‘Z’ 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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‘Z’ Frank Apachi In Action

‘Z’ Frank Apachi Details

Friends

Camp groups

Camp units are based on the grade campers are entering in the fall. These units are made up of groups with about 10 to 14 campers per group, depending on the campers’ ages. We consider friendship requests, schools, and suburbs when grouping our campers.

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 entering the same grade.

Activities

Our incredible specialty program encourages campers to explore and try a little bit of 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, undernighters as well as our own fantastic carnival and Olympic themed Maccabi games. And we never forget the sports, arts and crafts, swimming, field trips and other special activities that make camp so Apachi.

Swim Program

Jeff Ellis Swimming (JES)

Campers are taught to swim at ‘Z’ Frank Apachi using the Jeff Ellis Swimming (JES) 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 top priority and all members of our Aquatics staff are certified through Jeff Ellis Associates, a renowned leader in aquatic safety and risk management.

‘Z’ Frank Apachi campers swim twice a day 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.

Transportation

Campers living within our designated boundaries are eligible for bus transportation, either one way or round trip. Routes are based on safety, efficiency and enrollment. (If registering after April 15, campers will be incorporated into existing routes). 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.

If you drive your child to camp, complimentary before camp care is available beginning at 7:30am (campers are brought to their trees when buses begin to arrive.). Campers living outside ‘Z’ Frank Apachi boundaries are responsible for their own transportation to and from camp.

Food & Wellness

Food

A pizza lunch is provided on Wednesdays 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.

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.

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.

Exciting New Partnership with Hot Shots Sports

We’re excited to partner with Hot Shots Sports to bring an all-new sports experience to ‘Z’ Frank Apachi! Every camper will enjoy fun skill-building activities led by expert coaches through engaging games and rotating sports.

For our Pioneers and 3rd graders, there’s even more to love with optional league play that takes friendly competition to the next level. From volleyball and basketball to soccer, baseball, and flag football, there’s something for everyone. Campers will build confidence, develop technical skills, and make lasting memories – all while having a ball!

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

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

Learn All About Summers at ‘Z’ Frank Apachi!

Speak 1:1 with our camp team, hear all about our magical summer experiences and get your questions answered from the comfort of your own home.
Schedule an Informational Webinar

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.

Learn More

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

Alison Blake

Director, ‘Z’ Frank Apachi

Alison Blake has served as the Assistant Director of ‘Z’ Frank Apachi Day Camp since the summer of 2022 and now proudly steps into the role of Camp Director, bringing her positive energy, strong communication skills, and deep understanding of the Apachi community to lead this incredible team. With another 13 years of professional experience in the hospitality and event industry, Alison brings extensive expertise in operations, programming, and relationship management to her role.

Having been a camper herself at both Apachi and Camp Chi, Alison is thrilled to now see her own children flourish at camp, continuing the family tradition. A Wilmette resident and active community member, she is dedicated to creating meaningful and transformative summer experiences for all campers.

Alison holds a degree in Recreation, Leisure, and Hospitality from Florida State University and is passionate about applying her experience to enhance the camp community.

Rhonda Verson

Assistant Director of Operations, ‘Z’ Frank Apachi

For decades, Rhonda has been supporting ‘Z’ Frank Apachi families, campers and staff, behind-the-scenes, to ensure the summer runs smoothly. She lives for summer and loves watching campers step outside their comfort zones, flourish and thrive here at the best place under the sun. It warms Rhonda’s heart to see campers’ love for Apachi grow stronger each summer, and it’s always so special for her to see a camper who first came to Apachi at 4 years old later become staff.

Rhonda holds an Associate Degree in Hotel Management from Oakton Community College and loves to travel and read.

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!

Our Parents Say…

My son just loved camp! He was very sad it ended. Everything was perfect, from the bus always being on time, to the great and timely communication between staff and families. Your experience and professionalism shines through!

‘Z’ Frank Apachi Parent

Registration

Please Note: Ages and grades listed below are as of the 2025-26 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 sports, games, art, dance and music emphasize participation, building confidence and having fun. Campers swim twice daily with one period of swim instruction and one period of free swim.

