Camp Henry Horner

Notes on Camp

2012-02-17T08:00:00.000-06:00

So if you've been reading the blog recently, there is no doubt in my mind you have seen a trend of me posting articles/reports on summer camp. This week will be no different as I think I have found what I believe to be an awesome example of camp life. This American Life is a weekly public radio show broadcast on more than 500 stations to about 1.8 million listeners. It is produced by Chicago Public Media, distributed by Public Radio International, and has won all of the major broadcasting awards. It is also often the most popular podcast in the country, with around 700,000 people downloading each week. From 2006-2008, we produced a television version of This American Life on the Showtime network, which won three Emmys.

Back in 1998, This American Life aired a piece called Notes on Camp. The show spent several weeks at two Michigan camps and sought to find out why camp makes such an impact on those who attend and work there. Through several interviews the narrator discovers a variety of occurances that make such a memorable place.

Below is a link to the audio and transcript to This American Life: Notes on Camp. Enjoy!

http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/109/transcript

Chicago Sun-Times News Article About Homesickness

2012-02-07T10:32:00.004-06:00

This was a recent Chicago Sun-Times that Camp Henry Horner staff were part of...

Happy Camper

BY MARCY MARRO

For Sun-Times Media

Last Modified: Jan 30, 2012 01:47PM

While summer camp offers children a chance to experience many different activities, no one wants to spend the time wishing they could go home.

Meredith Stevens, Camp Echo program manager with McGaw YMCA in Evanston, said that they remind campers that everyone gets homesick, including the counselors and leadership staff.

“We tell them that it’s a good thing, that it means that they’ve got a healthy home life,” she said.

Before Camp

Before summer arrives, you can help prepare children for what to expect from the camp experience. Eve Thornton, clinical psychologist and founder of One in a Hundred camp in Highland Park, said that parents should be completely honest and truthful in telling children what to expect.

If children will be attending overnight camp, prepare them for the experience of being away from you for a few nights. Danny Glassman, overnight camp director at JCYS Camp Henry Horner in Ingleside, recommends encouraging a child’s independence by having them do sleepovers with friends or relatives.

At Camp

A few days before camp, parents can send a package or letter so that it’s at camp when your child arrives. When writing letters, acknowledge in a positive way that while you are going to miss them, they are going to have a great time at camp and you are excited for them. Stevens said not to talk about all of the things that they are missing out on at home, but focus on how proud you are of them. Additionally, sending personal items with your child can give them strength and act as a connection to home, Glassman added.

Staying Active

If a child does get homesick, the camp directors are equipped to handle the situation. Heidi Mabie, associate program director at Camp Anokijig in Plymouth, Wis., said you should encourage your child to talk to his or her camp counselor or camp director if they are starting to feel homesick.

“Often, a completely unrelated event, such as I lost my towel, can spark ideas of ‘I’m in trouble.’ Or ‘I want to go home because now I can’t go swimming,’” she said.

Jonathan Pratscher, CPRP, leisure services supervisor at the Northbrook Park District, recommends immersing children into an activity as soon as possible to take their mind off any negative feelings.

“As the child participates and becomes acquainted with camp life the homesickness feelings tend to fade away,” he said.

If you do receive a rescue letter, Glassman recommended staying calm.

“For a lot of these kids, it’s the first time away, and it takes a while for them to blend into the community and to become adjusted to the camp experience,” he said.

While most of the time homesickness passes in the first three days, Glassman recommends staying in contact with your child’s unit head to make sure they are comfortable.

Mabie agreed and said: “Keeping an open line of communication is what really helps parents and their kids and the staff members deal with homesickness that comes up.”

The Talmud Says, "Teach Your Children to Swim"

2012-01-27T08:00:00.008-06:00

I received this video clip from a former CHH camper's and staffer's mom in mid-December. She wanted to me to hear the part about self reliance that is learned at summer camp but I took a much larger message away from this piece. Parents are the real factor in whether a child makes the most of a summer experience or not. I am not specialist in child development by any stretch of the imagination, however I have spent the last decade working in a field that deals with children and parents, and their personal growth. I truly believe that parents have the ability to prepare their children to be "well-developed people". Anyone can be a person. A person is someone who rides life's waves and sinks under the water when it gets too choppy. A well-developed person is one who is able to ride out the storm and make the most of any situation. The most important thing (like Dr. Mogel refers to) is that we teach our children to swim. Prepare them to be on their own.

Please give this presentation a watch and I would love to discuss this in greater detail with anyone who is interested. Feel free to email me at dglassman@jcys.org with your thoughts! Below is a brief bio on Dr. Wendy Mogel. Enjoy!!!

Dr. Wendy Mogel - 2011 URJ Biennial Plenary

Dr. Wendy Mogel is an internationally acclaimed clinical psychologist, parenting expert and the author of the New York Timesbestselling parenting book,The Blessing of a Skinned Knee. Her new book, The Blessing of a B Minus,

is about raising teenagers. A popular keynote speaker, she lectures widely at conferences and schools. From http://www.wendymogel.com/

Take Camp Skills to School

2012-01-13T14:38:00.000-06:00

Kids are back in school, enjoying their friends, talkingabout what they are doing for the summer, and who is having a slumber partycoming up. But many students arecampers and they attend a summer camp in some way. The question is what skills did they learn at camp that theycan use in school? There are threeC’s learned at camp: Confidence, Curiosity, and Character that parents can helpkeep alive in their children during the school year.

I think that students learn to utilize these skillseffectively in their classroom and enjoy the environment they are in muchmore. The most crucial of thethree C’s is Character. Regardlessof the level of education you are pursuing be it elementary school to highschool and despite the specific path you have chosen. Even as an adult in a workplace these three C’s are greatassets for everyone to have.

CAMP WORKS: The Long-term Impact of Jewish Overnight Camp

2011-12-30T08:00:00.002-06:00

Check out this study that Camp Henry Horner families participated in....
CAMP WORKS: The Long-term Impact of Jewish Overnight Camp
Steven M. Cohen, Ron Miller, Ira M. Sheskin and Berna Torr

CAMP WORKS provides systematic and quantitative evidence that summers at Jewish camp create adults who are committed to the Jewish community and engaged in Jewish practice. Utilizing the most recent National Jewish Population Survey and 25 local community studies completed between 2000–2008, this report offers the fullest picture to date of the impact of Jewish summer camp.

The influence of summer camp on the ways in which adult Jews choose to engage with the community and the degree to which they associate with other Jews can be felt long after the last sunset of the summer. The impact is striking, especially when compared to their peers who did not spend their summer months at Jewish camp.

Camp attendance increases the likelihood of adult participation and identification in every one of these areas. As adults, campers are:

30% more likely to donate to a Jewish charity;

37% more likely to light Shabbat candles;

45% more likely to attend synagogue monthly or more; and

55% more likely to be very emotionally attached to Israel.

Please download the full CAMP WORKS study below, and share it with your community.

CAMP WORKS: The Full Study

Sacks Family Accessible Treehouse: Done

2011-12-23T10:45:00.003-06:00

The weather pushed the finish date back a few weeks but it's done! It's fully accessible, has an outdoor deck overlooking the marsh, and is placed behind the tennis courts. When Erin Newport, Camp Red Leaf Director, and Nils Swanson, CHH Caretaker, have finished furnishing it with assorted rustic antiques we'll be able to give ALL our campers a one-of-a-kind experience. Also, I'd personally be remiss if I didn't acknowledge Pat King and King Konstruction for the amazing job they did. They've spent months working on this treehouse and have taken every step to make sure it's perfect. It's quite the crew he brought out and they've paid close attention to every detail of the project. Take a look and I'm sure this will be available for viewing after it's official dedication in June!

Looking for a Fun Project Over Winter Break? Try Tie-dying!

2011-12-16T08:00:00.000-06:00

Tie-dying is a super fun project that kids (and adults) of all ages can really get into. Any article of clothing can be tie-dyed – from t-shirts to socks – as well as other things made out of cotton (or a cotton blend) – think bags, pillow cases, tapestries, towels, laundry bags, aprons…

You’ll need to cover a table or work outside. Once you have a station set up, you’ll need the following supplies:

- Buckets, pots or dish tubs

- 2 or more colors of fabric dye

- Soda ash (sometimes comes with the dye)

- A long-handled utensil (to stir the dye)

- Rubber bands or string

- Spray bottles and plastic squeeze bottles

- Ziploc bags (optional)

- Synthrapol detergent

- Rubber gloves

- Washing machine

Before you dye your item, you should wash and dry it. Then soak the item in the soda ash for about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the dyes according to the manufacturer’s directions. Before using the soda ash or dyes, be sure to put on gloves for protection.

