Elaine Frank Apachi

Calendar

View our Calendar for Apachi-wide Events

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.
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Elaine Frank Apachi Details

Friends

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.

Activities

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.

Swim Program

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.

Transportation

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 & Wellness

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.

Extended Care

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.

Inclusion

For campers needing extra support, there are a couple support options available to ensure a successful summer. You can choose from support through JCC Chicago or Keshet, depending on which option works best for your camper and family. For more information, please connect with Laura Brown, Inclusion Manager.

Sports Camp

Specialty Program

(4th-7th Grade)

It’s sports, sports and more sports! Our Sports Specialist works with all gender campers on skills, drills, mini-games, and league play to enhance performance in a variety of sports played throughout the day. Whether it’s perfecting a shot, mastering a new move, or learning the value of good sportsmanship, every camper gets to grow in a supportive and and uplifting environment.

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Elaine Frank Apachi In Action

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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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.

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Extra Support for Campers

For campers needing extra support, there are a couple support options available to ensure a successful summer. You can choose from support through JCC Chicago or Keshet, depending on which option works best for your camper and family.

Learn More

Post Camp with Soccer Stars

Wednesdays, June 18-August 6 | 3:30-4:15pm

Soccer lovers ages 5–12 can wrap up summer with a high-energy post camp led by the pros from Soccer Stars. Campers will build skills, teamwork, and confidence while having a blast on the field and making new friends. Kids will be grouped by age to ensure fun and appropriate play for everyone.
Have questions? Reach out to BuffaloGroveIL@soccerstars.com or call 224-409-4459.

Register

Summer Weekends at the J

Bring your family and enjoy endless summer fun on our beautiful campgrounds —all at no cost! Dive into favorite activities including swimming, sports, arts and crafts, Gaga and 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

Ways to Save!

Refer a Friend

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:
Nov. 5 through the start of camp: $75 off your camp fee
Now through March 31: Raffle entry to win a FREE camp session. Winner announced on April 4.

Learn More

Sibling Discount

$250 Full Summer | $125 Partial Summer
Bus Round-Trip Door-to-Door Discount: $50 for 4 weeks | $75 for 6 weeks | $100 for 8 weeks

Jamee 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-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.

Laura Brown

Inclusion Manager, Apachi Day Camp

Laura leads disability inclusion across all Apachi sites. With over 20 years of experience in special education, she collaborates with families, schools, and therapists to ensure campers of all abilities have incredible summer experiences.

Laura holds a Master of Education in Early Childhood Special Education, an LBS1 certification, and an Assistive Technology Certificate. With more than 15 years supporting neurodiverse and students with other disabilities, she is dedicated to using each camper’s strengths and interests to create an empowering, meaningful and inclusive Apachi experience.

Having grown up learning to swim at Mayer Kaplan JCC and attending Camp Chi, Laura has a deep connection to JCC Chicao and is passionate about ensuring that all kids can experience the joys of summer and feel included with their peers.

Beth 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!

Registration

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.

Session	Length	Dates	Returning 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 Wks	Full-Day	6/16-7/25	$3,105	$3,105	$3,105	$3,355
Session 2+ \| 3 Days \| 6 Wks	Full-Day	6/30-8/8	$3,105	$3,105	$3,105	$3,355
Full Summer \| 3 Days \| 8 Wks	Full-Day	6/16-8/8	$3,640	$3,640	$3,640	$3,890
Session 1 \| 5 Days \| 4 Wks	Full-Day	6/16-7/11	$2,630	$2,720	$2,770	$3,020
Session 2 \| 5 Days \| 4 Wks	Full-Day	7/14-8/8	$2,630	$2,720	$2,770	$3,020
Session 1+ \| 5 Days \| 6 Wks	Full-Day	6/16-7/25	$3,730	$3,910	$4,080	$4,330
Session 2+ \| 5 Days \| 6 Wks	Full-Day	6/30-8/8	$3,730	$3,910	$4,080	$4,330
Full Summer \| 5 Days \| 8 Wks	Full-Day	6/16-8/8	$4,610	$4,790	$4,960	$5,210

Registration Savings

Sibling Discount
$250 Full Summer | $125 Partial Summer
Bus Round-Trip Door-to-Door Discount: $50 for 4 weeks | $75 for 6 weeks | $100 for 8 weeks

Refer a Friend: Nov. 5 through start of camp – $75 off camp fee | Now through April 13 – Raffle entry to win FREE camp

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.

