Summer is a time for fun, adventure, and making memories that will last a lifetime. For many kids, the highlight of the summer is attending an overnight summer camp. Illinois is home to some of the best overnight summer camps in the country, offering a wide range of activities, from sports and outdoor adventures to arts and crafts and STEM programs. In this article, we will explore the top overnight summer camps in Illinois, including their location, fees, hours of stay, activities, and rules. Whether you’re a first-time camper or a seasoned pro, there’s a camp out there for everyone. Let’s dive in and discover the best overnight summer camps Illinois has to offer.
Camp Ondessonk: A Place for Adventure and Spiritual Growth
Located in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois, Camp Ondessonk is a premier summer camp that provides children and young adults with an opportunity to grow and explore in a safe and supportive environment. Founded in 1959, the camp is situated on 983 acres of pristine forest land and features a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, canoeing, archery, horseback riding, rock climbing, and much more. With a focus on outdoor adventure and spiritual growth, Camp Ondessonk has become a favorite among families throughout the Midwest.
Camp Ondessonk is one of the best overnight summer camps in Illinois because it offers a variety of programs and camps throughout the summer months, ranging from one to two-week sessions. Fees vary depending on the program selected but generally range from $700 to $1,500 per week. Financial aid is available for families in need. Camp Ondessonk offers a wide range of activities that cater to the interests of children and young adults of all ages. Whether your child is interested in horseback riding, canoeing, hiking, or archery, Camp Ondessonk has something to offer. With over 20 different activities to choose from, campers are sure to find something that they love. In addition to outdoor activities, the camp also offers daily chapel services, Bible studies, and other opportunities for spiritual growth.
As with any summer camp, Camp Ondessonk has a set of rules and guidelines that all campers are expected to follow. These rules include expectations for behavior, cleanliness, and safety. For example, campers are expected to keep their cabins clean and tidy, refrain from using drugs or alcohol, and follow all safety protocols for each activity. The camp has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and other forms of harassment, and all campers are expected to treat each other with kindness and respect.
In addition to the rules and guidelines, Camp Ondessonk also has a dedicated staff of counselors and volunteers who are trained to provide a safe and supportive environment for all campers. The staff works to foster a sense of community and encourage campers to try new things and step outside of their comfort zones.
YMCA Camp Duncan: Where Adventure Meets Fun
Located in Ingleside, Illinois, YMCA Camp Duncan has been providing children and young adults with a safe and supportive environment to explore, grow, and have fun since 1921. With over 300 acres of beautiful forest land, the camp offers a wide range of activities that cater to the interests of campers of all ages. From swimming and archery to horseback riding and canoeing, YMCA Camp Duncan has something to offer everyone.
YMCA Camp Duncan is one of the best overnight summer camps in Illinois because it offers a variety of programs and camps throughout the summer months, ranging from one to two-week sessions. Fees vary depending on the program selected but generally range from $600 to $1,500 per week. Financial aid is available for families in need. YMCA Camp Duncan offers over 25 different activities that cater to the interests of campers of all ages. Whether your child is interested in swimming, archery, arts and crafts, or outdoor adventure, YMCA Camp Duncan has something to offer. In addition to the traditional summer camp activities, the camp also offers specialized programs such as a teen adventure camp and a leadership development program.
As with any summer camp, YMCA Camp Duncan has a set of rules and guidelines that all campers are expected to follow. These rules include expectations for behavior, cleanliness, and safety. For example, campers are expected to keep their cabins clean and tidy, refrain from using drugs or alcohol, and follow all safety protocols for each activity. The camp has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and other forms of harassment, and all campers are expected to treat each other with kindness and respect.
In addition to the rules and guidelines, YMCA Camp Duncan also has a dedicated staff of counselors and volunteers who are trained to provide a safe and supportive environment for all campers. The staff works to foster a sense of community and encourage campers to try new things and step outside of their comfort zones.
Banner Day Camp: Where Fun and Adventure Meet
Located in Lake Forest, Illinois, Banner Day Camp has been providing children with an unforgettable summer experience since 1963. With over 50 acres of beautiful forest land, the camp offers a wide range of activities that cater to the interests of campers of all ages. From swimming and horseback riding to zip-lining and archery, Banner Day Camp has something to offer everyone.
Banner Day Camp is one of the best overnight summer camps in Illinois because it offers a variety of programs and camps throughout the summer months, ranging from one to nine-week sessions. Fees vary depending on the program selected but generally range from $1,000 to $8,000 for the summer. Financial aid is available for families in need. Banner Day Camp offers over 50 different activities that cater to the interests of campers of all ages. Whether your child is interested in sports, arts and crafts, or outdoor adventure, Banner Day Camp has something to offer. In addition to the traditional summer camp activities, the camp also offers specialized programs such as a teen leadership program and a counselor-in-training program.