Next, it’s time to tie! Any part of your item that the dye can’t reach will stay whatever color your item started as. You can create the designs by folding or twisting the fabric then tying it with string or using rubber bands to keep it in place. You can also use the string and rubber bands to aid in creating the design.

This site, Echoes of a Dream, has some instructions on how to create some designs and pictures of how they will come out:http://simmy.typepad.com/echoesofadream/2006/06/how_to_tie_dye.html

And here are some illustrations of a few basic tie dying folding and tying techniques:http://www.prochemical.com/directions/Folding.htm

Next, dip the shirts in dye for all over color (minus the unexposed parts, of course). You can also use the squirt bottles to get dye in the creases or place colors strategically. Use the spray bottles to create even more designs. Get creative – this is the fun part!

Once you are done dying, the items need to set for 12-24 hours. They need to remain wet though, so you may want to store your designs in a plastic bag.

After setting, remove the rubber bands and string and wash the items with like colors in really hot water using Synthrapol detergent. Hang to dry or use the dryer and in no time … Voilà! You’ve created a masterpiece!

Menorah Lighting at the Mall

2011-12-15T11:17:00.000-06:00

Feel free to join the chabad at Gurnee Mills for a menorah lighting. Details below!

Our New Day Camp Director!

2011-11-19T14:50:00.001-06:00

Important Deadlines Coming Up

2011-11-11T08:00:00.001-06:00

Benefits of Summer Camp on Campers

2011-11-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

Parents are always looking for the best opportunities for their children to grow, learn and strive. One of the best things you can do for your child is to send them to camp. We work hard to hire only the best staff to work with your children and we put them through a week-long training process. This means that your campers are surrounded by young, well-trained, positive role models.

Camp is an overwhelmingly positive experience and here are just a few reasons why from Kaboose.com.

5 Reasons Your Kids Should Go to Camp

1. Your children will be around positive role models. Have you ever watched 18-year-old camp counselors? Their energy is unbelievable! Do you want to organize a dozen squirrelly ten-year-old boys to participate in an all-day water carnival? Would you enjoy laying on the grass as second graders paint your arms and legs with watercolors? Can you see yourself teaching archery to tween boys? Counselors love doing all those things!
Counselors are trained to provide safe, fun activities for kids. They'll listen to the same Knock-Knock joke with glee. Counselors also teach your son or daughter to listen when others speak and to help someone having difficulty with a craft project.
"Counselors have a great impact on campers because they are listened to as an established peer, not as a parent laying down the rules," says Bob Strodel, director of Brookwoods/Deer Run Camp in Alton, New Hampshire. "Think 'big brother' or 'big sister.' Counselors are role models because they are not the parents!"

2. Children learn appropriate risk taking. As a former camp counselor and camp director, I can tell you it's a good thing parents don't see their children at camp. Camps encourage children to take risks...
Your child learns it's an appropriate risk to repel down a cliff with safety gear. Along with the risk comes the satisfaction of gaining self-confidence in doing something not all kids do.
"Camp is a specially created environment where children develop assets that help them grow into successful adults. Because they feel safe, youngsters are comfortable taking healthy risks and setting goals, so they actually invent their futures," says Marla Coleman, director of Coleman Country Day Camp in Merrick, New York.

3. Your children meet a variety of people. It's all too easy for your son and daughter to think the entire world is like their core group of friends and teachers. Camp brings your child in contact with kids from different schools, communities, and cultures. Many camps make a point of hiring international counselors. Your daughter's camp soccer coach might be from Australia while your son's cabin counselor shares stories about growing up in South Africa.
My daughter had a counselor from England, which meant all the girls in her cabin began speaking with British accents. When you're in third grade, it's the height of humor to say things like, "I shan't be able to attend tea with the Queen today" (in a British accent of course).
Instead of meeting 50 minutes a week for dance class, campers spend all day, and in the case of residential camps, all week with other children. This encounter-of-a-close-kind forces children to learn about getting along with others. One nine-year-old, the top athlete at his elementary school, was shocked at the high athletic ability of other campers his age. Camp taught him that there was a bigger world than his small community.

4. Children learn creativity in a camp setting. Business leaders today complain about the lack of creativity in their employees. People are content to do the same thing repeatedly in a comfortable environment. Camp gets kids looking at the world with imagination. How can they win the coveted pink plastic flamingo for having the cleanest cabin? What should they do for a really different skit in the camp talent show? How can they make it across the creek without getting their feet wet? All these opportunities help children interact with each other to develop creative solutions.
Out of their everyday environment, children develop creative thinking skills—Mom isn't there to help with every little incident. Look at the situations kids face at camp each day: In the morning, they figure out how to get dressed and straighten their sleeping bags before breakfast. They try eating a new type of cereal that's served in the dining hall. Later they work with friends to coordinate their movements in the three-legged race. Then it's time to plan a strategy to squirt their counselor with water during rest time.

5. If your children go to camp, you don't need to drive them from soccer to ballet, to a play date, to computer camp, to art class to …. Just think. Your child can participate in all those activities in one location.
Whether at a week-long residential camp or eight-hour day camp, children have the opportunity for a wide range of enriching activities without your chauffeur's service—and you have the opportunity to lie outside on your hammock, read a best-selling novel, and sip lemonade. Now that's a great way to spend the summer!
Says Strodel, "On each Incoming day, I meet with first-time parents, and my advice for them is always the same: You have entrusted us with your kids. We have been doing this for over 60 years. Go home. Relax. Have some fun. Don't feel guilty about leaving your child at camp… it is one of the best gifts you can give them… When they get home they will have more self- confidence and you will notice progress in the maturity process. After all, isn't that what we want for our kids?"

At Camp Henry Horner these things are especially true. We take the fun at Camp seriously and we've been doing it successfully since 1912. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the camp office at 847-740-5010

Click here for the full article

All About Camp Red Leaf and Respite

2011-10-28T09:27:00.000-05:00

Some of you might have heard our name or seen flyers for our fundraisers and wondered why Camp Henry Horner was sending out information about another Camp. Camp Red Leaf is another camp run on the grounds of Camp Henry Horner and is closely tied to the entire history of JCYS.

JCYS Camp Red Leaf is a welcoming environment where people with various disabilities can enjoy being themselves and enjoy being with others. Our caring philosophy embraces, celebrates and nurtures the individual needs and special traits of each camper. To reach more families in our community, our program offers Respite sessions for both children and adults respectively.

While JCYS Camp Red Leaf was created to meet the needs of each camper, our commitment extends to the whole family. Our Weekend Respite Program also provides respite for our campers’ parents and caregivers. Whether an opportunity for rest and renewal, or perhaps to spend special time with other siblings in the household, it’s time we give caregivers to savor, with the security of knowing their child is well cared for.

We plan activities for the weekend that help them get back to camp as well as social outings. We do archery, ropes course, swimming at a local park district, bowling, movies, sporting events and travel to the Dells for a fun weekend as well. With respite we encourage independence in the programs whether it’s choosing what movie as a group to watch or to the food we eat during the weekend.

For information on respite weekends, please contact Erin Newport at enewport@jcys.org or 847-740-5010 ext 2227.

For information and updates about Camp Red Leaf, you can check out our blog at http://campredleaf.blogspot.com/

CHH Online Registration: Tips & Notes

2011-10-21T12:53:00.001-05:00

This past spring, CHH Day and Overnight Camp launched its online registration process. This is an effort to provide better service to our families as well as part of our ‘go green’ initiative. The online registration allows us to process your registration more efficiently. We have also worked on improving the email confirmation. The new email confirmation should clearly communicate the forms you need and answer many of your questions.

This is a big change for all of us; our families and all of us here at CHH. And of course with any change, there are some growing pains. So below are some tips and notes to avoid some of the confusion some of our families have already experienced.

Dates & Rates

If you’d like to see the dates of camp and the current rates click here. Remember that the supersaver discount ends November 15^th.

Deposit & Payment

The online registration program will total your registration selections on the payment information page. As you input your payment information (credit card or bank account) you will see your full balance in the payment amount box. You have the option of changing this to the minimum deposit amount of $300. No registration will be accepted without a deposit.

Discounts & Scholarship

All discounts will be applied to your account after your registration has been processed by the camp office. If you are interested in receiving a scholarship application, you must first register and then request an application from our business manager, Carolyn Lawson at clawson@jcys.org or by calling 847-740-5010 ext 2225.