Keep the Apachi fun going with a 9^th week of extended camp!

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	$4,680	$4,770	$4,840	$5,090
Session 2 \| 4 Wks	7/14-8/8	$4,680	$4,770	$4,840	$5,090
Session 1 + \| 6 Wks	6/16-7/25	$6,310	$6,400	$6,470	$6,720
Session 2 + \| 6 Wks	6/30-8/8	$6,310	$6,400	$6,470	$6,720
Full Summer \| 8 Wks	6/16-8/8	$7,170	$7,350	$7,520	$7,770
Extended Camp \| Week 9	8/11-8/15	$700	$700	$700	$700

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

Explorers | K-Grade 3

The Explorers’ high–energy day focuses on skill–building, new activities, boosting self–esteem and forging new friendships. Explorer campers follow a weekly schedule which allows them to experience a variety of our specialties, as well as, daily swim lessons and free swim.

Keep the Apachi fun going with a 9^th week of extended camp!

New for Summer 2025
Grade 3
• Awesome field trips each session.
• Weekly choice-based activities tailored to your child’s interests. Explore robotics, archery, magic, pottery, musical theatre, hip hop, sports, and so much more.

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	$4,680	$4,770	$4,840	$5,090
Session 2 \| 4 Wks	7/14-8/8	$4,680	$4,770	$4,840	$5,090
Session 1 + \| 6 Wks	6/16-7/25	$6,310	$6,400	$6,470	$6,720
Session 2 + \| 6 Wks	6/30-8/8	$6,310	$6,400	$6,470	$6,720
Full Summer \| 8 Wks	6/16-8/8	$7,170	$7,350	$7,520	$7,770
Extended Camp \| Week 9	8/11-8/15	$700	$700	$700	$700

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

Pioneers | Grades 4-7

The Pioneer’s self-guided schedule keeps the experienced camper asking for more. Children create a personalized summer by choosing among competitive and individual athletics and cultural, performance, fine arts and more. Campers cool off twice daily in the pool with one period for swim instruction and one period for free play. Pio Zone, a special hangout area just for Pioneers (4th-7th Graders), adds to the fun. For Pioneer campers their program includes a choice specialties and clubs founded on the camper’s interests.

Keep the Apachi fun going with a 9^th week of extended camp!

New for Summer 2025
Grades 4-5
• Exciting weekly field trips that take the Apachi fun outside of camp.

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	$4,905	$4,995	$5,065	$5,315
Session 2 \| 4 Wks	7/14-8/8	$4,905	$4,995	$5,065	$5,315
Session 1 + \| 6 Wks	6/16-7/25	$6,620	$6,710	$6,780	$7,030
Session 2 + \| 6 Wks	6/30-8/8	$6,620	$6,710	$6,780	$7,030
Full Summer \| 8 Wks	6/16-8/8	$7,525	$7,705	$7,875	$8,125
Extended Camp \| Week 9	8/11-8/15	$700	$700	$700	$700

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

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

Register

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.

Keep the Apachi fun going with a 9^th week of extended camp!

Session	Dates	Fee
Session 1 \| 4 Wks	6/16-7/11	$2,015
Session 2 \| 4 Wks	7/14-8/8	$2,015
Session 1 + \| 6 Wks	6/16-7/25	$2,870
Session 2 + \| 6 Wks	6/30-8/8	$2,870
Full Summer \| 8 Wks	6/16-8/8	$3,510
Extended Camp \| Week 9	8/11-8/15	$700

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

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

Register

‘Z’ Frank Apachi + Camp Chi

Combine ‘Z’ 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.

Keep the Apachi fun going with a 9^th week of extended camp!

