‘Z’ Frank Apachi

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.

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.

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.

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

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

For each child enrolled in JCC Chicago Day Camp programming, the parent (or legal guardian) must provide a current immunization record appropriate for the child’s age and a health form signed by the child’s physician or health department representative prior to the first day of the program.

If a child’s physical condition prevents them from receiving one or more required immunizations, the examining physician (DO, MD), advanced practice nurse, or physician assistant responsible for the performance of the health examination shall endorse that fact upon the health examination form. JCC Chicago reserves the right to follow-up with the medical provider for further clarification and to determine whether an exemption will be granted.

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.

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.