Thank you once again for being a part of the Camp Henry Horner Family. We hope to see all of you here this Sunday for a great Fall Family Fun Day.

Sukkot: The "Summer Camp" Holiday

2011-10-14T07:36:00.001-05:00

We have spent the last two weeks celebrating Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. This week we kicked off Sukkot. I have always thought of Sukkot as the "summer camp" holiday. What other time of the year do we head into a rickety shelter (I have a feeling the cabin's at camp are a small upgrade) and celebrate our time in the wilderness? Not that Ingleside is the wilderness. Don't forget we have a Starbucks two minutes away!

I actually read a different blog recently that I think made a great connection between the holiday of Sukkot and Summer Camp. It was written by Rabbi Ari Katz Orlow, Jewish Education Specialist at the Foundation for Jewish Camp. I have posted it below for everyone to enjoy.

Give and Take

September 21st, 2010 by Rabbi Avi Katz Orlow

Now that the summer is over we find ourselves basking in the holiday spirit. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur surely gave us time for self reflection. And just when you thought you could not deal with any more self reflection we are gearing up for Sukkot in which we eat and spend time in a booth called a Sukkah, meant to be reminiscent of the type of fragile dwellings in which the ancient Israelites dwelt during their 40 years of wandering in the desert after the Exodus from Egypt. As you build and spend time in your Sukkah this holiday, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the environment we craft at camp…

Beyond the Sukkah itself, we also turn our attention to the Four Species. About which we read: On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you are gathering in your produce of the earth, you shall celebrate a celebration of God for seven days… And you shall take for yourselves on the first day the fruit of a beautiful tree (etrog), palm branches, the branch of a thick tree (myrtle, hadas), and brook-willows, and you shall rejoice before God for seven days. (Leviticus 23:39-40)  The Four Species are a symbol through which we rejoice and celebrate. It is noteworthy that the verb used by the Torah to describe what we do is to “take” them. This is not happenstance. For many of us the experience of joy is connected to the experience of mastery and ownership. Surely this is something that is taken and not given.

Like the Sukkah itself, camp is a unique environment we create to bring us to joy and celebration. Camp is unique in that it puts youth at the center. Where else in society is an 18 year-old the model citizen because s/he will do anything for his/her 9 year old student or camp? Camp is special in that we give over the space so that youth can take it and make of it what they want. Just as we are instructed to enter the Sukkah to connect to the past, so too we “take” the four species so we experience the joy of owning our tradition today.

Fall Family Fun Day!

2011-10-10T15:05:00.002-05:00

Campers, alumni, and everyone else is invited to join us for your Fall Family Fun Day on October 23rd from 1 - 5.

Don't forget to sign up for summer 2012 before November 15th to get the SuperSaver Discount! Call us with any questions! 847.740.5010

Registration Dates and FeesFor Summer 2012

2011-09-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

We've had a lot of requests to post the prices for camp next summer because, as it stands right now, you have to start the registration process before you get to see the prices. So, in order to help everyone out, the prices are below. These are the full prices but if you register before NOVEMBER 15th, you can get 15% off!

Click the big, red, "Click Here to Register" button to register securely online.

Let us know if you have any questions!

847-740-5010

Session Dates
Day Camp
Session 1: June 18 - June 29
Session 2: July 2 - July 13
Session 3: July 16 - July27
Session 4: July 30 - August 10
Post Camp: August 13 - August 17

Overnight Camp
First Timer's Week: June 24 - June 29
Session 1: July 1 - July 13
Session 2: July 15 - July 27
Session 3: July 29 - August 10

Day Camp

8 weeks	3day	$ 1,650
	K-2	$ 2,470
	3-4	$ 2,700
	5-8	$ 3,000
	CIT	$ 755
6 weeks	3day	$ 1,355
	K-2	$ 2,030
	3-4	$ 2,220
	5-8	$ 2,470
	CIT	$ 565
4 weeks	3day	$ 955
	K-2	$ 1,475
	3-4	$ 1,610
	5-8	$ 1,800
	CIT	$ 380
2 weeks	3day	$ 490
	K-2	$ 760
	3-4	$ 840
	5-8	$ 930



Overnight Camp
	6 weeks	$ 5,460
	4 weeks	$ 3,805
	2 weeks	$ 1,980
	1st timers	$ 900

Enjoy the Labor Day Weekend

2011-09-02T09:00:00.001-05:00

A long weekend approaches and we just wanted to wish everyone a safe and fun weekend. The weather this week has been gorgeous and reminds us all of the summer. We can't wait for next year and so we've already got our registration ready. Keep an eye out because we'll soon be launching the online registration for 2012! If you'd like a hard copy, please call the office at 847.740.5010 or you can email me at ibrubaker@jcys.org.

If you're missing camp and looking for some fun ideas to do this weekend, you can:
Have a cookout
Have a lollipop (after you sing the lollipop song!)
Go swimming, fishing or boating
Have a campfire with songs and s'mores
Write Mrs. O'Callahan a note on her facebook wall (the mean, old lady that lives across the lake)

In the mean time, have a great weekend and check back next Friday for another blog post!

Cookie Making Fundraiser with Wildfire

2011-08-24T11:03:00.001-05:00

We're very excited to be going back to the Wildfire in Lincolnshire for another dessert class! Last time we made 4 amazing cupcakes and we filled up within just a few weeks! This time we'll be making cookies just before Halloween so get your RSVPs in soon! Come on out for the class and support Camp in a delicious way!

Thanks for a Great Summer!

2011-08-23T15:00:00.003-05:00

The middle of August is bittersweet for us here at camp. Within a weekend camp suddenly goes from a hustling, bustling place filled with amazing campers and staff to what seems like a ghost town. That doesn't mean that there's nobody at camp, just a much smaller number than we've grown so fond of during the summer weeks.

It is nice to see most of the campers and counselors are back in school. But the first day of school means that the first day of camp is almost a year away. Fortunately, for those of us who get to work at camp year-round, we get to enjoy the natural beauty of Camp as we gear up for next summer! We'll continue to update the blog weekly on Fridays during the year but you can also keep in touch with us on Facebook!

And, while next summer may seem lightyears away, we're already preparing! We want your feedback so please take just a few minutes to fill out our DAY CAMP survey. We want to know how you think we did this summer. (http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NDFCGS2)

You can also participate in the OVERNIGHT CAMP survey. Make sure you're taking the correct survey for the camp your child attended. (http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/M7GWX9G)

Please let us know if you have any questions!
847.740.5010

Family Day

2011-07-08T09:00:00.001-05:00

Hey all CHH Day Camp Parents,

Below is your invitation to our annual Family Day! Come out to enjoy all that camp has to offer. Let me know if you have any questions!

Isaac
ibrubaker@jcys.org

Overnight Camp is Kicking Off!

2011-06-25T13:28:00.007-05:00

For the last 10 months we have been waiting in anticipation for tomorrow. Within the next 24 hours, the first overnight campers of 2011 will be moving into their cabins. All of the staff have been working hard all week to prepare for the campers arrival.

During this past week the overnight camp staff have been in training and learning how to make this the most amazing summer ever. Staff learned how to create cohesive cabin groups, address camper needs, and a whole host of other topics. We are very fortunate this year to be starting with a staff that has such a diverse and experienced background. Over half of our team grew up at Henry Horner as campers, CITs, interns and counselors. Our international staff have extensive backgrounds working in other camps and programs with school age children. I have no doubt that this will be one of the best staffs in Horner history.

New trips and programs will also dot the summer. Each session, campers will get an opportunity not only to experience the usual sporting events and amusement parks but go on a bi-weekly adventure trip (including canoeing and geocaching for Junior village, and kayaking and rock climbing for Senior village). Stacey has been working tirelessly (and at the same time going to medical school) to plan amazing evening programming. New this year is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Wide World of Sports and Color Wars 2K11 as well as some improved unit activities.

We do want to remind overnight camp families that if they have any questions refer to the Overnight Camp Handbook which is available at http://www.jcys.org/forms.html. Also feel free to contact us in the camp office. We look forward to seeing everyone throughout the summer!

Day Camp Starts Monday! Get Excited!

2011-06-17T08:59:00.000-05:00

I can't believe that camp is right around the corner! In just a few days we'll be bursting at the seems with smiling campers running off the busses to round up, jumping into the pool for swim lessons, and blobbing down at the lake like it's their job! We're so excited to have campers coming Monday that we can barely contain it. I'm really not sure how we'll make it through the weekend with all the anticipation!

