 years. She was a camper, a counselor, a Unit Head, and then the Assistant Director of Apachi Evanston, and currently the Camp Director of Apachi Evanston and Rogers Park. Camp is Andrea’s happy place. Her favorite time of the camp day is the morning when she gets to see campers reunite with their counselors with giant smiles on their faces.

Andrea holds a degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a Master’s Degree in Education from National Louis University, and a General Administrative Certification from Concordia University. Prior to working full time at JCC Chicago, Andrea was a classroom teacher for 18 years. She is thrilled to be a part of the full time JCC family, and looks forward to continuing to be at her happy place all year!

 

jacob rosenstein

Jacob Rosenstein

Assistant Director & Site Director, Apachi Rogers Park

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 dedicated himself to paying 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 Rogers Park, 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.

Jacob holds a B.Ed. in Elementary Education with a focus on social psychology and human development from Boston University. He’s thrilled to bring his expertise and years of camping experience to Apachi Rogers Park!

 

 

Rayli Merzel

Rayli Merzel

Site Director, Apachi Rogers Park 

Rayli has been a part of the Apachi Rogers Park family ever since she was a camper. Prior to becoming Site Director, she was a counselor and unit head. Apachi Rogers Park feels like a second family to her, and she loves watching her former campers become counselors and create amazing summer experiences for their campers. Rayli’s favorite things about summer are the spirit that’s felt throughout camp, seeing the joy on campers faces, watching them learn new skills and create new friendships and, of course, the sunshine and Freezepops! Rayli loves dressing up for camp theme days and every week you’ll catch her sporting a tutu on Tutu Tuesday!

Rayli holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from TI and during the school year she teaches 4th grade math. In her free time, she loves figure skating and gymnastics, and her favorite camp activities are volleyball and rock climbing.

 

 

petra matanda

Petra Matanda

Manager of Operations, Apachi Rogers Park

Before coming to Illinois, Petra lived in the Netherlands for many years where she discovered her joy in working with children and families. This led Petra to start her journey with the J as an Administrative Aid in Early Childhood at Bernard Horwich JCC. Since then, she’s transitioned into supporting Apachi Rogers Park and has never looked back! She loves to help others and create an environment where campers, families and staff feel at home. Her favorite thing about summer is getting to know the ins-and-outs of camp, and having never been a camper as a child, she feels like a kid again seeing all the camp fun!

Petra is a big-time crafter. She loves to crochet and can quickly learn anything from a good YouTube tutorial.

Sample 50/50 block

Apachi Village Rogers Park
at Bernard Horwich JCC

(2-3 years)
Apachi Village Rogers Park at Bernard Horwich JCC is big on fun in a nurturing environment where emerging independence is fostered in our youngest campers.

Learn More

Apachi Rogers Park at Bernard Horwich JCC Details

Friendship requests

Campers can submit friendship requests in the spring and we will do our best to accommodate mutual requests as long as campers are the same gender and entering the same grade.

Camp groups

Your child will be in a group of approximately 10-16 children based on registration, age and friendship requests. Rising Kindergarten and older campers are placed in gender separate groups.

Our camper-to-staff ratios are:
8:1 or better for 1st graders and older
7:1 or better for Kindergarteners

Our incredible specialty program encourages campers to explore and try a little bit everything – from flag football to fashion design and everything in-between. Immersed in Torah learning opportunities with our on-site Judaic Educators, everyone comes together for Shabbos celebrations, cookouts, theme days, field trips, as well as our own fantastic, high-spirited Color War games.

Boys and girls are taught to swim at Apachi Rogers Park in separate lessons.

Safety is our priority and all members of our Aquatics staff are American Red Cross certified lifeguards with CPR training for the professional rescuer. We have at least two lifeguards safeguarding the pool at all times. Counselors are in the water with children and a swim instructor is assigned to each small group.

3 years old’s swim once a week, 4-year old’s swim twice a week and Kindergarten swims three times a week. Campers in 1st – 7th grade will have lessons four times a week and free swim once a week.

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. Progress reports will be provided.