Session	Dates	Returning Camper Priority Ends 9/10/24	Early Bird Ends 11/4/24	Winter Ends 2/28/25	Spring Through Camp
Session 1 \| 4 Wks	6/16-7/11	$2,630	$2,720	$2,770	$3,020
Session 2 \| 4 Wks	7/14-8/8	$2,630	$2,720	$2,770	$3,020
Session 1 + \| 6 Wks	6/16-7/25	$3,730	$3,910	$4,080	$4,330
Session 2 + \| 6 Wks	6/30-8/8	$3,730	$3,910	$4,080	$4,330
Full Summer \| 8 Wks	6/16-8/8	$4,610	$4,790	$4,960	$5,210

Registration Savings

Sibling Discount
$250 Full Summer | $125 Partial Summer
Bus Round-Trip Door-to-Door Discount: $50 for 4 weeks | $75 for 6 weeks | $100 for 8 weeks

Refer a Friend: Nov. 5 through start of camp – $75 off camp fee | Now through April 13 – Raffle entry to win FREE camp

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

Register

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.

Session	Dates	Returning Camper Priority Ends 9/10/24	Early Bird Ends 11/4/24	Winter Ends 2/28/25	Spring Through Camp
Session 1 \| 4 Wks	6/16-7/11	$3,275	$3,365	$3,415	$3,665
Session 2 \| 4 Wks	7/14-8/8	$3,275	$3,365	$3,415	$3,665
Session 1 + \| 6 Wks	6/16-7/25	$4,465	$4,645	$4,815	$5,065
Session 2 + \| 6 Wks	6/30-8/8	$4,465	$4,645	$4,815	$5,065
Full Summer \| 8 Wks	6/16-8/8	$5,385	$5,565	$5,735	$5,985

Registration Savings

Sibling Discount
$250 Full Summer | $125 Partial Summer
Bus Round-Trip Door-to-Door Discount: $50 for 4 weeks | $75 for 6 weeks | $100 for 8 weeks

Refer a Friend: Nov. 5 through start of camp – $75 off camp fee | Now through April 13 – Raffle entry to win FREE camp

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

Register

Sports | Grades 4-7

Sports Camp provides a summer of outdoor fun designed for young athletes to hone their skills and enhance their coordination and athleticism through a variety of active games, fun skill-building drills, and tournaments. Led by experienced Sports Specialists, campers learn teamwork and sportsmanship as they build self-confidence through healthy competition.

Session	Dates	Winter Ends 2/28/25	Spring Through Camp
Session 1 \| 4 Wks	6/16-7/11	$3,415	$3,665
Session 2 \| 4 Wks	7/14-8/8	$3,415	$3,665
Session 1 + \| 6 Wks	6/16-7/25	$4,815	$5,065
Session 2 + \| 6 Wks	6/30-8/8	$4,815	$5,065
Full Summer \| 8 Wks	6/16-8/8	$5,735	$5,985

For campers NEW to Elaine Frank Apachi who want to get in the game but aren’t ready to commit to a full session, we offer special one-week options! These shorter sessions are a great way to get a taste of all that Sports Camp has to offer.

Session	Dates	Winter Ends 2/28/25	Spring Through Camp
Week 1	6/16-6/20	$1,010	$1,260
Week 5	7/14-7/18	$1,010	$1,260

Registration Savings

Sibling Discount: $250 Full Summer | $125 Partial Summer
Refer a Friend: Nov. 5 through start of camp – $75 off camp fee | Now through April 13 – Raffle entry to win FREE camp

Register

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.