We've had an amazing week of orientation with the staff and we've been so happy with all of them. Last night was definitely the icing on the cake because we had our family night! We had so much fun seeing all the campers and touring them around. If you missed it, we missed you! We had the opportunity to talk with all the campers and their parents face-to-face and to show them the camp grounds and our camp spirit. It was also a great opportunity for all parents to check their paperwork, bus information, ask any last minute questions, and make a delicious s'more. If you didn't get a chance to talk to us, please give us a call or send an email to ask anything!

Just to make sure everyone knows what your camper needs in their backpack starting on Monday:
Bathing suit
Towel
Water bottle
Sunscreen
Bugspray
Lunch (if not in lunch club. Also, K - 4th grade has cookout on Monday, 5th - 8th on Tuesday)
Gym shoes!

We're looking forward to Monday with so much excitement. We've got new games, new songs, and great counselors who are so excited to get the summer started. They have great ideas and their enthusiasm bursting at the seams!

Monday we'll be handing out t-shirts to all the campers and sending home bus bags with water bottles, bus notes, and camp notes. Use these to communicate with us bus changes, missing items, etc. In the mean time, if you have any questions, feel free to contact us via phone (847.740.5010) or email!

Last night I mentioned to everyone at Family Night the mean old lady across the lake, Mrs. O'Callahan. I talked about how she calls once a week all year long to complain about something we do. Last night, we definitely gave her something to complain about! Check out the picture below to see the facebook post she left us!

Haha! We got her good!

News from the Aquatics Team

2011-06-10T16:23:00.002-05:00

Camp is right around the corner and the pool and lake are getting ready for campers to arrive.

I am Laura Gould and I am the pool supervisor this summer. This is my first summer at Camp Henry Horner and I am very excited to be here. I am a certified lifeguard and lifeguard instructor and I have been certified as a water safety instructor. I am looking forward to working with the campers at the pool.

The pool has been in use this past week by the American Red Cross. They have been training lifeguards, water safety instructors, and lifeguard instructors. Camp Henry Horner lifeguards were certified this week during the lifeguard course. The staff comes from England, Australia, Germany and the United States.

The pool will once again be giving swim lessons to day campers. There will also be free time in the afternoon for free swims for campers. Camp Red Leaf campers will also be joining us in the afternoons for some fun in the sun.

Chloe Naughton, who was pool supervisor last year, is now trying her hand down by the lake as lake supervisor. She has been busy setting up the lake so it will be ready for the first day of camp. She has begun the process of getting out all the inflatable toys the campers love to play on and making sure the boats and canoes are ready for use. She can’t wait to get on the aqua jump with the campers!

We are super excited to see everyone at camp this summer!

Kylie Bywaters - Overnight Camp's Outback Unit Head

2011-06-03T11:51:00.002-05:00

You ask why I am back at camp for yet another summer? Simple. I love it! I love everything about camp, I love everything that comes with camp, yep, even the mud and dirt.

I have worked at Henry Horner for 2 summers already and it has had a huge impact on my life. The friendships, connections, and watching the campers grow and mature throughout their time here is not something I can walk away from.

My first summer here was in 2008, I worked 4 weeks in Day Camp as a drama specialist and the other 4 weeks in Overnight Camp as a general counsellor. I was nervous, excited and expected to have a great summer. One thing I will admit I definitely wasn't expecting was to build such a strong rapport with the children, the groups I was assigned were just the coolest kids. I shared responsibilities with co-counsellors and we had the best time. The days spent with the kids was just unreal and I was completely taken aback by how amazing they were. We literally laughed the whole summer and by the time it ended, I knew there was no doubt in my mind that I was coming back the next summer.

By the time my 2009 summer had come to an end I can honestly say that my outlook on life had changed. Camp opened my eyes to the world outside my little Aussie town of Busselton and exposed me to different people and personalities from all over the world, from different cultures, with different backgrounds from me. And for that I am forever grateful to Henry Horner.

Phil Drell – Camp Henry Horner Alumni and American War Hero

2011-05-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

In honor of the Memorial Day weekend it seemed appropriate to dedicate this week’s blog to Camp Henry Horner alumni and American war hero, Phillip Drell. Phil Drell is part of the rich and diverse history of CHH and we are proud to bring his story to you.

Phil was the son of Russian immigrants and grew up on the north side of Chicago. From 1936-1940 Phil was a counselor at Camp Henry Horner. During those summers Phil developed his passion for photography and took dozens of incredible camp photos. He was so good at his ‘hobby’ that his pictures were featured in Camp brochures and YMJC fundraising efforts. In 1942, Phil was drafted into the Army where his Camp Henry Horner portfolio won him a coveted assignment with the Army’s Special Motion Pictures Coverage Unit. He served alongside of Oscar-winning director George Stevens and novelist Irwin Shaw. Phil went on to document the invasion at Normandy, capture the horrors of Dachau, and even negotiate the surrender of over 20,000 German soldiers. Phil was awarded the Bronze Star for his outstanding service to our country. All of us should be forever grateful for Phil’s contribution to our freedom and celebrate his incredible talent. He has made a lasting impact on Camp Henry Horner and World History. Thanks for the memories Phil.

To learn more about the life of Phil Drell and see his work from World War II check out the links below.

http://www.holocaustchronicle.org/DrellShow/DrellIntro.html

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-01-02/features/ct-met-obit-drell-0102-20110102_1_dachau-wwii-combat-surrender

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2007-03-29/news/0703281076_1_german-officers-combat-photographer-concentration-camp

Always Stay Protected!

2011-05-20T07:50:00.002-05:00

So its about 6:30 AM as I am writing this blog and I wanted some inspiration. I started reading through past blog posts. I noticed Isaac mentioned last week that he is always writing about camp going green (so true!). I happen to write about things happening camp (i.e. letter writing, user groups, etc.). Well its important to keep with that trend and mention two of the most important things anyone should have at camp, sunscreen and bug spray.

Though camp is conveniently located in the suburbs of Chicago, we still are on 180 acres of wooded property that is not immune to bugs. The Lake County Heath Department expects this year to have just as many mosquitoes as previous years. Camp Henry Horner has an abatement service performed by a professional company however it will always be an uphill to bring down the number of biting bugs. It is important to always apply bug spray prior to coming to camp as sending your camper with spray that can be applied throughout the day.

In addition to wearing bug spray, sunscreen is a MUST while at camp! According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 90% of Americans get sunburned each summer due to the lack of protection. Like bug spray, always apply sunscreen on your camper prior to coming to camp. Our counseling staff are trained to reapply sunscreen after every activity, especially the pool and lake.

Consumer reports put out a great article last memorial day regarding the best sunscreens and bug sprays. Unfortunately, I threw out my copy of it. I did find this video though which is an interview with Kim Kleman of Consumer Reports about the article. She highlights what they tested and believe will provide the best protection.

It's Beginning to Feel Like Summer!

2011-05-13T14:35:00.000-05:00

I feel like every time I write a blog I talk about how camp is continuing to "Go Green". Well I'm going to do it at least one more time before the summer starts! Right now the grass is beautiful, the trees are in bloom, and camp is growing again! After a long, rainy few months, the sun has finally decided to come out to play! The last two days felt amazing and allowed us to get a few projects done around camp. We had a volunteer group come in from Baxter and they did a fantastic job splitting firewood, spreading wood chips, putting up tents, cleaning and painting. The most exciting thing they did is that they built a new bridge over the creek so that everyone has a short cut to get from the new parking lot to main camp.

This bridge is crucial to our plan of making main camp a little nicer. Now there will only be a few cars coming in and out of main camp. The new parking lot, located almost at the entrance of camp, will soon be able to hold 80 cars. This will drastically limit the number of cars driving through camp and will help protect the root structure of the trees immediately around the road as well as ensure that all our campers have a safe environment to play in! Nothing ruins the feeling of being at camp quite like looking across the main field and seeing a parking lot full of cars.

We've also moved the dumpsters have been moved off to that parking lot so that no one has to walk by them on the way down to the lake. Now it'll just be green grass and the cabins! In addition to shrinking the number of cars coming through camp, we're shrinking the roads so that they're just wide enough for maintenance or emergency vehicles. All of these things we're doing are to continue to provide all our campers with the best outdoor experience.