Convenient carpool and drop-off and pick-up

Campers will be escorted to and from your car at the start and end of the camp day. Staff will help direct traffic and will assist campers with buckles. Please do NOT get out of the car. Enter our lot ONLY on Touhy taking the exit that’s the furthest west. Use only the drop-off zone when dropping off or picking up.

  • Morning carpool line opens at 9:00am and closes promptly at 9:30am
  • Afternoon carpool line opens at 3:30pm and closes at 3:45pm

Once your camper is safely in your car, please exit right onto Touhy. If you need to wait for an extended period of time, you will be asked to wait in the holding zone.

Walking? Children walking home without adult supervision or meeting parents who are arriving on foot will leave the building at the exit door and be walked to the Touhy/Sacramento intersection. Two JCC Chicago crossing guards will help children cross the street.

Food at summer camp

Campers work up a big appetite during their active days at Apachi Day Camp! We ask campers to pack a dairy or pareve sack lunch and a snack daily. Our Kindergartners receive a daily morning snack. We do offer an end of day freeze pop to all campers and optional Add-On for pizza and hot dog days. We keep sack lunches indoors; and please don’t forget to write your camper’s name on the bag.

Additional Options:
Pizza Lunch: $8 Wednesdays; includes a side and fruit for a complete, balanced meal
Hot Dog Lunch: $8 Fridays; includes a side and fruit for a complete, balanced meal

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.

Please Note: Ages and grades listed below are as of the 2023-24 school year.
Camp at Bernard Horwich JCC is Jewish Orthodox.

Apachi Village Rogers Park at Bernard Horwich JCC: 2 Year-Olds

Camp Hours: 9:30am-Noon
Extended Care Hours: Noon-1:00pm

SessionDatesEarly Bird
Ends 11/30/22		Winter
Ends 2/28/23		Spring
Through Camp
Session 1 | 4 Wks6/22-7/21$966$966$1,216
Session 2 | 3 Wks7/24-8/11$676$676$926
Full Summer | 7 Wks6/22-8/11$1,295$1,295$1,545

Register

 

Apachi Village Rogers Park at Bernard Horwich JCC: 3 Year-Olds

Camp Hours: 9:30am-1:00pm
Extended Care Hours: 1:00-2:00pm

SessionDatesEarly Bird
Ends 11/30/22		Winter
Ends 2/28/23		Spring
Through Camp
Session 1 | 4 Wks6/22-7/21$1,173$1,173$1,423
Session 2 | 3 Wks7/24-8/11$821$821$1,071
Full Summer | 7 Wks6/22-8/11$1,579$1,579$1,829

Register

 

NEW FOR SUMMER 2023!
Yedidim Chaverim | Boys & Girls | 4 Year-Olds

Camp Hours: 9:30am-2:00pm
Our four-year-old summer program is designed to provide a fun and positive camp experience for your child and peace of mind for you. Campers participate in a full spectrum of activities where the emphasis is on being active, acquiring new skills, strengthening their gross motor skills and developing special bonds. Small group activities including sports, yoga, games, art, dance and music emphasize participation, building confidence and having fun. Campers swim twice a week, and our mature, caring counselors give each child the attention he/she needs to thrive at camp.

SessionDatesEarly Bird
Ends 11/30/22		Winter
Ends 2/28/23		Spring
Through Camp
Session 1 | 4 Wks6/22-7/21$1,507$1,507$1,757
Session 2 | 3 Wks7/24-8/11$1,063$1,063$1,313
Full Summer | 7 Wks6/22-8/11$2,028$2,028$2,278

Register

 

Machane Chaverim | Boys & Girls | Grade K

Rising Kindergarten boys and girls get to experience everything big kid camp has to offer in a caring environment that caters just to them! Campers will enjoy a diverse range of age-appropriate activities, including arts and crafts, music, sports, theme days, swim lessons, and more! Campers will also learn valuable social skills, develop friendships, and make new discoveries all summer long. This program’s activities are specifically designed to help these young campers spread their wings to become a part of big kid camp!

