Sunrise Day Camp
Sunrise Day Camp–Chicago, a program of JCC Chicago, is a proud member of the Sunrise Association, whose mission is to bring back the joys of childhood to children with cancer and their siblings worldwide. Sunrise accomplishes this through the creation and oversight of welcoming, inclusive summer day camps, year-round programs and in-hospital recreational activities, all offered free of charge.
Eligibility:
Children who are on active treatment for cancer or who have been on treatment within the last five years and their sibling(s) are eligible to attend Sunrise Day Camp.
Camp Location:
23280 N. Old McHenry Rd. in Lake Zurich, IL
Transportation:
Free transportation is available from select locations around the Chicago area and southern Wisconsin. We will provide staffed, air-conditioned vehicles for campers needing transportation. The core camp day is from 9:30 am to 3:45 pm (excluding transportation times).
Activities:
Daily activities include arts and crafts, music, sports, swimming, dance, S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) and many more. All activities are modified to meet every child’s needs, energy level and abilities. Goals include helping children develop friendships, confidence, and interpersonal skills, while enjoying the simple pleasures of childhood.
Camp Dates for 2025:
June 16-August 6
Registration Opens January 6
Interested in Visiting Sunrise Day Camp This Summer?
Private tours of our campus are available!
Location
23280 N. Old McHenry Rd., Lake Zurich, IL
For questions or to schedule a private tour, please email Karen Abrams or call her at
224.633.1975
See the Sunrise Magic for Yourself…
Children with cancer and their siblings often live in a world of no, but at Sunrise Day Camp, it is a world of YES!
June 16-August 6
Siblings Welcome
Free transportation on staffed, air-conditioned buses
Medical Support
OUR VISION
We work towards a world where cancer will not be the defining factor in a child’s life; where children and families navigating the difficult world of pediatric cancer can find hope, love, and an extra ray of sunshine; where cultural diversity is embraced and every child is celebrated for who they are and for the unique gifts they bring into the world.
OUR VALUES
Fun Is Mandatory: Sunrise is children just being children – having fun playing and laughing together. We want every child, even if they can attend for only a day, to have the best day ever!
Inclusivity and Diversity: Sunrise is a worldwide organization made up of people from every walk of life who recognize and embrace the unique journey of each child. Sunrise actively seeks to create inclusive communities – whether at camp or in the hospitals – that celebrate diversity and equity among all children and staff while respecting both the differences and the commonalities that bind us together as a human family.
Hope & Healing: While we may not be able to cure cancer, Sunrise can provide the healing of the heart as well as the hope that each child can experience the true meaning of childhood.