But it feeling like summer is not just about the weather and the color of camp! All our summer staff is coming in! In overnight camp we have our assistant director, Cassie, and our Junior Village Unit Head, Kylie, in both from Australia. In April our ropes course facilitator, Will, flew in from the UK and he's been leading groups since he got here and getting his time in on the course. We've also had a lot of our staff coming back from college and soon we'll be full to the brim with campers and staff!

And, don't forget about alumni day on July 9th!

The A-Z of Henry Horner by Robin Wolin

2011-05-06T11:36:00.001-05:00

There are many day camps around, seems like one on every corner.

But none of these do compare to our Camp Henry Horner.

Once you attend, it is plain to see.

There is something incredible from A down to Z.

After Camp Care is really first rate.

It’s an extended camp day for kids whose parents work late.

Bug Juice is a drink served at lunch daily with pride.

No need to worry, there are no bugs inside.

Camp Songs are sung from bus to camp fire.

Some are sung to be silly while others inspire.

Dance and Drama may both start with D’s.

But all of our specialists are out to please.

Earth Trekkers are the oldest campers in grades 7 and 8.

Their camping trips are just one thing that make them so great!

Field Trips are taken both far away and near.

To arcades and ball games you just got to cheer.

Gaga is a game played with a ball.

Some campers would say it’s the best game of all.

Horner Idol is just one of our All Camp Events.

Olympics, Green and White, and Carnival Day are all really intense.

International Staff come from countries real far away.

We learn about new cultures while we play.

Jewish Council For Youth Services or JCYS

Great camping, good friends, this is true I confess.

Kids are the reason we do what we do.

To create memories that last when the summer’s through.

Lollipop Day is done with a song.

Singing and Tootsie Pops, what could go wrong?

Medic is a game where if you get hit you are out.

To get back in your “medic” will save you, no need to pout.

Nature surrounds us even so close to the city.

The trees, plants and animals are all so pretty.

Overnighters at camp are such a great treat.

Group bonding and sneak outs sure can’t be beat!

Pioneers, our youngest campers may be real small.

But from archery to soccer, they can do it all.

Quiet at camp is something that’s rare.

With all the singing and laughing we have spirit to share.

Round up activities start and end each camp day.

Just a little more excitement to send you on your way.

Swim lessons and free swim in the swimming pool.

Are the most perfect ways to help you keep cool.

Trail Blazers, our campers in grades 5 and 6.

love camper’s choice and their options no matter which one he/she picks.

Unit Heads are another part of the Henry Horner team.

They take the words hard work and dedication to the extreme.

Villages Days are so much fun and come only twice a summer.

From Amazing Race to Pirate Day not having more is really quite a bummer.

Waterfront or the lake is fantastic and any camper’s wish.

Plenty to keep you busy whether you go boating, blobbing or you fish.

eXplorers are the middle campers in grades 3 and 4.

From Focus time and specialists they’re always wanting more.

Years of tradition is what we’re made of. It’s the thing that makes us great.

From the past to present and future for what is coming we cannot wait!

Zipline and the Ropes course takes us to a brand new height.

Overcoming all these obstacles fills each climber with delight.

We just traveled through Horner from letter A down to Z.

Why is CHH so amazing? After this I hope you see.

From the campers to the grounds to activities galore.

Each day brings adventure and you wanting more.

Chances for Families and Alumni to Come to Camp

2011-04-29T09:00:00.003-05:00

We have a long-standing tradition in Day Camp of inviting our families out to see the grounds and participate in all that camp has to offer! Two of those include Family Night and Family Day. This year, we're also inviting our alumni out with their families to enjoy camp and relive their summers here.

First, in chronological order, is Day Camp Family Night on Thursday, June 16th. This is a night for new and old campers to come out with their families to meet all the staff and get a tour around camp. This is a fun night because this really gets the excitement up for the summer. It's a great opportunity for the campers and their parents to meet the counselors, life guards, specialists and senior staff as well as the other campers in the group. It's a chance for last minute questions and an opportunity to drop off those last minute forms you forgot about until that week!

Next is our Alumni Reunion on Saturday, July 9. This is something that we've been thinking and talking about at camp for a long time but didn't have the forum to advertise it. We've lost touch with a lot of our alumni over the years and we're thrilled to be getting back in touch with them via our facebook profile! A few months ago we uploaded pictures from 1938 on up through the early 2000s. These pictures started a tagging spree among the campers and counselors from the 1980s, the likes of which have never been seen before. This gave us the amazing opportunity to reconnect and bring our alumni out for a real reunion! If you came here as a camper or staff member, or if you know someone who did, make sure to take a look at the flyer below and pass it along! We'd love to have as much of our extended Camp family out as possible! Also, keep your eyes peeled for a brand new alumni website coming soon with lots more pictures!

The last big event for Day Camp Families is our Family Day on Sunday, July 24th. This is the chance for all the families to come out to swim in the pool, go boating on the lake, take a jump off our zip line, pop in to arts and crafts, or do an of the other things that our amazing facility has to offer! Almost all of the parents we talk to say the same thing: "I wish I could come here!" Parents, this is your chance! Come on out and enjoy all of our 180 acres!

As always, if you have any questions, give us a call at 847.740.5010

Camp Red Leaf Fundraiser

2011-04-28T11:32:00.002-05:00

There's going to be a Camp Red Leaf Fundraiser at Buffalo Wild Wings this summer. Check out the flyer below for more information! All the funds raised will go to help Camp Red Leaf, our camp for youth and adults with disabilities!

A Few New Things at CHH

2011-04-22T12:06:00.000-05:00

My name is Erin Newport and I am the Camp Red Leaf Director. Camp Red Leaf is run on the same grounds as Camp Henry Horner and runs programs year round for youth and adults with mental and physical disabilities. Where you turn left to come to the office, we turn right. We’re located behind the ropes course and the director’s house. This will be my second summer as Camp Director here and I’m looking forward to the new and exciting events that will be happening to Camp.

We’ve been working for several months to make some huge improvements to camp. We are very excited to be getting a new pavilion down at the lake! This will take the place of the tent down there and will be a permanent structure for everyone at camp to use!

Even more exciting is that our big project will be opening this summer. For a little over a year we’ve been pursuing an Accessible Tree House. This tree house will be just a little over 1800 yards from the Camp Red Leaf village behind the tennis courts. When you hear the word tree house you think about your days as a youth, climbing trees and hanging out with your friends at night wondering where the Big Dipper is. Camp Red Leaf will be breaking ground this summer creating a place where people of all ages and abilities can play together and have a bird’s view of the world. The tree house will be the size of a cabin with room for 16 beds, an accessible ramp, and an observation deck that overlooks the nearby marsh, prairie, and forested area. Right now the area is prepped for the build and you can see ducks, deer, rabbit and the occasional fox running by. This accessible tree house will give Camp Red Leaf and Camp Henry Horner the opportunity to explore the outside and to climb into a tree house to explore, enjoy a program and to even sleep under the stars.

Below are a few ideas of what the tree house will look like!

Erin Newport

enewport@jcys.org

Camp Continues to "Go Green" Online and Off

2011-04-15T15:31:00.000-05:00

Over the last few months we've been making a big push to do more and more online. This is for two main reasons.

1. It helps in our ever-increasing effort to go green
2. For many of our campers and all of our staff, the summer is the best part of our year. We cling to that warm-fuzzy feeling for as long as we can and, by creating this online community, we can stretch out that atmosphere all year long.

Our biggest advances have come by expanding our facebook presence. We have been connecting with long lost alumni by putting up pictures from 1938 forward. We've heard some great stories and rekindled that passion for camp in people that haven't been here in decades. Don't forget, the alumni day is this July 9th!

We've also been working hard on our blog. We make sure that it has as much relevant information on it as possible. You'll notice links on the side to eCamp for current pictures, our online canteen to buy camp clothing and other camp necessities, and, most recently, online registration! This has been a long time coming and we're very excited to offer these options up to our families.

In an effort to go green in the real world as well as the cyber world, we're trying to make camp a little better. Years ago we camp was 180 acres in the middle of prairie fields and farm land. Today those same 180 acres are surrounded by subdivisions. Long gone are the farms and fields. We're becoming an oasis of nature amidst the suburban sprawl. Our wildlife on-site is thriving and almost daily we see rabbits, beavers, or deer roaming around camp. But right now, we have an eye sore on our eastern border.

