JCC Chicago Brings Sunrise Day Camp to Chicago Area For Summer 2023
JCC Chicago is proud to offer a full-summer day camp for children struggling with cancer and their siblings free of charge to families
NORTHBROOK, IL (SEPTEMBER 8, 2022) – JCC (Jewish Community Centers) Chicago is proud to partner with Sunrise Association to bring Sunrise Day Camp to the Chicago area in Summer 2023. This full-summer day camp for is designed for children in treatment for cancer and their siblings, ages 3 1/2-16, is provided completely free of charge.
Sunrise Day Camp restores the simple pleasures of childhood for children facing a cancer diagnosis, balancing months of loneliness and isolation with summers filled with sunshine, laughter and friends. And because Sunrise is a day camp, children are able to continue their medical treatment during summer while participating in camp on their good days. Unlike most oncology sleep-away camps that offer short programs each summer, Sunrise Day Camp is a full, eight-week summer program that welcomes children as often as they are able to attend.
Addie Goodman, President & CEO of JCC Chicago said, “Bringing Sunrise Day Camp to Chicago was an easy yes on our end. JCC Chicago’s camping program is grounded in the care and keeping of children and families and a commitment to make summer magical for every child. It is an honor and privilege to be part of the Sunrise family.”
Sunrise Chicago is generously supported by the Hecktman Family Foundation, which has seeded the first three years of camp operations. In addition, the Hecktman Family Foundation will match all gifts to Sunrise Chicago at 1:3 (one dollar for every three donated).
“The Hecktman Family Foundation is thrilled to help incubate a Chicagoland summer day camp for pediatric oncology patients and their siblings. The partnership between the Sunrise Association and JCC Chicago supports our mission to impact humanity through global and diversified philanthropic endeavors. We believe this program will be an asset for our pediatric oncology community; a place to build friendships, share smiles and find hope,” said Hillary Behar Hecktman.
In support of the day camp, JCC Chicago will host a community walk, SunriseWALKS Chicago, on Sunday, October 30, at Lake County JCC in Lake Zurich (23280 N. Old McHenry Rd., Lake Zurich). This family-friendly event invites all ages to walk the 37-acre campus, raise funds for children in need, and enjoy camp-inspired activities such as arts and crafts, face-painting, dance parties and summer treats.
JCC Chicago, well-known for excellence in camping and commitment to inclusion, determined Sunrise Day Camp to be a natural addition to the programs and essential services provided to the community.
For more information about Sunrise Day Camp Chicago or SunriseWALKS Chicago visit jccchicago.org/sunrise.
Sunrise Association’s mission is to bring back the joys of childhood to children with cancer and their siblings worldwide, through the creation of Day Camps, Year-Round Programs and In-Hospital Recreational Activities, all offered free of charge. All Sunrise Association programs are offered on a non-sectarian basis to any family in need.
JCC (Jewish Community Centers) Chicago, founded in 1903 and rooted in Jewish values, offers a life-affirming journey fostering a connected, inclusive community from birth through senior years. With a focus on growing good kids and building connections, it is JCC Chicago’s mission to strengthen the Jewish community, from generation to generation. Today, JCC Chicago serves a diverse population of more than 60,000 community members who learn, grow and thrive through early childhood, day and overnight camps, teen, adult and family offerings, fitness and wellness, aquatics & sports and special events and happenings year-round. For more information on JCC Chicago programming and commitment to community visit, www.jccchicago.org.