APACHI HYDE PARK

4 years – 7th grade + CIT

Watch Our Video Pricing & Registration

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

Camp Activities

  • Adventure Field Trips

    Kayaking • Archery • 63rd Street Beach • ClimbZone

  • Arts & Creativity

    Dance • Drama & Improv • Art • STEM Club • Busy Builders • Music • Fashion Club • Guitar Club • Talent Show

  • Sports

    Basketball • Kickball • Dodgeball • Soccer • Gaga • Cheer & Tumble • Gymnastics • Yoga • Backyard Games • Teambuilding

  • Special Activities

    Artists-In-Residence, Foam Party, Celebration Authority, Reptile Dave, Chicago Loves Dance

  • Swimming

    Swim Lessons • Free Swim • Beach Days • Swim Reports

  • Jewish Culture

    Shabbat Celebrations • Shabbat Charms • Maccabi Games

Apachi Hyde Park Details

Friendship requests

Apachi is a welcoming and inclusive environment, where all campers are encouraged to try something new and make new friends! Although not required, campers may submit friendship requests in the Spring, and we will do our best to accommodate at least one request if campers are entering the same grade (Trailblazer campers entering grades 5th-7th, can request each other since groups may be mixed based on enrollment). All ages are all-gender groups.

Our traditional camp experience encourages campers to try everything! Artists-in-residence visit weekly to teach magic, gymnastics, dance, and more. Campers participate in a wide variety of activities ranging from arts and crafts, sports, drama, yoga, dance, music, STEM, and swimming to name a few!  And everyone comes together for Friday Shabbat celebrations, cookouts, theme days, and our annual Maccabi games.

American Red Cross Swim Program

Campers are taught to swim at Apachi Hyde Park using the American Red Cross’ 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. The majority of our Aquatics staff are American Red Cross certified lifeguards with CPR training for the professional rescuer. Campers swim four or five days a week onsite in Mount Carmel High School’s indoor pool.

Testing, Placement and Progress Reports

Campers are tested at the beginning of their time at camp and are 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. Families receive individual swim reports at regular intervals during the summer.

Convenient carline and drop-off and pick-up

Our convenient carline helps your camper get to their group easily and speed you on your way. Just enter the lot and pull in front of the building. A staff member will come to your car rain or shine to help your child out of their seat. You’ll get to see your camper with a smiling counselor by their side and you never even have to get out of your car. At pick up time, just use the carline again. We will bring your child to you, buckle them in, and you will be on your way. For families who walk or bicycle to/from camp, please use our walk-up/bike-up cone to drop off and pick up your camper. We offer secure indoor bicycle parking during the camp day.

Optional round-trip bus

For an additional fee, families can select to have their children take the bus to and from camp. Buses are driven by licensed, professional drivers and supervised by Apachi staff. Campers are required to wear seatbelts at all times. We have bus stops available in the South Loop, West Loop, and at Kenwood Academy High School. Our bus stops are “cluster stops” for groups of campers, not individual stops. We try to make the cluster stops convenient for families as well as safe and efficient.

View our proposed bus stop map.

Food at camp

We provide pizza lunch on Tuesdays and a hotdog cookout on Fridays. Gluten free and/or dairy free pizza and vegetarian hot dogs are available upon request. For all other days, please send your camper with a small, sack lunch that we will refrigerate. A morning snack and afternoon frozen treat are also provided by camp daily.

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.

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 several support options available to ensure a successful summer. You can choose from support through JCC Chicago 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.

Apachi Hyde Park In Action

Sample 50/50 block

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

Sample 50/50 block

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

Elisa Aranoff

Elisa Aranoff

Director, Apachi Hyde Park

Elisa Aranoff loves camp because it’s a time to let go of the school year and enjoy relaxed summer days. She always looks forward to being outside after our Chicago winters and can’t wait to be in the sunshine with her campers! She really enjoys being part of the Hyde Park community.

Prior to joining Apachi Day Camp’s year-round team, she worked at Akiba-Schechter Jewish Day School and Jewish Enrichment Center. Elisa holds a Bachelor’s degree from Barnard College of Columbia University in New York City and two Master’s degrees, one in broadcasting from Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University and the other in Elementary Education from National Louis University. She is also a certified Music Together instructor and during college Elisa sang in Pizmon, a Jewish a cappella group that toured eastern Europe. Currently, Elisa sits on the board of Congregation Rodfei Zedek, and in her free time she’s also a Bar & Bat Mitzvah tutor.

 

natalie griffithNatalie Giffith

Manager of Operations, Apachi City Camps

Summer is such a special time for Natalie. What she loves most about camp is seeing campers gain confidence in the skills they learn during the summer. Through watching campers participate in the summer’s best activities including art, sports, swimming, sports and performing arts, she sees campers’ confidence grow as they step outside their comfort zones and become more comfortable with their groups, counselors, and instructors.

Natalie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago, and one of her favorite hobbies is golf. She grew up playing the sport, and she’s always so excited to get back on the course once the Midwest winters are done!

Priority Registration for Returning Summer 2023 Campers & Their Siblings
October 10-24, 2023

Early Bird Registration
October 25-November 30, 2023

Please Note: Ages and grades listed below are as of the 2024-25 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 Juniors feel safe and secure. Small group activities, including swim instruction, sports, games, art, dance and music emphasize participation, building confidence and having fun. Junior groups are all-gender and grade specific.

Campers must be 4 years old and potty trained by the first day of camp.