The homes that were built in the last 10 years are very visible behind most of our cabins, Arts & Crafts, the Rec Hall, Good Health House and all along the trail up to Pollack (also known to our alumni as Day Camp Village or the Tween Pavillions). Over the last year we've been working using the Green Guardian Fund to line our border with native, fast-growing, year-round trees. In the next few years we're hoping to have the border full of trees to provide us with screening from the houses. Our natural beauty is severely diminished by the housing development behind us but last year we raised $300 via facebook and much more via donations directly to the Green Guardian. We plant all our trees on Earth Day, this year April 22nd. All it takes is a few dollars, literally $5, from all the friends of Camp Henry Horner and we can vastly improve the atmosphere at camp.

If you're looking to connect with or to help CHH using any of our online options, click the buttons to the left. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at 847.740.5010 or via email:

Kenley Perry
Camp Director
kperry@jcys.org

Isaac Brubaker
Asst. Day Camp Director
ibrubaker@jcys.org

Danny Glassman
Overnight Camp Director
dglassman@jcys.org

CHH Has Launched Online Registration!

2011-04-12T14:46:00.000-05:00

Click the link below to go to our online registration pages!

http://weblink.donorperfect.com/jcys_registration

Ken Overton: Lake County Bus Rodeo Champion & All-Around Camp Guy

2011-04-08T09:00:00.004-05:00

Hello everybody,

My name is Ken Overton and i am the final senior staff member for overnight camp. My official title is overnight camp driver but I have been seen everywhere from D.J.'ing a camp dance party to hanging at the water park with a cabin group. I started working at the camp in 1996 and this will be my 15th summer out here at Horner (where has the time gone)? Back then I was a driver for day camp and as the years went by, i was asked to become the
transportation coordinator for 3 years. Finally I moved into my role as the official overnight camp driver. During the year, you can find me driving bus loads of kids to school and training for the Bus Rodeo. I am the two-time Lake County champion!

I really look forward to camp each year! One of the main reasons that I come back every year is to see how much each and every camper takes home. I also love to see everyone experiencing things that could help along during the long years ahead of them and possibly pass on the excitement to their own kids in the future.

I cannot wait to see you all very soon and safe travels (hopefully on a bus sometime soon) to all.

Earth Day is April 22, 2011

2011-04-01T16:50:00.000-05:00

90 years ago Camp Henry Horner evolved as a nature sanctuary on 180 expansive acres on Wooster Lake in Ingleside Illinois. Our extraordinary hilltop views, woodlands, shady groves, wildflower gardens and fields have invited exploration and discovery by children of all ages all this time but due to the encroachment of the suburban plight on our rural buffer zone Henry Horner is finding its solace in its rich natural history being whittled away.

Thanks to the efforts of many high profile figures, we are all becoming more aware of our environment and looking for more earth friendly options in every aspect of our lives. Henry Horner’s crucial role is in protecting the future of the rustic nature of camp. This will sustain Camp Henry Horner in offering our campers-of-the-future the same natural wonders that have left indelible memories in hearts of thousands of children over nearly a century.

It is vital for all of us to ensure the future of this magical place where for nine decades, campers have found solitude and peace with who they are and the world around them.

Planting a tree is one of the easiest and most beneficial ways for all of us to protect the legacy of this amazing camp for centuries to come! It is also the greatest way for each individual person to have an impact on the whole environment.

Your gift to the Camp Henry Horner Green Guardian Fund today will not only be felt by our children, but also by our children’s children and their children. The camp is only 90 years old, imagine when it’s 180 years old, how tall the trees that you help us plant this year will be! Click here for more information on how to donate to the GGF at CHH this Earth Day!

Camp Henry Horner’s TREEmendous task is an eco-challenge we feel passionate about. This is why we have launched our Green Guardian Fund and hope that you will help us in supporting it and purchasing trees to protect the legacy, the laughter and the future of Camp Henry Horner.

The Origin of Earth Day

Can you imagine a world without trees? What if the rain forests, and all of the exotic plants and colorful animals that call it home, suddenly did not exist?

In 1962, Gaylord Nelson decided something needed to be done to protect the environment. The work that he began led to what we now know as Earth Day. After many unsuccessful attempts to call attention to the deforestation and destruction of trees as well as other environmental issues, Nelson found a strong audience to speak to in 1969. He announced that he would stage a nationwide grassroots demonstration on behalf of the environment the next spring, where eventually more than 20 million demonstrators and thousands of schools and local communities participated in the demonstration. Finally, the issue had caught the attention of the public and word about what was happening to the environment began to spread.
On March 21, 1971, the UN Secretary-General signed a proclamation establishing Earth Day as an official international holiday. Now people all over the world are learning about environmental issues in their communities. Gaylord Nelson died on July 3, 2005, but his contributions will always be remembered as younger generations continue his fight to preserve the world's environment.

Saving the Planet--One Idea at a Time Here are 10 earth-friendly possibilities to strive for from the Staff and Administrators At Camp Henry Horner

10. Give to the Green Guardian Fund at Camp Henry Horner

A single tree will absorb one ton of carbon dioxide over its lifetime. Take some of the money you save from the exercises below and use it to support groups that are making a difference (e.g. Green Guardian Fund at CHH). Volunteer some of your time as well as your money. And then notice how much more meaningful your life is because you are actively engaged in improving the future.

9. Save The Worms- start composting

Create rich soil, stop filling the landfills.

8. Block Junk Mail

Write to:

Mail Preference Service
Direct Marketing Association
11 West 42nd Street
P.O. Box 3861
New York, NY 10163-3861

By writing to them you can reduce junk mail by up to 75%. You can recycle the rest of the junk mail you receive.

7. Set an Example

Start with yourself, and lead by your life's example. In other words if you are concerned with the affects of pollution, over-consumption, encroachment, extinction, etc. you must start by reducing your carbon footprint. Be more aware of how your choices impact the world. Learn to distinguish what you need from what you desire, and then make intelligent choices based upon how much you gain.

6. Think Globally

To save the Earth, to start the change for the betterment of the planet, we have to first change ourselves. We have to start thinking globally, for the sake of humanity. Stand up for the rights of others even when it doesn’t effect us directly.

5. Give more than you take

Take only what you need, and always give back more than you take... to the earth, family, friends, and strangers. With so many of those before us abusing this rule, we all need to give back even more now.

4. Drive less, walk more

Make transportation choices that consume less energy . Walk, bike, use public transportation like a train, bus or even car pool. Think about considering a hybrid, or alternative fuel vehicle. And keep your tires inflated properly. It can improve gas mileage by more than 3%.

3. Live Unplugged

Unplug--there are many, many things around the house that are plugged in and draining little bits of energy round the clock, without even being "on"--i.e., your TV/VCR/Stereo/DVD player, computer, microwave, battery charger, anything else with a constant display (clock) or some sort of programming that resets when the power goes out. Unplug them until you are ready to use them and forego the convenience of the programming if possible, or use a power strip and turn it off, thus "unplugging" many things at the flick of a switch (great for the entertainment center). Simply turning off your TV, DVD player, stereo, and unplugging your iPod and cell phone charger when not in use, will save you thousands of pounds of CO2 a year.

2. Adjust your thermostat

Moving your thermostat down 2 degrees in winter and up 2 degrees in summer can save a lot of energy. Find out if your local utility company offers alternative power. If so, consider switching.

1. Recycle More

Think before you throw away trash. Recycle instead. Cut down on how much you throw in the trash, which ultimately ends up in a landfill. And be sure to take e-waste, like computers, cell phones and hazardous waste to a special recycling facility.

Growing Up at Camp

2011-04-01T09:00:00.013-05:00

     I have to confess, the title is a bit misleading. Maybe "growing up" is a stretch. My experience has been that most people in the camping world haven't really done much "growing up", we've just gotten older. I've been at camp for 16 summers and each one has been amazing. The absolute best part about camp is that it's a just like having a big family. Each year there's new campers and new counselors but there's always many old, familiar faces. This mix is what keeps camp interesting. It's never the same despite having been here for quite a while.
     I truly believe that being at camp has shaped who I am. I made friends as a camper that didn't go to my school. Those guys have been life-long friends and, in fact, four of them stood up at my wedding. My last two years as a camper I was in a program called "Adventure Camp" and I spent half my time at the ropes course learning teamwork, communication, and leadership. Simply by having been a camper here I've become more aware of other cultures by having international staff around. Camp has helped me become a better problem solver and showed me that there's nothing that I can't accomplish with a little help from my friends through my day to day activities and my time spent at the ropes course.
     Throughout high school and college I was convinced I was going to be a high school English teacher. After graduation, I realized that I would much rather spend my time at camp. Here I can still teach, but the subject matter is different. I'm not dissecting Shakespeare, although I still find that fun. Instead I'm teaching about perseverance, group dynamics, conflict resolution, and outdoor education. Plus, I get to go on fieldtrips and play games on a daily basis!
     During the "off-season" I get to interview and hire the staff for the summer. I get so excited talking to new and old staff because they have such a positive energy and they're so excited about the summer! I even reconnected with lots of old camper and staff so that we can have a reunion this summer! All year-round I have camp on my mind and, with all this snow we've been getting, I'm more than ready for the summer to start so I can see all the bright, smiling faces that help me keep from growing up!