Session	Grades	Apachi Dates	Chi Dates	Fee	Canteen
Explorers & Pioneers \| Grades 3-5
ZFA Session 1 + Chi Mini Session 2	3-5	6/16-7/9	7/10-7/23	$6,200	$85
ZFA 6 Weeks + Chi Mini Session 2	3-5	6/16-7/9, 7/24-8/8	7/10-7/23	$8,560	$85
ZFA 6 Weeks + Chi Mini Session 1	3-5	6/16-6/23, 7/8-8/8	6/24-7/7	$8,500	$85
Pioneers \| Grades 4-7
Chi Session 1 + ZFA 5 Weeks	4-5	7/8-8/8	6/13-7/7	$9,995	$135
ZFA 5 Weeks + Chi Session 2	4-5	6/16-7/9, 8/4-8/8	7/10-8/3	$9,795	$135
ZFA Session 1 + Chi Session 2	4-5	6/16-7/9	7/10-8/3	$8,810	$135
Chi Take 2 + ZFA 6 Weeks	4-5	6/27-8/8	6/13-6/26	$8,605	$85
Chi Session 1 + ZFA 5 Weeks	6-7	7/8-8/8	6/13-7/7	$10,320	$135
ZFA Session 1 + Chi Mini Session 2	6-7	6/16-7/9	7/10-7/23	$6,200	$85
ZFA 5 Weeks + Chi Session 2	6-7	6/16-7/9, 8/4-8/8	7/10-8/3	$10,125	$135
ZFA Session 1 + Chi Session 2	6-7	6/16-7/9	7/10-8/3	$9,140	$135
ZFA 6 Weeks + Chi Mini Session 2	6-7	6/16-7/9, 7/24-8/8	7/10-7/23	$8,560	$85
ZFA 6 Weeks + Chi Mini Session 1	6-7	6/16-6/23, 7/8-8/8	6/24-7/7	$8,500	$85
Chi Take 2 + ZFA 6 Weeks	6-7	6/27-8/8	6/13-6/26	$8,780	$85
CIT \| Grades 8-10
Chi Session 1 + ZFA CIT 5 Weeks	8-10	7/8-8/8	6/13-7/7	$7,700	$135
ZFA CIT 5 Weeks + Chi Session 2	8-10	6/16-7/9, 8/4-8/8	7/10-8/3	$7,615	$135
ZFA CIT Session 1 + Chi Session 2	8-10	6/16-7/9	7/10-8/3	$7,175	$135

‘Z’ Frank Apachi + Try Chi

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.

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
ZFA 8 Weeks + Try Chi	2-3	6/16-8/4	8/5-8/8	$6,925	$7,085	$7,240	$7,465
ZFA 2nd 4 Weeks + Try Chi	2-3	7/14-8/4	8/5-8/8	$4,215	$4,285	$4,345	$4,545
ZFA 2nd 6 Weeks + Try Chi	2-3	6/30-8/4	8/5-8/8	$5,940	$6,020	$6,080	$6,295
ZFA 8 Weeks + Try Chi	4-6	6/16-8/4	8/5-8/8	$7,245	$7,405	$7,560	$7,785
ZFA 2nd 4 Weeks + Try Chi	4-6	7/14-8/4	8/5-8/8	$4,395	$4,465	$4,525	$4,725
ZFA 2nd 6 Weeks + Try Chi	4-6	6/30-8/4	8/5-8/8	$6,210	$6,285	$6,350	$6,565
Try Chi	2-6	-	8/5-8/8	$470	$470	$470	$470

Register

Add-Ons

Session	4 Weeks	6 Weeks	8 Weeks
Before Care at ‘Z’ Frank Apachi	Included	Included	Included
After Care at ‘Z’ Frank Apachi	$550	$810	$1,065
Birthday Celebration	$40 (per birthday)

Register

Extended Camp | 4 Years-7th Grade + CIT

Continue the Apachi fun for a 9th week! Campers will enjoy a fun-filled week jam packed with a wide variety of activities including sports, adventure climbing tree, arts and crafts, pedal boating, and swimming.

Camp Hours | 9am-3:45pm
Please note, bus transportation and lunch are not included.

Dates	Fee
8/11-8/15	$700

Register