‘Z’ FRANK APACHI

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

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.
Learn More

Camp Activities

  • Adventure

    Adventure Tree • Climbing Wall • Obstacle Courses • Boating

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  • Sports

    Basketball • Baseball • Soccer • Volleyball • Court Hockey • Tennis & Racquet Sports • Gaga • Yoga • SNAG® Golf • Group Games • League Play

  • Arts & Creativity

    Dance • Drama • Music • Clowning & Magic • Arts & Crafts • Science & Nature • S.T.E.A.M Projects • Busy Builders & Construction • Cooking

  • Swimming

    Daily American Red Cross Swim Lessons • Daily Free Swim

  • Special Activities

    Weekly Themes • Field Trips • Cross Town Classic • Artist in Residence • Weekly Special Event • Undernighters

  • Jewish Culture

    Israel Experience • Maccabi Games • Shabbat Celebrations

‘Z’ Frank Apachi In Action

‘Z’ Frank Apachi Details

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 7:00am (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

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.

For campers needing extra support, there are several support options available to ensure a successful summer. You can choose from support through JCC Chicago, Keshet, 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.

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

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

headshot of stacey skolnick

Stacey Skolnick

Director, ‘Z’ Frank Apachi

Stacey Skolnick brings her positive energy and decades of camping experience to ‘Z’ Frank Apachi! Stacey worked at Jay’s Camp in Lake Zurich for 31 years as a counselor, unit head and ultimately served as program director for 25 summers. Stacey’s favorite thing about summer is – everything! She just loves the way summer feels, sounds and smells and she thinks creating a warm, safe environment for campers and staff to flourish is a must.

Stacey holds a B.S. in Psychology from Columbia College Missouri and a Master’s degree in Teaching/Early Childhood Education from National-Louis University. She is a yogi and yoga teacher, and a very proud mom of twins.

 

alison blake

Alison Blake

Assistant Director, ‘Z’ Frank Apachi

As a past camper and counselor at ‘Z’ Frank Apachi Day Camp, joining the Apachi family has truly been full circle for her. Alison credits her camp experiences with shaping who she is today, and she looks forward to providing campers with the transformative and special summer experiences she’s been touched by first-hand.

Before joining ‘Z’ Frank Apachi, Alison served as Director of Events and most recently, Chief of Staff, at Produce Alliance, LLC. helping to implement a program that provided accessible nutrition, strengthened underserved communities, and helped feed over 9 million families fresh food across the nation during the Pandemic. Alison studied Recreation Leisure and Hospitality at Florida State University, and she’s worked in the hospitality and events industry for 15+ years. She is beyond thrilled to bring her years of operations, programing, relationship development and management experiences to camp.

 

rhonda verson

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.

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 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.

SessionDatesEarly Bird
Ends 11/30/23
Winter
Ends 2/29/24
Spring
Through Camp
Session 1 | 4 Wks6/17-7/12$4,320$4,670$4,920
Session 2 | 4 Wks7/15-8/9$4,320$4,670$4,920
Session 1 + | 6 Wks6/17-7/26$5,895$6,245$6,495
Session 2 + | 6 Wks7/1-8/9$5,895$6,245$6,495
Full Summer | 8 Wks6/17-8/9$6,905$7,255$7,505

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.

SessionDatesEarly Bird
Ends 11/30/23
Winter
Ends 2/29/24
Spring
Through Camp
Session 1 | 4 Wks6/17-7/12$4,320$4,670$4,920
Session 2 | 4 Wks7/15-8/9$4,320$4,670$4,920
Session 1 + | 6 Wks6/17-7/26$5,895$6,245$6,495
Session 2 + | 6 Wks7/1-8/9$5,895$6,245$6,495
Full Summer | 8 Wks6/17-8/9$6,905$7,255$7,505

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.

SessionDatesEarly Bird
Ends 11/30/23
Winter
Ends 2/29/24
Spring
Through Camp
Session 1 | 4 Wks6/17-7/12$4,535$4,885$5,135
Session 2 | 4 Wks7/15-8/9$4,535$4,885$5,135
Session 1 + | 6 Wks6/17-7/26$6,190$6,540$6,790
Session 2 + | 6 Wks7/1-8/9$6,190$6,540$6,790
Full Summer | 8 Wks6/17-8/9$7,250$7,600$7,850
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$1,945
Session 2 | 4 Wks7/15-8/9$1,945
Session 1 + | 6 Wks6/17-7/26$2,775
Session 2 + | 6 Wks7/1-8/9$2,775
Full Summer | 8 Wks6/17-8/9$3,390
Thinking about overnight camp? Combine Apachi with Camp Chi for one incredible summer and save on the cost of camp. Learn more.

 

 

‘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!

SessionApachi DatesChi DatesGradesFeeCanteen
ZFA Session 1 + Chi Session 26/17-7/117/12-8/44-7$8,865$130
Chi Session 1 + ZFA Session 27/15-8/96/16-7/104-7$8,865$130
Chi Take 2 + ZFA 6 Weeks7/1-8/96/16-6/284-7$8,235$130
ZFA Session 1 + Chi Mini Session 26/17-7/117/12-7/263-7$6,335$80
ZFA 5 Weeks + Chi Session 26/17-7/11, 8/5-8/97/12-8/44-7$9,815$130
ZFA 6 Weeks + Chi Mini Session 26/17-7/11, 7/29-8/97/12-7/263-7$8,235$80
ZFA 6 Weeks + Chi Mini Session 16/17-6/26, 7/15-8/96/27-7/103-7$8,235$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

 

‘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!

SessionApachi DatesChi DatesGradesFeeCanteen
ZFA Session 1 + Chi Session 26/17-7/117/12-8/44-7$8,865$130
Chi Session 1 + ZFA Session 27/15-8/96/16-7/104-7$8,865$130
Chi Take 2 + ZFA 6 Weeks7/1-8/96/16-6/284-7$8,235$130
ZFA Session 1 + Chi Mini Session 26/17-7/117/12-7/263-7$6,335$80
ZFA 5 Weeks + Chi Session 26/17-7/11, 8/5-8/97/12-8/44-7$9,815$130
ZFA 6 Weeks + Chi Mini Session 26/17-7/11, 7/29-8/97/12-7/263-7$8,235$80
ZFA 6 Weeks + Chi Mini Session 16/17-6/26, 7/15-8/96/27-7/103-7$8,235$80

Register

When you combine Apachi Day Camp with full-day, year-round Early Childhood for your rising 3 or 4 year old, you save 100% on the cost of camp! Half-day, rising 3 and 4 year old students will receive a 20% discount of the camp fee on their final payment. Learn more.

2024 Dates & Pricing Coming Soon!

Add-Ons

Session4 Weeks6 Weeks8 Weeks
Before Care at ‘Z’ Frank ApachiIncludedIncludedIncluded
After Care at ‘Z’ Frank Apachi$530$785$1,030
Birthday Celebration$35 (per birthday)

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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.

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Extra Support for Campers

There are several support options available to ensure a successful summer for your camper. You can choose from support through JCC Chicago, Keshet, 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.

keshet and jcc chicago logos

Contact Us

For more information or to request a tour, contact us at 847.272.7050 or email sskolnick@jccchicago.org.

Looking for a different Apachi Day Camp?

We have options throughout the Chicagoland area.

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