ELAINE FRANK APACHI

3 years – 7th grade + CIT

Watch Our Video Pricing & Registration

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Summer 2023 Health, Safety, and Programming

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

 

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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.

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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 In Action

jamee smithJamee Smith

Director, Elaine Frank Apachi

Jamee Smith has been with Apachi Day Camp for 27 years 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, walking her dog, Jack, 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.

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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.

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Specialty Program

Apachi STEM

June 12 – June 23, 2023
(4th-7th Grade)

If you’re a camper who enjoys problem solving, and being creative and innovative while working on STEM projects, this will be a fascinating experience for you.

Curriculum for Apachi STEM is developed and taught by Noggin Builders.

Learn More

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Specialty Program

Apachi Performing Arts Camp

June 12 – June 23, 2023
(4th-7th Grade)

Campers will develop their acting, dance, musical theatre, improvisation, stage makeup and backstage skills. Plus, a final performance for families!

Learn More

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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

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 Early Childhood, you save 100% on the cost of camp! Half-day students will receive a 20% discount of the camp fee on their final payment.
Learn More

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 specialty program encourages campers to explore and try a little bit everything. Artists-in-residence visit weekly to expose campers to exciting experiences and teach new skills through magic, juggling, percussion, dance and other activities. Everyone comes together for Shabbat celebrations, cookouts, theme days, parent nights as well as our own fantastic carnival and Maccabi Games Color competition. And we never forget the sports, arts and crafts, swimming, field trips and other special activities that make camp so Apachi.

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 round-trip 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, corner 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 carpool to and from camp using our convenient carpool lanes. To make camp pick-up as efficient as possible, we assign each car or carpool a number that we can use to quickly match campers with their rides. Sweet, simple and safe! All campers in carpools 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 receive a note describing 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.

Please Note: Ages and grades listed below are as of the 2023-24 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 he/she needs to thrive 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.

SessionLengthDatesEarly Bird
Ends 11/30/22
Winter
Ends 2/28/23
Spring
Through Camp
Session 1+ | 3 Days | 6 WksFull-Day6/12-7/21$2,750$2,750$3,000
Session 2+ | 3 Days | 6 WksFull-Day6/26-8/4$2,750$2,750$3,000
Full Summer | 3 Days | 8 WksFull-Day6/12-8/4$3,230$3,230$3,480
Session 1 | 5 Days | 4 WksFull-Day6/12-7/7$2,275$2,450$2,700
Session 2 | 5 Days | 4 WksFull-Day7/10-8/4$2,275$2,450$2,700
Session 1+ | 5 Days | 6 WksFull-Day6/12-7/21$3,275$3,625$3,875
Session 2+ | 5 Days | 6 WksFull-Day6/26-8/4$3,275$3,625$3,875
Full Summer | 5 Days | 8 WksFull-Day6/12-8/4$4,060$4,410$4,660

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.

SessionDatesEarly Bird
Ends 11/30/22
Winter
Ends 2/28/23
Spring
Through Camp
Session 1 | 4 Wks6/12-7/7$2,275$2,450$2,700
Session 2 | 4 Wks7/10-8/4$2,275$2,450$2,700
Session 1 + | 6 Wks6/12-7/21$3,275$3,625$3,875
Session 2 + | 6 Wks6/26-8/4$3,275$3,625$3,875
Full Summer | 8 Wks6/12-8/4$4,060$4,410$4,660

Register

Thinking about overnight camp? Combine Apachi with Camp Chi for one incredible summer and save on the cost of camp. Learn more.

 

Apachi Performing Arts Camp  |  Grades 4-7

Guided by experienced directors and performers, campers will develop their acting, dance, musical theatre, improvisation, stage makeup and backstage skills. Campers will participate in a final performance for their families in the evening of the second Thursday. The camp day will also include our favorite Elaine Frank Apachi camp activities, such as free swim, to create a well-rounded camp experience. Daily attendance is encouraged.

SessionDatesEarly Bird
Ends 11/30/22
Winter
Ends 2/28/23
Spring
Through Camp
Session 1 | 2 Wks6/12-6/23$1,800$1,800$2,050
Apachi Performing Arts 2 Wks Session 1 + EFA 2 Wks6/12-7/7$2,855$3,030$3,280
Apachi Performing Arts 2 Wks + EFA 6 Wks6/12-8/4$4,755$5,105$5,355

Register

Thinking about overnight camp? Combine Apachi with Camp Chi for one incredible summer and save on the cost of camp. Learn more.

 

Apachi STEM  |  Grades 4-7

We partner with Noggin Builders to create exciting activities that unleash campers’ creativity and problem-solving abilities. Curriculum may include designing working circuits to make your own doorbell or alarm box, creating a boat for our cardboard regatta, engineering your own working spring car, designing & building robots, exploring forensic science and so much more! STEM campers truly get the best of both worlds – half the day is centered around STEM while the other half is filled with traditional camp activities to create a well-rounded summer.

SessionDatesEarly Bird
Ends 11/30/22
Winter
Ends 2/28/23
Spring
Through Camp
Session 1 | 2 Wks6/12-6/23$1,800$1,800$2,050
Apachi STEM 2 Wks Session 1 + EFA 2 Wks6/12-7/7$2,855$3,030$3,280
Apachi STEM 2 Wks + EFA 6 Wks6/12-8/4$4,755$5,105$5,355

Register

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.

SessionDatesEarly Bird
Ends 11/30/22
Winter
Ends 2/28/23
Spring
Through Camp
Session 1 | 4 Wks6/12-7/7$2,855$3,030$3,280
Session 2 | 4 Wks7/10-8/4$2,855$3,030$3,280
Session 1 + | 6 Wks6/12-7/21$3,930$4,280$4,530
Session 2 + | 6 Wks6/26-8/4$3,930$4,280$4,530
Full Summer | 8 Wks6/12-8/4$4,755$5,105$5,355

Register

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.

