Words and photography by JCC Chicago.
Summer is a special time for kids—a season of freedom, fun, and discovery. It’s when they can relax, spend more time with family and friends, and dive into experiences that help them grow. Camp plays a huge part in that growth. It’s a place where children can be fully themselves while gaining confidence, trying new activities, building independence, and forming friendships that last well beyond August. The social-emotional skills they develop over the summer become tools they rely on throughout the school year and even for years to come.
Apachi Day Camp offers an experience designed to help campers thrive—both at camp and long after summer ends. While kids are busy having fun, there is a thoughtful layer of support happening behind the scenes. Apachi Day Camp’s counselors and dedicated Community Care specialists work together to ensure every camper feels safe, seen, included, and encouraged just as they are.
Apachi Day Camp’s approach to social-emotional development includes:
- Individualized camper support
- Mindfulness activities that build focus and self-awareness
- Yoga sessions with calming stretches and breathing techniques
- “Peace spaces” around camp for reflection and self-regulation
- Group sessions that help with problem-solving and conflict resolution
- Access to therapeutic tools, fidgets, books, and coping resources
This kind of support fosters confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging. It gives campers the freedom to be themselves and the foundation to grow. And these skills don’t end when camp does—they continue benefiting campers throughout the year.
One Apachi parent shared:
“My child felt safe, encouraged, and himself. I firmly believe this has been a transformative summer for him. Thank you all so much. He can’t wait to go back next summer. Please let his counselors know how much I appreciate their willingness to share their experiences with ADHD. It really destigmatized it for him.”
Apachi Day Camp focuses on supporting each camper’s whole self. This is why so many say they’re the “Secret to An Amazing Summer. And Life”. Apachi’s caring camp community coupled with a huge variety of fun activities and camp traditions including sports, arts & crafts, science, performing arts, Shabbat Celebrations, Maccabi Games, Theme Days and spirited song sessions, make for one unforgettable summer. There is an Apachi Day Camp experience available at several Chicago locations, spanning Northside, Old Town and Irving Park, for children 4 years – 7th grade + Counselors in Training (8th-10th grade). For more information, visit www.apachi.org.
This post is sponsored by our trusted partner, JCC Chicago.