Become a ‘Green Guardian’ for Camp Henry Horner

2011-03-25T13:16:00.000-05:00

A couple weeks ago I wrote a blog called “Muddy Shoes”, which extolled the wonderful, natural features of our beautiful 180 acres here at Camp Henry Horner. Camp is teeming with nature and spring is awaking our woods from its winter sleep. I gave a tour last week and we saw a beaver swimming in the lake right in front of our docks. Just yesterday a coyote was spotted by the pool. And as I write, hundreds of robins cover our main field as they hunt for food. It’s a privilege to work in such a beautiful place. Unfortunately this oasis of natural beauty has been deeply scarred by the neighboring housing development.

About 8 years the property along camp’s eastern border was purchased by a developer. For those of you who went to camp, you’ll remember it as the open field you’d cut through during a game of ‘capture-the-flag’ so you could sneak behind the rec hall without being spotted. Or infamously the area where the old abandoned asylum stood. If your counselor didn’t take you back there to scare the daylights out of you I’m sure the stories he told at night in the cabin did the trick. At any rate, it was a beautiful continuation of the natural landscape divided by a shallow stand of hardwoods that enclosed each property. Tragically, the developer in their typical shortsighted fashion completely decimated the narrow strip of woods that screened camp’s eastern border. Now when campers walk out of the dining hall, instead of seeing a dark and mysterious wood, they are greeted with a ‘forest’ of beige ticky-tack houses.

So although our property continues to overflow with wildlife, our ability to ‘transport’ kids to out of suburbia to an idyllic natural world has been greatly tarnished. Visitors are often impressed by how big and beautiful camp is. My response is often that it feels more like the north woods than the northern suburbs. That is still true for a lot of areas on camp, but not in the heart of camp. Right behind most of the cabins, arts & crafts, sleepy hollow, and rec. hall sits a daily reminder, a visual intrusion into our camp community. In response, Camp Henry Horner has established the Green Guardian Fund.

The goal of the Green Guardian program is to raise money specifically designated for planting trees at camp and in turn protecting the natural landscape of Camp Henry Horner. Our first goal is to plant enough evergreen trees along the eastern border to completely screen out the housing development and reclaim our isolated camp feel. Long term we hope to replace dying oaks, invest in ecology restoration and forest management. Started just two summers ago, Camp Henry Horner was able to plant 15 white pines along the eastern border on Hoffman Hill on Earth Day 2010. That was a great first step, but only a small one. The first 15 trees were just a fraction of what Henry Horner needs to protect our camp environment. We are hoping to take an even bigger step on Earth Day 2011. It’s just four weeks away. Can you help? Can you give $25, $50, or $150? Every little bit will help. Each and every penny will go towards buying and planting a tree at CHH. Please take time to consider giving to the Green Guardian fund by visiting our causes page on facebook. www.causes.com/greenguardian Help leave a lasting legacy at Camp Henry Horner like Henry Horner left on you.

Kenley Perry

Camp Director

kperry@jcys.org

Ninja Training ‘Say What’

2011-03-25T09:00:00.003-05:00

One of the most important aspects of camp is using your imagination and being creative, although the oldies but goodies (the things we do every year at camp) are an important part of a camps make up new and exciting things are often what kids go home and cant stop talking about.

Here at CHH we run an activity period called camper's choice. A quick side note for new families and campers, this is where the campers have a choice of a whole list of activities that they can sign up for and participate in. We encourage anyone and everyone to propose and lead activities for camper’s choice. For example, in the past we have run 'learn how it be a proper Englishmen/women', sandcastle building, learning Chinese and even ninja training. You may be thinking Ninja training ‘say what’!?!? We actually ran this choice last summer. The buzz that was created by this was amazing. Every time we would offer it all the spots would be gone in seconds (even the counselors wanted to sign up).

Camper Jacob prepares to karate chop a medic ball

We did all kinds of ninja based activities like working on balance and quickness but without even releasing it by learning a new skill the campers gained more self confidence for themselves and more respect for each other as well as having as having fun. It was amazing to see the bonds and friendships that were created and not just during training. You don’t often see 8th grade girls hanging out with 5th grade boys during free time. This extended to the counselors and myself (a unit head at the time). Its hard to get to know all the campers well but just spending that one hour with them let me do this as well as giving me some memories ill never forget.

Not only does being a little creative make camp that bit more fun but it also can in a very subtle way helps campers in other aspects of life. I cannot wait to see what new campers choices are created this summer.

Cassie Edden - Overnight Camp Assistant Director

Possible New Camp Activities

2011-03-22T13:33:00.000-05:00

Please take a few minutes to fill out a new survey on Survey Monkey. We'd love to get your opinions on some new thoughts we had!

Meet the Overnight Camp Team

2011-03-18T09:00:00.020-05:00

Stacey Tandet

Let's get this SUMMER started! I am Stacey Tandet and proud to call myself the new Overnight Program Director for summer 2011! I graduated last year from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. Currently, I am finishing up my first year at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science earning my Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree. This will be my 5th year at camp and first year as a senior staff member! I had to unfortunately take two summers off from Horner as I studied abroad in Australia and then the next summer, started graduate school. I am SO excited to be returning to Henry Horner and can't wait for summer to start. Although I was never a camper at Horner, I have learned a lot about camp as a counselor. I hope to bring the skills I have learned over the years to create new and interesting programs for this summer. Get ready to have some fun!

Kylie Bywaters

My name is Kylie Bywaters and I am the Junior Village unit head for overnight camp this summer! I have recently finished my studies in teaching and education support and have been working in primary schools and high schools here in Busselton, Australia for the past 8 months. I have been lucky enough to have already experienced two summers at Henry Horner as a counselor/drama specialist, and am SO looking forward to my third as a unit head. I have been very busy preparing myself for camp and coming up with some awesome activities and ideas to share with everyone! I’m so eager to get amongst camp and everything that goes with it, meet all the campers, new and old, and give them the best summer yet!

Sarah Cort

Hello! My name is Sarah Cort and I will be the senior village unit head this summer at overnight camp. This will be my first summer at CHH and I am so excited! I am currently a senior at Indiana University, majoring in early childhood education. After a full year of student teaching, I will be graduating this May with my teaching license. After a year of working with kids between the ages of 3 and 7 while student teaching, I am really looking forward to spending time with the older campers in the senior village. I have spent the past 9 summers as a camper/CIT/counselor/unit leader at Camp Kamaji in Minnesota. I believe that camp is such a special and important place for children to experience, and I am looking forward to continuing my camp career at CHH. I am so happy to be a part of the overnight family and can't wait to meet everyone!

Cassie Edden

G’day. My name is Cassie Edden and I am the Assistant Director for Overnight Camp. I am from Australia and can't wait to take the 18-hour plane ride across the Pacific Ocean to come to camp. This will be my 6th summer at CHH! I started as a counselor then became a unit head and this will be my first year as the assistant director. At home one of jobs is a kayaking instructor. It truly is one of the best jobs in the world! Who can complain when a river or an ocean is your office? I love working with kids and in some respects, I am a big kid myself at times. I enjoy all kinds of activities at camp like campers choice, sports and ropes course but my favorite place at camp is the lake. I especially love the blob and canoeing. I am very excited for the summer to start and to meeting you all, and to those I have met to seeing you again. See you June/July!

Danny Glassman

Hello to everyone! My name is Danny Glassman and I am the Overnight Camp Director. It’s hard to believe that I just celebrated summer number ten at Camp Henry Horner (let’s get the next decade rolling)! I actually never attended overnight camp as a child. I spent my summers as a day camper on the North Shore and thought that is where I would be forever. But I was lucky enough to meet Susan Klein (the former camp director) in January 2000 and she convinced that Henry Horner was the best camp ever! After my first day as a counselor I knew she was right.

