ELAINE FRANK APACHI

3 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

Early Childhood

When you combine Apachi Day Camp with full-day, year-round Early Childhood for your child turning either 3 or 4 in the Fall following camp, you save 100% on the cost of camp! Half-day students turning 3 or 4 in the Fall following camp will receive a 20% discount of the camp fee on their final payment.
Learn More

Camp Activities

  • Adventure

    Climbing Wall • High Ropes • Archery • Zipline • Obstacle Course

  • Arts & Creativity

    Dance • Drama & Improv • Ceramics • Arts & Crafts • Science & Nature • Busy Builders & Construction • S.T.E.A.M. Projects • Music • Outdoor Cooking

  • Swimming

    Swim Lessons • Free Swim

  • Special Activities

    Theme Days • Artist-In-Residence

  • Sports

    Sports Play & Games • Gaga • Yoga • Floor Hockey • Tae Kwon Do • Golf • Basketball • Baseball • Soccer • Volleyball

  • Jewish Culture

    Shabbat Celebrations • Israeli Village • Maccabi Games

Elaine Frank Apachi Details

Friendship requests

Campers submit friendship requests when they are completing their camp forms. We will do our best to accommodate at least one mutual request. Campers must be entering the same grade.

Our incredible specialized programming encourages campers to explore and try a wide range of activities. Additionally, each week campers participate in workshops led by performers we call Artists-in-residence. These artists expose campers to an array of talents like magic, juggling, percussion, dance, and other activities. Everyone comes together for Shabbat celebrations, Wacky Wednesday theme days, Maccabi Games Color competition, and other special activities that make Apachi the place to be all summer long.

American Red Cross Swim Program

Campers are taught to swim at Elaine Frank Apachi using the American Red Cross’ Learn-to-Swim program, which focuses on building campers’ confidence and comfortability in the water.

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. Elaine Frank Apachi Juniors and Explorer K campers, 3, 4, and 5 year olds attending a full day swim one time for 45 minutes each day. All campers entering 1st grade and beyond swim twice daily, with swim instruction in the morning and free swim in the afternoon.

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 and will wear colored wrist bands noting their level. This way they can swim safely and comfortably in an appropriate swim area during free swim times. Progress reports are shared through an online platform during the summer giving a summary of skills your child is working on and those already mastered.

Optional bus transportation for campers living within our designated boundaries is available for a fee. Bus pick-up and drop-off locations are a combination of door-to-door and cluster stops. Locations are determined based on registration and routes are designed to be as efficient as possible. Routes may change from summer to summer depending on enrollment. Buses are driven by licensed, professional drivers, and staffed by Apachi bus counselors who make sure campers stay buckled in their seats at all times.

Campers can also be driven to and from camp. All campers that are driven to camp, are escorted to and from their cars by our staff.

Food

A pizza lunch is provided on Wednesday and there is a hotdog cookout every Friday. The remainder of the week, please send along a sack lunch that we’ll refrigerate.

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.

The nurse, is in

Our full-time registered nurse is on-site all summer to treat minor injuries and prescribe campers a little “tlc” when needed. If your child visits the nurse, you will be notified about the treatment. In the rare event of a serious injury, you will be notified immediately and, if you are unavailable, we will contact those on your emergency calling list.

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 families who need to extend their days beyond the traditional hours of 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, we offer both before and after camp care. Before camp care opens at 7:00 am and after camp care runs until 6:00 pm. Each program is an additional add on to registration.

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.

Elaine Frank Apachi In Action

Sample 50/50 block

Apachi Village Lake Zurich

(3-4 years)

Apachi Village Day Camp is big on fun in a nurturing environment where emerging independence is fostered in our youngest campers.

Learn More

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

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

jamee smithJamee Smith

Director, Elaine Frank Apachi

Jamee Smith has been with Apachi Day Camp for 30 summers and every year she still counts down the days until camp begins. She began as a counselor and quickly realized she wanted to be a part of Apachi Day Camp year-round. Jamee feels lucky to be the Director of Elaine Frank Apachi because not only does she see all the big smiles on campers’ faces each day, she also gets to watch her campers and staff grow and change over the course of each summer. Her favorite thing about Elaine Frank Apachi is watching the relationships form between campers and staff because Jamee knows those bonds are magical.