SessionDatesEarly Bird
Ends 11/30/22		Winter
Ends 2/28/23		Spring
Through Camp
Session 1 | 4 Wks6/22-7/21$1,462$1,662$1,912
Session 2 | 3 Wks7/24-8/11$963$1,163$1,413
Full Summer | 7 Wks6/22-8/11$1,874$2,224$2,474

Register

 

Machane Shirim | Girls | Grade 1

Rising first grade girls get to experience everything big kid camp has to offer in a caring environment that caters just to them! Campers will enjoy a diverse range of age-appropriate activities, including arts and crafts, music, sports, theme days, swim lessons, and more! Campers will also learn valuable social skills, develop friendships, and make new discoveries all summer long. This program’s activities are specifically designed to help these young campers spread their wings to become a part of big kid camp!

SessionDatesEarly Bird
Ends 11/30/22		Winter
Ends 2/28/23		Spring
Through Camp
Session 1 | 4 Wks6/22-7/21$1,462$1,662$1,912
Session 2 | 3 Wks7/24-8/11$963$1,163$1,413
Full Summer | 7 Wks6/22-8/11$1,874$2,224$2,474

Register

 

Machane Achva | Boys | Grade 1

Rising first grade boys get to experience everything big kid camp has to offer in a caring environment that caters just to them! Campers will enjoy a diverse range of age-appropriate activities, including arts and crafts, music, sports, theme days, swim lessons, and more! Campers will also learn valuable social skills, develop friendships, and make new discoveries all summer long. This program’s activities are specifically designed to help these young campers spread their wings to become a part of big kid camp!

SessionDatesEarly Bird
Ends 11/30/22		Winter
Ends 2/28/23		Spring
Through Camp
Session 1 | 4 Wks6/22-7/21$1,462$1,662$1,912
Session 2 | 3 Wks7/24-8/11$963$1,163$1,413
Full Summer | 7 Wks6/22-8/11$1,874$2,224$2,474

Register

 

Machane Shirim |  Girls  |  Grades 2-3

Machene Shirim provides young girls a summer filled with fun and song as they develop lifelong friendships. Role model Camp Counselors help campers build self-confidence through safe and fun adventures as they learn games, dances, cheers, and more! Theme days, Jewish values, trips, swimming and a variety of exciting activities provide memories that matter for these young campers. Campers and families can choose from a wide variety of chugim, including sports, cooking, Derech Teva Outdoor Adventure, gymnastics and more. It is no wonder campers and Counselors make yearbooks every summer to capture all their favorite memories.

SessionDatesEarly Bird
Ends 11/30/22		Winter
Ends 2/28/23		Spring
Through Camp
Session 1 | 4 Wks6/22-7/21$1,462$1,662$1,912
Session 2 | 3 Wks7/24-8/11$963$1,163$1,413
Full Summer | 7 Wks6/22-8/11$1,874$2,224$2,474

Register

 

Machane Achva |  Boys  |  Grades 2-3

Machane Achva is designed for young boys to build strong bonds of brotherhood and lifelong friendships during a summer filled with fast-paced fun. Campers will build self-confidence through safe and fun adventures as they learn new skills and games. Theme days, Jewish values, trips, swimming and a variety of exciting activities provide memories that matter for these young campers. Campers and families can choose from a wide variety of chugim, including sports, cooking, Derech Teva Outdoor Adventure, Taekwondo, and more.

SessionDatesEarly Bird
Ends 11/30/22		Winter
Ends 2/28/23		Spring
Through Camp
Session 1 | 4 Wks6/22-7/21$1,462$1,662$1,912
Session 2 | 3 Wks7/24-8/11$963$1,163$1,413
Full Summer | 7 Wks6/22-8/11$1,874$2,224$2,474

Register

 

Machane Shirim V’od |  Girls  |  Grades 4-6

Please Note: The ages for this program have been changed since Summer 2022 and will no longer include 7th grade.