SessionDatesEarly Bird
Ends 11/30/23
Winter/Spring
Pricing Through Camp
Session 1 | 4 Wks6/17-7/14$2,620$2,795
Session 2 | 3 Wks7/17-8/2$2,280$2,455
Full Summer | 7 Wks6/17-8/2$4,800$5,150

Register

 

Explorers  |  Grades K-2

The Explorers’ high energy day focuses on skill building, new activities, boosting self–esteem and forging new friendships. Explorers’ schedules include a wide variety of activities, including art, sports, drama, swim lessons, and a featured artist-in-residence each week! Explorer groups are all-gender and grade specific.

SessionDatesEarly Bird
Ends 11/30/23
Winter/Spring
Pricing Through Camp
Session 1 | 4 Wks6/17-7/12$2,620$2,795
Session 2 | 3 Wks7/15-8/2$2,280$2,455
Full Summer | 7 Wks6/17-8/2$4,800$5,150

Register

 

Pioneers |  Grades 3-4

The Pioneer’s schedule introduces choice to our campers. In addition to participating in all of camp’s activities and weekly swim lessons, each Pioneer will choose one specialty activity per session to focus on in camp, and they’ll travel out of camp on two field trips each session as a unit. This will allow for exploration, skill building and meeting new friends. Pioneer groups are all-gender and grade specific.

SessionDatesEarly Bird
Ends 11/30/23
Winter/Spring
Pricing Through Camp
Session 1 | 4 Wks6/17-7/12$2,775$2,950
Session 2 | 3 Wks7/15-8/2$2,490$2,665
Full Summer | 7 Wks6/17-8/2$5,180$5,530
Thinking about overnight camp? Combine Apachi with Camp Chi for one incredible summer and save on the cost of camp. Learn more.

 

Trailblazers  |  Grades 5-7

The Trailblazer’s schedule emphasizes choice. In addition to participating in all of camp’s activities and weekly swim lessons, each Trailblazer will choose one specialty activity per session to focus on in camp. This will allow for exploration, skill building and meeting new friends. Trailblazers will also choose one outdoor adventure trip to participate in both sessions, which helps our campers meet other campers with similar interests and develop a new skill. Additionally, Trailblazers will attend one field trip as an entire unit each session. Trailblazer groups are all-gender and may be mixed grade based on enrollment.

SessionDatesEarly Bird
Ends 11/30/23
Winter/Spring
Pricing Through Camp
Session 1 | 4 Wks6/17-7/12$2,980$3,155
Session 2 | 3 Wks7/15-8/2$2,650$2,825
Full Summer | 7 Wks6/17-8/2$5,560$5,910
Thinking about overnight camp? Combine Apachi with Camp Chi for one incredible summer and save on the cost of camp. Learn more.

 

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.

SessionDatesFee
Session 1 | 4 Wks6/17-7/12$1,195
Session 2 | 3 Wks7/15-8/2$1,070
Full Summer | 7 Wks6/17-8/2$2,085
Thinking about overnight camp? Combine Apachi with Camp Chi for one incredible summer and save on the cost of camp. Learn more.

 

Apachi Hyde Park  +  Camp Chi

Combine Apachi Hyde Park with 2 or 3.5 weeks of amazing overnight camp at Camp Chi to create an extraordinary summer!

SessionApachi DatesChi DatesGradesFeeCanteen
Camp Chi Session 1 + Apachi Session 27/15-8/26/16-7/104-7$7,435$130
Apachi Session 1 + Camp Chi Session 26/17-7/117/12-8/44-7$7,590$130
Camp Chi Take Two + Apachi7/1-8/26/16-6/284-7$6,040$80
Camp Chi Mini Session 1 + Apachi6/17-6/26, 7/11-8/26/27-7/103-7$6,290$80
Camp Chi Mini Session 2 + Apachi6/17-7/11, 7/29-8/27/12-7/263-7$5,870$80

Register

 


Try Chi

2nd–6th grade 
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 Hyde Park  +  Camp Chi

Combine Apachi Hyde Park with 2 or 3.5 weeks of amazing overnight camp at Camp Chi to create an extraordinary summer!

SessionApachi DatesChi DatesGradesFeeCanteen
Camp Chi Session 1 + Apachi Session 27/15-8/26/16-7/104-7$7,435$130
Apachi Session 1 + Camp Chi Session 26/17-7/117/12-8/44-7$7,590$130
Camp Chi Take Two + Apachi7/1-8/26/16-6/284-7$6,040$80
Camp Chi Mini Session 1 + Apachi6/17-6/26, 7/11-8/26/27-7/103-7$6,290$80
Camp Chi Mini Session 2 + Apachi6/17-7/11, 7/29-8/27/12-7/263-7$5,870$80

Register

Add-Ons

Session3 Weeks4 Weeks7 Weeks
Before Care$230$260$470
After Care$390$435$795
Transportation - 1 Way$300$330$610
Transportation - Round-Trip$495$560$1,020
Birthday Celebration$35 (per birthday)

Register

 

New for Summer 2024!

Extended Camp at Bernard Horwich JCC | 4 Years-7th Grade

Continue the Apachi fun for an 8th week! Campers will enjoy a fun-filled week jam packed with the best of the summer’s activities including sports, rock climbing, adventure ropes courses, arts and crafts, entertainment, and free swim. Groups are all-gender and grade specific. Please note, bus transportation and before & after care will not be available and friendship requests can’t be honored. This program is run by Jacob Rosenstein, Site-Director at Bernard Horwich JCC.

DatesFee
8/5-8/9$550

Register

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!

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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 multiple support options available to ensure a successful summer for your camper. You can choose from support through JCC Chicago 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.

Contact Us

For more information, contact us at 312.775.1815 or email apachihydepark@jccchicago.org.