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 Wks6/12-7/7$1,335
Session 2 | 4 Wks7/10-8/4$1,335
Session 1 + | 6 Wks6/12-7/21$1,920
Session 2 + | 6 Wks6/26-8/4$1,920
Full Summer | 8 Wks6/12-8/4$2,365

Register

Thinking about overnight camp? Combine Apachi with Camp Chi for one incredible summer and save on the cost of camp. Learn more.

 

Apachi STEM/PAC  +  Elaine Frank Apachi  +  Chi Overnight Combos

Combine Elaine Frank Apachi Day Camp with 2, 3 or 4 weeks of amazing overnight camp at Camp Chi to create an extraordinary summer!

SessionDatesGradesFeeCanteen
EFA 5 Weeks + Chi Session 26/12-8/114-7$7,925$130
EFA 4 Weeks + Chi Session 26/12-8/114-7$7,285$130
EFA 4 Weeks + Chi Session 1A6/12-8/44-7$7,285$130
EFA 5 Weeks + Chi Session 1B6/12-8/44-7$6,735$130
EFA 6 Weeks + Chi Mini Session 16/12-8/43-7$6,195$80
EFA 6 Weeks + Chi Mini Session 26/12-8/43-7$6,195$80
EFA 6 Weeks + Chi Take 26/12-8/44-7$6,195$80

SessionDates STEMDates EFADates ChiGradesFeeCanteen
STEM +
EFA Pioneers + Chi Session 2
6/12-6/236/26-7/147/16-8/114-7$7,925$130
STEM +
EFA Pioneers + Chi Session 2
6/12-6/236/26-7/77/16-8/114-7$7,285$130
STEM +
4 Weeks + Chi Mini Session 2
6/12-6/236/26-7/14
7/31-8/4
7/16-7/304-7$6,195$80
STEM +
4 Weeks + Chi Mini Session 2
6/12-6/236/26-6/30
7/17-8/4
7/2-7/144-7$6,195$80

SessionDates PACDates EFADates ChiGradesFeeCanteen
Performing Arts +
EFA Pioneers + Chi Session 2
6/12-6/236/26-7/147/16-8/114-7$7,925$130
Performing Arts +
EFA Pioneers + Chi Session 2
6/12-6/236/26-7/77/16-8/114-7$7,285$130
Performing Arts +
4 Weeks + Chi Mini Session 2
6/12-6/236/26-7/14
7/31-8/4
7/16-7/304-7$6,195$80
Performing Arts +
4 Weeks + Chi Mini Session 2
6/12-6/236/26-6/30
7/17-8/4
7/2-7/144-7$6,195$80

Register


Try Chi

2nd–6th grade  |  Aug 13-16  |  $425
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 STEM/PAC  +  Elaine Frank Apachi  +  Chi Overnight Combos

Combine Elaine Frank Apachi Day Camp with 2, 3 or 4 weeks of amazing overnight camp at Camp Chi to create an extraordinary summer!

SessionDatesGradesFeeCanteen
EFA 5 Weeks + Chi Session 26/12-8/114-7$7,925$130
EFA 4 Weeks + Chi Session 26/12-8/114-7$7,285$130
EFA 4 Weeks + Chi Session 1A6/12-8/44-7$7,285$130
EFA 5 Weeks + Chi Session 1B6/12-8/44-7$6,735$130
EFA 6 Weeks + Chi Mini Session 16/12-8/43-7$6,195$80
EFA 6 Weeks + Chi Mini Session 26/12-8/43-7$6,195$80
EFA 6 Weeks + Chi Take 26/12-8/44-7$6,195$80

SessionDates STEMDates EFADates ChiGradesFeeCanteen
STEM +
EFA Pioneers + Chi Session 2
6/12-6/236/26-7/147/16-8/114-7$7,925$130
STEM +
EFA Pioneers + Chi Session 2
6/12-6/236/26-7/77/16-8/114-7$7,285$130
STEM +
4 Weeks + Chi Mini Session 2
6/12-6/236/26-7/14
7/31-8/4
7/16-7/304-7$6,195$80
STEM +
4 Weeks + Chi Mini Session 2
6/12-6/236/26-6/30
7/17-8/4
7/2-7/144-7$6,195$80

SessionDates PACDates EFADates ChiGradesFeeCanteen
Performing Arts +
EFA Pioneers + Chi Session 2
6/12-6/236/26-7/147/16-8/114-7$7,925$130
Performing Arts +
EFA Pioneers + Chi Session 2
6/12-6/236/26-7/77/16-8/114-7$7,285$130
Performing Arts +
4 Weeks + Chi Mini Session 2
6/12-6/236/26-7/14
7/31-8/4
7/16-7/304-7$6,195$80
Performing Arts +
4 Weeks + Chi Mini Session 2
6/12-6/236/26-6/30
7/17-8/4
7/2-7/144-7$6,195$80

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.

Additional Options

Session4 Weeks6 Weeks8 Weeks
Before Care$350$510$665
Before Care - 3 Days$220$325$420
After Care$505$745$980
After Care - 3 Days$320$455$595

New for Summer 2023! Get half off the cost of bus transportation if you choose cluster stops. Please contact Jamee Smith for more information.

Session4 Weeks6 Weeks8 Weeks
Transportation - Bus Cluster Stop - 1-Way - 5 Days$180$265$350
Transportation - Bus Cluster Stop - Round-Trip - 5 Days$215$320$425
Transportation - Bus 1 Way - 5 Days$355$530$695
Transportation - Bus Round-Trip - 5 Days$425$640$850

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 847.726.0800 or email jsmith@jccchicago.org.