Session	Dates	Fee
Session 1 \| 4 Wks	6/16-7/11	$1,490
Session 2 \| 4 Wks	7/14-8/8	$1,490
Session 1 + \| 6 Wks	6/16-7/25	$2,150
Session 2 + \| 6 Wks	6/30-8/8	$2,150
Full Summer \| 8 Wks	6/16-8/8	$2,640

Registration Savings

Sibling Discount
$250 Full Summer | $125 Partial Summer
Bus Round-Trip Door-to-Door Discount: $50 for 4 weeks | $75 for 6 weeks | $100 for 8 weeks

Refer a Friend: Nov. 5 through start of camp – $75 off camp fee | Now through April 13 – Raffle entry to win FREE camp

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

Register

Post Camp with Soccer Stars

Ages 5-12 | Wednesdays, June 18-August 6 | 3:30-4:15pm
Soccer lovers ages 5–12 can wrap up summer with a high-energy post camp led by the pros from Soccer Stars. Campers will build skills, teamwork, and confidence while having a blast on the field and making new friends. Kids will be grouped by age to ensure fun and appropriate play for everyone. Have questions? Reach out to BuffaloGroveIL@soccerstars.com or call 224-409-4459.

Session	Dates	Fee
Weeks 1-8	6/18-8/6	$179

Register

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.

Session	Grades	Apachi Dates	Chi Dates	Fee	Canteen
Explorers \| Grade 3
EFA + Chi Mini Session 1	3	6/16-6/23, 7/8-8/8	6/24-7/7	$6,315	$85
EFA + Chi Mini Session 2	3	6/16-7/9, 7/24-8/8	7/10-7/23	$6,250	$85
Pioneers \| Grades 4-7
EFA 4 Weeks + Chi Session 2	4-5	6/16-7/9	7/10-8/3	$7,850	$135
Chi Session 1 + EFA 4 Weeks	4-5	7/8-8/8	6/13-7/7	$8,710	$135
EFA + Chi Mini Session 1	4-5	6/16-6/23, 7/8-8/8	6/24-7/7	$6,895	$85
EFA + Chi Mini Session 2	4-5	6/16-7/9, 7/24-8/8	7/10-7/23	$6,815	$85
EFA + Chi Take 2	4-5	6/27-8/8	6/13-6/26	$6,805	$135
EFA 4 Weeks + Chi Session 2	6-7	6/16-7/9	7/10-8/3	$8,175	$135
Chi Session 1 + EFA 4 Weeks	6-7	7/8-8/8	6/13-7/7	$9,035	$135
EFA + Chi Mini Session 1	6-7	6/16-6/23, 7/8-8/8	6/24-7/7	$6,895	$85
EFA + Chi Mini Session 2	6-7	6/16-7/9, 7/24-8/8	7/10-7/23	$6,815	$85
EFA + Chi Take 2	6-7	6/27-8/8	6/13-6/26	$6,975	$135
CIT \| Grades 8-10
EFA CIT 4 Weeks + Chi Session 2	8-10	6/16-7/9	7/10-8/3	$6,785	$135
Chi Session 1 + EFA CIT 4 Weeks	8-10	7/8-8/8	6/13-7/7	$7,180	$135

Elaine Frank Apachi + Try Chi

Session	Grades	Apachi Dates	Chi Dates	Returning Camper Priority Ends 9/10/24	Early Bird Ends 11/4/24	Winter Ends 2/28/25	Spring Through Camp
EFA 8 Weeks + Try Chi	2-3	6/16-8/4	8/5-8/8	$4,620	$4,785	$4,935	$5,160
EFA 4 Weeks + Try Chi	2-3	7/14-8/4	8/5-8/8	$2,575	$2,650	$2,690	$2,890
EFA 6 Weeks + Try Chi	2-3	6/30-8/4	8/5-8/8	$3,705	$3,860	$4,010	$4,225
EFA 8 Weeks + Try Chi	4-6	6/16-8/4	8/5-8/8	$5,320	$5,480	$5,635	$5,860
EFA 4 Weeks + Try Chi	4-6	7/14-8/4	8/5-8/8	$3,090	$3,165	$3,205	$3,405
EFA 6 Weeks + Try Chi	4-6	6/30-8/4	8/5-8/8	$4,340	$4,500	$4,645	$4,860

Register