As with any summer camp, Banner Day Camp has a set of rules and guidelines that all campers are expected to follow. These rules include expectations for behavior, cleanliness, and safety. For example, campers are expected to keep their cabins clean and tidy, refrain from using drugs or alcohol, and follow all safety protocols for each activity. The camp has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and other forms of harassment, and all campers are expected to treat each other with kindness and respect.
In addition to the rules and guidelines, Banner Day Camp also has a dedicated staff of counselors and volunteers who are trained to provide a safe and supportive environment for all campers. The staff works to foster a sense of community and encourage campers to try new things and step outside of their comfort zones.
Camp Manitoqua & Retreat Center: Where Adventure and Spirituality Meet
Located in Frankfort, Illinois, Camp Manitoqua & Retreat Center has been providing children and young adults with a safe and supportive environment to explore, grow, and have fun since 1956. With over 100 acres of beautiful forest land, the camp offers a wide range of activities that cater to the interests of campers of all ages. From swimming and rock climbing to horseback riding and archery, Camp Manitoqua & Retreat Center has something to offer everyone.
Camp Manitoqua & Retreat Center is one of the best overnight summer camps in Illinois because it offers a variety of programs and camps throughout the summer months, ranging from one to six-week sessions. Fees vary depending on the program selected but generally range from $500 to $2,500 per week. Financial aid is available for families in need. Camp Manitoqua & Retreat Center offers over 20 different activities that cater to the interests of campers of all ages. Whether your child is interested in sports, arts and crafts, or outdoor adventure, Camp Manitoqua & Retreat Center has something to offer. In addition to the traditional summer camp activities, the camp also offers specialized programs such as a teen leadership program and a family camp.
As with any summer camp, Camp Manitoqua & Retreat Center has a set of rules and guidelines that all campers are expected to follow. These rules include expectations for behavior, cleanliness, and safety. For example, campers are expected to keep their cabins clean and tidy, refrain from using drugs or alcohol, and follow all safety protocols for each activity. The camp has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and other forms of harassment, and all campers are expected to treat each other with kindness and respect.
In addition to the rules and guidelines, Camp Manitoqua & Retreat Center also has a strong emphasis on spirituality and faith. While the camp is open to campers of all faiths, the staff works to create a welcoming environment that fosters spiritual growth and exploration. Campers have the opportunity to participate in daily chapel services, small group discussions, and other spiritual activities.
Eagle’s Nest Camp: Where Nature and Community Come Together
Located in La Grange, Illinois, Eagle’s Nest Camp is one of the most popular overnight summer camps in the area. The camp provides a fun and safe environment for children to explore and engage in a wide range of activities while building lifelong friendships.
Eagle’s Nest Camp is located in La Grange, Illinois, a western suburb of Chicago. The camp is situated on a beautiful wooded property of more than 80 acres, providing campers with plenty of space to explore and enjoy nature. The cost of attending Eagle’s Nest Camp varies depending on the length of stay and the age of the camper. A typical one-week session for campers aged 7-12 costs around $900, while a two-week session for campers aged 13-17 costs around $1,800. There are also discounts available for families who enroll multiple children. Eagle’s Nest Camp offers one-week and two-week sessions throughout the summer, with campers staying overnight in cabins. Check-in typically takes place on Sundays, with check-out on Fridays for one-week sessions and on Sundays for two-week sessions.
Eagle’s Nest Camp is one of the best overnight summer camps in Illinois because it offers a wide range of activities for campers to participate in, including arts and crafts, archery, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and more. The camp also has a high ropes course and a zip line, providing campers with a thrilling adventure. In addition, Eagle’s Nest Camp places a strong emphasis on teamwork and leadership, offering opportunities for campers to develop these skills through group challenges and other activities.
Eagle’s Nest Camp has strict rules and policies to ensure the safety and well-being of all campers. These include rules around behavior, appropriate dress, and adherence to the camp’s schedule. The camp also has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and other forms of misconduct, with consequences ranging from a warning to expulsion from the camp.
Camp Pottawatomie: New Skills and Lasting Memories
Nestled in the scenic woods of St. Charles, Illinois, Camp Pottawatomie Hills is a summer camp that offers a wide range of activities for children of all ages. With its beautiful surroundings and well-planned programming, the camp provides a fun and enriching experience for kids, encouraging them to develop new skills and make lasting memories.