Jamee holds a B.S. in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Kansas and a Master’s degree in Teaching from National Louis University. When she is not at work, she loves spending time with her family, listening to music, knitting, reading, and exercising.

 

Leslee Cohen-LavinLeslee Cohen-Lavin

Manager of Operations, Elaine Frank Apachi

Camp has always held a special place in Leslee’s heart. She grew up going to camp at the J and later became staff, working as a counselor and then Assistant Unit Head in the late 90’s.

Before joining Elaine Frank Apachi, Leslee served as a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) and worked at Nationwide Children’s Hospital for 6 years. She holds a B.S. in Human Development & Family Science, specializing in Child and Family Studies from Ohio State University and a Master’s degree in Family & Consumer Sciences, specializing in Child Life Studies from Illinois State University. Leslee is beyond thrilled to continue pursuing her passion for camp and can’t wait to get to know all the Elaine Frank Apachi families and campers.

 

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!

Please Note: Ages and grades listed below are as of the 2025-26 school year.

Juniors  |   3-4 yrs

Our Juniors program is designed to provide a fun and positive camp experience, plus swim instruction. Campers participate in a full spectrum of activities where the emphasis is on being active, acquiring new skills and developing special bonds. They benefit from meaningful participation in a camp community designed just for them. Small group sizes with experienced and mature, caring counselors give each child the attention they need to thrive while participating in fun summer activities, games, sports and more. You and your child will feel the reassurance you need for a comfortable and successful camp experience.

SessionLengthDatesReturning Camper
Priority Ends 9/10/24
Early Bird
Ends 11/4/24
Winter
Ends 2/28/25
Spring
Through Camp
Session 1+ | 3 Days | 6 WksFull-Day6/16-7/25$3,105$3,105$3,105$3,355
Session 2+ | 3 Days | 6 WksFull-Day6/30-8/8$3,105$3,105$3,105$3,355
Full Summer | 3 Days | 8 WksFull-Day6/16-8/8$3,640$3,640$3,640$3,890
Session 1 | 5 Days | 4 WksFull-Day6/16-7/11$2,630$2,720$2,770$3,020
Session 2 | 5 Days | 4 WksFull-Day7/14-8/8$2,630$2,720$2,770$3,020
Session 1+ | 5 Days | 6 WksFull-Day6/16-7/25$3,730$3,910$4,080$4,330
Session 2+ | 5 Days | 6 WksFull-Day6/30-8/8$3,730$3,910$4,080$4,330
Full Summer | 5 Days | 8 WksFull-Day6/16-8/8$4,610$4,790$4,960$5,210

Register

 

Explorers  |  K-Grade 3

The Explorers’ high–energy day focuses on skill–building, a variety of camp activities, boosting self–esteem and forging new friendships. Explorers includes daily swim lessons, free swim, individual and team sports, performance and mixed media–arts, Artist in Residence Program and STEM.

SessionDatesReturning Camper
Priority Ends 9/10/24
Early Bird
Ends 11/4/24
Winter
Ends 2/28/25
Spring
Through Camp
Session 1 | 4 Wks6/16-7/11$2,630$2,720$2,770$3,020
Session 2 | 4 Wks7/14-8/8$2,630$2,720$2,770$3,020
Session 1 + | 6 Wks6/16-7/25$3,730$3,910$4,080$4,330
Session 2 + | 6 Wks6/30-8/8$3,730$3,910$4,080$4,330
Full Summer | 8 Wks6/16-8/8$4,610$4,790$4,960$5,210
Thinking about overnight camp? Combine Apachi with Camp Chi for one incredible summer and save on the cost of camp. Learn more

Pioneers  |  Grades 4-7

The Pioneer campers weekly schedule is the perfect blend of group and choice specialty activities. Each week campers create a personalized summer by choosing specialties which meet three times per week allowing them to spend summer focusing on their favorite camp activities. Specialty choices include but are not limited to competitive and individual athletics, performance, STEM, cooking, and more. Field trips round out the summer experience, adding to the fun. Pioneer campers are also in the pool for both free and instructional swim daily.