Girls who have graduated from our Shirim program still have more fun in store as part of Shirim V’od. Activities, chugim, theme days and specialties designed just for these older girls keep campers coming back year after year. Our Adventure electives enable our campers to choose from a variety of electives that allow them to design their own summer and do more of what they love. Specialties and classes include fashion design, cooking and gymnastics, amongst many others. A variety of new activities and outdoor adventures like Archery, rock climbing, yoga, Zumba, self-defense and more gives our oldest campers an opportunity to spread their wings and try new things. With swimming and trips in the mix as well, it is hard to beat a summer of fun at the J.

SessionDatesEarly Bird
Ends 11/30/22		Winter
Ends 2/28/23		Spring
Through Camp
Session 1 | 4 Wks6/22-7/21$1,462$1,662$1,912
Session 2 | 3 Wks7/24-8/11$963$1,163$1,413
Full Summer | 7 Wks6/22-8/11$1,874$2,224$2,474

Register

 

Machane Shirim V’od Performing Arts Camp  |  Girls  |  Grades 4-6

Please Note: The ages for this program have been changed since Summer 2022 and will no longer include 7th grade.

Aspiring performers will dive deep into performing arts and develop their collaboration, communication, and creative thinking skills. Experienced theatre professionals will guide campers as they develop their acting, dance and musical theatre skills. Campers will showcase their talents and put on a standing ovation worthy performance that includes every camper.

This program will not run in Summer 2023.

 

Machane Achva V’od  |  Boys  |  Grades 4-6

Please Note: The ages for this program have been changed since Summer 2022 and will no longer include 7th grade.

The Machane Achva V’od Boys’ schedule emphasizes choice and with our wide variety of activities, there’s something for every interest. Campers design their own summer experience, and they’ll get to choose from a variety of specialties including sports, broadcast, comics and other activities that unleash their creative abilities. They’ll get to do more of what they love, and campers are guaranteed to enjoy a summer to remember!

SessionDatesEarly Bird
Ends 11/30/22		Winter
Ends 2/28/23		Spring
Through Camp
Session 1 | 4 Wks6/22-7/21$1,462$1,662$1,912
Session 2 | 3 Wks7/24-8/11$963$1,163$1,413
Full Summer | 7 Wks6/22-8/11$1,874$2,224$2,474

Register

 

Machane Madatz Shirim CIT: Counselors in Training  |  Girls  |  Grades 8-10

Highly motivated and responsible campers entering grade 9th-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.

After registering for the CIT program, please download the Letter of Recommendation and Get to Know Me forms, complete and email back to your Apachi Day Camp Director by April 15, 2023.

Special Camp Pricing for Returning CITs
Enjoy 20% off camp fees | 2nd Year Returning CITs
Enjoy 30% off camp fees | 3rd Year Returning CITs
Your discount will be applied once registration is complete.

SessionDatesFee
Session 1 | 4 Wks6/22-7/21$690
Session 2 | 3 Wks7/24-8/11$483
Full Summer | 7 Wks6/22-8/11$1,173

Register

 

Machane Madatz Achva CIT: Counselors in Training |  Boys  |  Grades 8-10

Highly motivated and responsible campers entering grade 9th-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.

After registering for the CIT program, please download the Letter of Recommendation and Get to Know Me forms, complete and email back to your Apachi Day Camp Director by April 15, 2023.

Special Camp Pricing for Returning CITs
Enjoy 20% off camp fees | 2nd Year Returning CITs
Enjoy 30% off camp fees | 3rd Year Returning CITs
Your discount will be applied once registration is complete.

SessionDatesFee
Session 1 | 4 Wks6/22-7/21$690
Session 2 | 3 Wks7/24-8/11$483
Full Summer | 7 Wks6/22-8/11$1,173

Register

When you combine Apachi Day Camp with JCC Chicago Early Childhood for 5 days a week full summer, you can save 20% on the cost of camp! Learn more.

Add-Ons

Session3 Weeks4 Weeks7 Weeks
Extended Day - 4 yrs | 2-3:30pm$242$334$572

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 or to request a tour, contact us at 773.516.5882 or email apachirogerspark@jccchicago.org.

Looking for a different Apachi Day Camp?

We have options throughout the Chicagoland area.

View Locations