Camp Pottawatomie Hills is located in St. Charles, Illinois, a western suburb of Chicago. The camp is situated on a 65-acre property along the banks of the Fox River, providing campers with plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoors. The cost of attending Camp Pottawatomie Hills varies depending on the length of stay and the age of the camper. A typical one-week session for campers aged 7-12 costs around $500, while a two-week session for campers aged 13-15 costs around $1,100. There are also discounts available for families who enroll multiple children. Camp Pottawatomie Hills offers one-week and two-week sessions throughout the summer, with campers staying overnight in cabins. Check-in typically takes place on Sundays, with check-out on Fridays for one-week sessions and on Sundays for two-week sessions.
Camp Pottawatomie Hills is one of the best overnight summer camps in Illinois because it offers a wide range of activities for campers to participate in, including arts and crafts, archery, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and more. The camp also has a ropes course and a zip line, providing campers with a thrilling adventure. In addition, Camp Pottawatomie Hills places a strong emphasis on nature and environmental education, offering opportunities for campers to learn about the natural world and the importance of conservation.
Camp Pottawatomie Hills has strict rules and policies to ensure the safety and well-being of all campers. These include rules around behavior, appropriate dress, and adherence to the camp’s schedule. The camp also has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and other forms of misconduct, with consequences ranging from a warning to expulsion from the camp.
Farm & Wilderness Camp: Fun and Educational Environment
Farm & Wilderness Camp, located in Thayer, Illinois, is a summer camp that offers a unique experience for children of all ages. With its focus on sustainability, community, and outdoor living, the camp provides a fun and educational environment for kids to learn new skills, make new friends, and create lasting memories.
Farm & Wilderness Camp is located in Thayer, Illinois, a small town in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest. The camp is situated on a 1,200-acre property that includes forests, meadows, and a lake, providing campers with ample opportunities to explore the great outdoors. The cost of attending Farm & Wilderness Camp varies depending on the length of stay and the age of the camper. A typical two-week session for campers aged 9-14 costs around $3,200, while a four-week session for campers aged 14-18 costs around $5,600. There are also discounts available for families who enroll multiple children. Farm & Wilderness Camp offers two-week and four-week sessions throughout the summer, with campers staying overnight in cabins or tents. Check-in typically takes place on Sundays, with check-out on Saturdays.
Farm & Wilderness Camp is one of the best overnight summer camps in Illinois because it offers a wide range of activities for campers to participate in, including farming, gardening, cooking, fishing, canoeing, hiking, and more. The camp also has a strong focus on sustainability and environmental education, teaching campers about organic farming, renewable energy, and other eco-friendly practices. In addition, Farm & Wilderness Camp places a strong emphasis on community, encouraging campers to work together and support each other.
Farm & Wilderness Camp has strict rules and policies to ensure the safety and well-being of all campers. These include rules around behavior, appropriate dress, and adherence to the camp’s schedule. The camp also has a strict policy around drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, with zero tolerance for any form of substance abuse.
Camp Nuhop: Learn, Grow, and Have Fun
Camp Nuhop is a summer camp located in Ohio, Illinois that is dedicated to providing a fun and engaging outdoor experience for children with learning disabilities. With its supportive environment and wide range of activities, Camp Nuhop is the perfect place for children to learn, grow, and have fun.
Camp Nuhop is located in Ohio, Illinois, and is situated in the heart of the Illinois River Valley. The camp is set on a 500-acre property that includes forests, meadows, and a lake, providing campers with ample opportunities to explore the great outdoors. The cost of attending Camp Nuhop varies depending on the length of stay and the age of the camper. A typical one-week session for campers aged 6-18 costs around $1,700, while a two-week session costs around $3,000. There are also financial aid opportunities available for families who may need assistance. Camp Nuhop offers one-week and two-week sessions throughout the summer, with campers staying overnight in cabins. Check-in typically takes place on Sundays, with check-out on Saturdays.
Camp Nuhop is one of the best overnight summer camps in Illinois because it offers a wide range of activities for campers to participate in, including arts and crafts, archery, swimming, canoeing, fishing, and more. The camp also provides a supportive environment for children with learning disabilities, including dyslexia, ADHD, and autism, offering specialized instruction and accommodations to help campers succeed.
Camp Nuhop has strict rules and policies to ensure the safety and well-being of all campers. These include rules around behavior, appropriate dress, and adherence to the camp’s schedule. The camp also has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying or any form of harmful behavior towards other campers. Campers should learn the basic things you need to know about overnight summer camps.
Illinois is a treasure trove of amazing overnight summer camps for kids of all ages and interests. From traditional camps offering outdoor adventures and sports to specialized camps in areas like STEM or the arts, there’s truly something for everyone. With excellent facilities, dedicated staff, and a wide range of activities, these camps provide the perfect environment for children to make new friends, try new things, and create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re looking for a week-long adventure or a full summer program, the best overnight summer camps in Illinois offer an experience that your child will never forget. So, choose a camp that suits your child’s interests and watch them grow and flourish in a fun and supportive environment.