SessionDatesReturning Camper
Priority Ends 9/10/24
Early Bird
Ends 11/4/24
Winter
Ends 2/28/25
Spring
Through Camp
Session 1 | 4 Wks6/16-7/11$3,275$3,365 $3,415$3,665
Session 2 | 4 Wks7/14-8/8$3,275$3,365$3,415$3,665
Session 1 + | 6 Wks6/16-7/25$4,465$4,645$4,815$5,065
Session 2 + | 6 Wks6/30-8/8$4,465$4,645$4,815$5,065
Full Summer | 8 Wks6/16-8/8$5,385$5,565 $5,735 $5,985
Thinking about overnight camp? Combine Apachi with Camp Chi for one incredible summer and save on the cost of camp. Learn more.

 

CIT  |  Grade 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 Wks6/16-7/11$1,490
Session 2 | 4 Wks7/14-8/8$1,490
Session 1 + | 6 Wks6/16-7/25$2,150
Session 2 + | 6 Wks6/30-8/8$2,150
Full Summer | 8 Wks6/16-8/8$2,640
Thinking about overnight camp? Combine Apachi with Camp Chi for one incredible summer and save on the cost of camp. Learn more.

 

Elaine Frank Apachi  +  Camp Chi

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

Returning Camp Chi families that register during Returning Camper Priority Registration, ending 9/10/24, will receive an additional $180 off the combo fee.

SessionGradesApachi DatesChi DatesFeeCanteen
Explorers | Grade 3
EFA + Chi Mini Session 136/16-6/23, 7/8-8/86/24-7/7$6,315$85
EFA + Chi Mini Session 236/16-7/9, 7/24-8/87/10-7/23$6,250$85
Pioneers | Grades 4-7
EFA 4 Weeks + Chi Session 24-56/16-7/97/10-8/3$7,850$135
Chi Session 1 + EFA 4 Weeks4-57/8-8/86/13-7/7$8,710$135
EFA + Chi Mini Session 14-56/16-6/23, 7/8-8/86/24-7/7$6,895$85
EFA + Chi Mini Session 24-56/16-7/9, 7/24-8/87/10-7/23$6,815$85
EFA + Chi Take 24-56/27-8/86/13-6/26$6,805$135
EFA 4 Weeks + Chi Session 26-76/16-7/97/10-8/3$8,175$135
Chi Session 1 + EFA 4 Weeks6-77/8-8/86/13-7/7$9,035$135
EFA + Chi Mini Session 16-76/16-6/23, 7/8-8/86/24-7/7$6,895$85
EFA + Chi Mini Session 26-76/16-7/9, 7/24-8/87/10-7/23$6,815$85
EFA + Chi Take 26-76/27-8/86/13-6/26$6,975$135
CIT | Grades 8-10
EFA CIT 4 Weeks + Chi Session 28-106/16-7/97/10-8/3$6,785$135
Chi Session 1 + EFA CIT 4 Weeks8-107/8-8/86/13-7/7$7,180$135

Elaine Frank Apachi  +  Try Chi

SessionGradesApachi DatesChi DatesReturning Camper
Priority Ends 9/10/24
Early Bird
Ends 11/4/24
Winter
Ends 2/28/25
Spring
Through Camp
EFA 8 Weeks + Try Chi2-36/16-8/48/5-8/8$4,620$4,785$4,935$5,160
EFA 4 Weeks + Try Chi2-37/14-8/48/5-8/8$2,575$2,650$2,690$2,890
EFA 6 Weeks + Try Chi2-36/30-8/48/5-8/8$3,705$3,860$4,010$4,225
EFA 8 Weeks + Try Chi4-66/16-8/48/5-8/8$5,320$5,480$5,635$5,860
EFA 4 Weeks + Try Chi4-67/14-8/48/5-8/8$3,090$3,165$3,205$3,405
EFA 6 Weeks + Try Chi4-66/30-8/48/5-8/8$4,340$4,500$4,645$4,860

Register

 

Additional Options

Session4 Weeks6 Weeks8 Weeks
Before Care$390$585$780
Before Care - 3 Days$234$351$468
After Care$450$675$900
After Care - 3 Days$270$405$540
If you do not see the option you need, please email Leslee at lcohenlavin@jccchicago.org
Session4 Weeks6 Weeks8 Weeks
Transportation - Bus Cluster Stop - Round-Trip - 5 Days$240$360$475
Transportation - Bus Round-Trip Door-to-Door - 5 Days$485$720$950
If you do not see the option you need, please email Leslee at lcohenlavin@jccchicago.org

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

Elaine Frank Apachi  +  Camp Chi

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

Returning Camp Chi families that register during Returning Camper Priority Registration, ending 9/10/24, will receive an additional $180 off the combo fee.

SessionGradesApachi DatesChi DatesFeeCanteen
Explorers | Grade 3
EFA + Chi Mini Session 136/16-6/23, 7/8-8/86/24-7/7$6,315$85
EFA + Chi Mini Session 236/16-7/9, 7/24-8/87/10-7/23$6,250$85
Pioneers | Grades 4-7
EFA 4 Weeks + Chi Session 24-56/16-7/97/10-8/3$7,850$135
Chi Session 1 + EFA 4 Weeks4-57/8-8/86/13-7/7$8,710$135
EFA + Chi Mini Session 14-56/16-6/23, 7/8-8/86/24-7/7$6,895$85
EFA + Chi Mini Session 24-56/16-7/9, 7/24-8/87/10-7/23$6,815$85
EFA + Chi Take 24-56/27-8/86/13-6/26$6,805$135
EFA 4 Weeks + Chi Session 26-76/16-7/97/10-8/3$8,175$135
Chi Session 1 + EFA 4 Weeks6-77/8-8/86/13-7/7$9,035$135
EFA + Chi Mini Session 16-76/16-6/23, 7/8-8/86/24-7/7$6,895$85
EFA + Chi Mini Session 26-76/16-7/9, 7/24-8/87/10-7/23$6,815$85
EFA + Chi Take 26-76/27-8/86/13-6/26$6,975$135
CIT | Grades 8-10
EFA CIT 4 Weeks + Chi Session 28-106/16-7/97/10-8/3$6,785$135
Chi Session 1 + EFA CIT 4 Weeks8-107/8-8/86/13-7/7$7,180$135

Elaine Frank Apachi  +  Try Chi

SessionGradesApachi DatesChi DatesReturning Camper
Priority Ends 9/10/24
Early Bird
Ends 11/4/24
Winter
Ends 2/28/25
Spring
Through Camp
EFA 8 Weeks + Try Chi2-36/16-8/48/5-8/8$4,620$4,785$4,935$5,160
EFA 4 Weeks + Try Chi2-37/14-8/48/5-8/8$2,575$2,650$2,690$2,890
EFA 6 Weeks + Try Chi2-36/30-8/48/5-8/8$3,705$3,860$4,010$4,225
EFA 8 Weeks + Try Chi4-66/16-8/48/5-8/8$5,320$5,480$5,635$5,860
EFA 4 Weeks + Try Chi4-67/14-8/48/5-8/8$3,090$3,165$3,205$3,405
EFA 6 Weeks + Try Chi4-66/30-8/48/5-8/8$4,340$4,500$4,645$4,860

Register

When you combine Apachi Day Camp with full-day, year-round Early Childhood for your child turning either 3 or 4 in the Fall following camp, you save 100% on the cost of camp! Half-day students turning 3 or 4 in the Fall following camp will receive a 20% discount of the camp fee on their final payment. Learn more.

2025 Dates & Pricing Coming Soon!

Additional Options

Session4 Weeks6 Weeks8 Weeks
Before Care$390$585$780
Before Care - 3 Days$234$351$468
After Care$450$675$900
After Care - 3 Days$270$405$540
If you do not see the option you need, please email Leslee at lcohenlavin@jccchicago.org
Session4 Weeks6 Weeks8 Weeks
Transportation - Bus Cluster Stop - Round-Trip - 5 Days$240$360$475
Transportation - Bus Round-Trip Door-to-Door - 5 Days$485$720$950
If you do not see the option you need, please email Leslee at lcohenlavin@jccchicago.org

Register

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 847.726.0800 or email jsmith@jccchicago.org.