I graduated with a degree in Social Science from National-Louis University and thought that I was going to be a high school history teacher but I just could not shake my passion for camp. Over the past decade I have been a counselor, day camp unit head, overnight camp program and assistant director, ropes facilitator, respite staffer, dishwasher, maintenance man and every other job you can think of camp. I even did a short stint as a manager at Abercrombie and Fitch. My most recent rolls have been as the overnight camp and conference center director.

I work year round just to experience the seven awesome weeks of overnight camp. My favorite things at camp are the evening programs, especially MTV and Oscar’s nights. It is amazing to see what campers come up with each year. I cannot believe that camp starts in two months! I am so excited to get the summer started!

Wildfire and Camp Henry Horner's Cupcake Class

2011-03-16T11:32:00.001-05:00

Sign up for the cupcake class being held at Wildfire in Lincolnshire! Not only will your child get a tasty treat, but proceeds will go to JCYS Camp Henry Horner! Check out the flyer for more information!

Way Down Yonder and Not Far Off - By Erin Newport

2011-03-14T10:08:00.000-05:00

A campfire, s'mores and a good camp song is all you need to make the whole group come together and sound like a camp family. Way down yonder not far off…… this is just the beginning of my favorite camp song but do you ever wonder why the camp songs always stick with you? I could be grocery shopping, taking my kids to school or just sitting at my desk and camp songs get stuck in my head.

A camp song can be sung off key and as loud as you want. Learning a new song is a pretty amazing experience because you've found something worth sharing with all your other camp friends who will be just as loud and silly as you. Whether you're singing just for the fun of it or to bother mean, old Mrs. O'Callahan and her bird sanctuary across the lake, a campfire is a place of acceptance and fun. Around a campfire, all you have to do when you sing the song is smile because the person next to you will smile while singing Tongo, Mrs. Shady, Grannie's in the Cellar, or Oo Ka Lay La.
As a camp director, there's few things more gratifying than having lost my voice trying to out sing my campers in a repeat-after-me song. It's a badge of honor to have be hoarse all weekend until it's time for the next campfire. It's amazing to see the campers get into the songs and have fun with them. Camp songs bring people together, no matter where you come from or how you got here you know that when you sing a camp song you will have everyone singing with you.

Muddy Shoes - A Post by Kenley Perry

2011-03-04T14:09:00.003-06:00

This time of year Camp Henry Horner is covered in mud. The piles of snow are melting and flurries have been replaced by raindrops. Mud puddles dot the entire landscape and squishy earth is around every corner. For some the mud is a huge annoyance since it gets on their shoes, clothes and in their car. For the Horner maintenance staff the mud means lots of extra work. Constant sweeping and mopping to keep our buildings clean as hundreds of feet traipse in and out of our buildings during weekend retreats. Just other day I was giving a tour and the poor lady wore a very nice pair of high heeled boots that were covered by the time we were done. As I offered my sympathies, I couldn’t help but smile as we squished and splashed our way around camp because I love the mud.

The mud to me is a seasonal reminder of the natural setting that is Camp Henry Horner. CHH is overflowing with nature. If you don’t like nature, you won’t like Camp Henry Horner. We’ve got mud, trees, meadows, wet lands, insects, animals big & small, and so much more. We don’t have sidewalks, street lights, vinyl siding, garden gnomes, or any of the other things you typically find in the sterilized suburbia that sounds us. Thankfully our 180 acres is a natural oasis among the beige & tope colored invasion that continues encircle CHH.

I say thankfully because kids today are suffering from a little known affliction; NDD. We are all somewhat familiar with ADD, ADHD, BD, PPD, and so on, but very few people have heard of NDD – Nature Deficiency Disorder. Ok, so it’s kind of a made up term but not by me and it’s a very real problem. Today’s youth have little opportunity to experience the marvelous, incredible, wondrous world we live in. Inundated with technology and hand sanitizer, kids are isolated from this amazing planet. As breathtaking as the Planet Earth mini-series was, watching it on your new iPad can’t begin to compare to actually experiencing our natural environment. Camp Henry Horner offers kids those opportunities.

For many years CHH has been running Outdoor Education programs for area schools. One of my favorite programs to teach was our Wetland Ecosystem study. It involved two parts; a lecture describing the different parts and characteristics of wetlands followed by an experiential, hands-on investigation. We would walk the kids to the beautiful meandering creek that feeds Wooster Lake and discover for ourselves what we just learned. Armed with nets and jars the students would “dig” in the creek’s muddy bottom. Initial nervousness and trepidation was quickly replaced by awe and excitement as they found dragonfly nymphs, water beetles, tadpoles, minnows, snails, frog eggs, and host of other creatures. The looks of their faces were priceless as they began to understand how awesome nature really is. Running among the cattails and shady willow trees each child’s appreciation for our environment deepened.

One of the best compliments I get from prospective parents & kids whenever I’m giving them a tour is that Camp Henry Horner is a ‘real’ camp. That ‘real’ camp feeling comes from our beautiful natural setting and I am so thankful for our 180 ‘real’ acres. I look forward to the campers hearing their first Great Horned Owl hoot during their first overnighter. Shout with excitement in the morning as they see the deer grazing on the main field or spot a garter snake sunning himself. It means that CHH is giving them something they can’t get at home. It’s giving them the World.

Letters From Home

2011-02-25T09:00:00.001-06:00

I was recently at a camper recruitment fair in St. Louis. As I do at most
fairs, I try to make acquaintances with the other camps around my booth.
This always makes for some interesting conversation. That particular fair I
was surrounded by Rock and Roll Camp, Camp Invention, a camp that takes
teens all over the world on month long treks and another traditional Jewish
overnight camp. Coincidentally, I played some Jewish geography with Ben, the
director of the other Jewish overnight camp, and it turns out we traveled in
the same circles of friends.

After a few hours of constant sales pitches, I noticed that Ben was handing
out a book to his camp families that stopped by to visit him. The book was
titled P.S. I Hate It Here! Kids¹ Letters From Camp. With a title like that
I had to give it a quick read. The book was a compilation of letters from
campers to home. Some of the letters in this book had me stitches while
others made me cringe knowing their pain. Most important though, it got me

thinking how did the parents react to these correspondences?

Letters from P.S. I Hate It Here! Kids' Letters From Camp

I looked high and low for an article that would give the best advise to parents on how to write back to their campers, whether the news was good or bad. The Summer Camp Handbook, an award-winning guide to summer camp, has a great guide to writing letters from home. Their article best expresses my views on letters from home and how to react to bad news or sometimes even no news from your camper. "Letters from Home 1" can be found at
http://www.summercamphandbook.com/131-letters-from-home-1.html.

Danny Glassman
Overnight Camp Director

Safety at Camp

2011-02-18T09:00:00.057-06:00

     Everyone knows that coming to summer camp is all about having fun. And from the point of view of the camper, that's exactly what camp is all about. They get to be outside playing sports, swimming, doing arts and crafts, archery, cooking and hanging out with their friends. Campers love to come to Camp Henry Horner because they can do things here that they simply can't do at home, like jump off the zip line or get blobbed into the lake.
     But there's another side to camp that we, as camp administrators, are always thinking about. We strive to make sure that our campers have an amazing time every minute that they're here while they're still being safe. During our 5-day staff training before camp starts we focus heavily on safety, both physical and emotional. We surround the campers with well trained staff, specialists with certifications and nurses with years of experience just to ensure that camp is as safe as it possibly can be. We train all our staff in basic first aid as well as how to spot signs of dehydration and heat exhaustion as well as conflict resolution, problem solving, and how to support the campers. We emphasize that the campers need to be drinking water and putting on sun screen on a regular basis.
     We work hard to make sure that we focus on fun and safety. We'll let your child climb 50 feet in the air and jump off of our zip line! But we also make sure that the equipment they're wearing is in perfect working condition, that the two carabiners they're attached to (each one capable of holding up almost 6000 pounds) are locked and facing opposite directions to be double safe, and making sure our ropes (good to 3,000 climbs) are changed out at 1,000 climbs. Of course, your camper generally won't know these things because we want their focus to be on having fun. They're at camp to enjoy themselves and we put as many safety precautions in place as possible to allow them to have fun in as safe a setting as we can make it.

By creating an environment where the campers feel safe, they can push their own perceived limitations in a supportive setting. This means the campers can grow on a personal level and continue learning practical life lessons, like perseverance, teamwork, communication, calculated risk-taking, problem solving, goal setting and goal achieving. We can push the campers to go beyond their limits because we know they're safe and supported from their fellow campers and counselors. This sense of family at camp is what encourages campers and staff to return from year to year and makes coming to CHH so exciting!
In fact, we've been fostering this family atmosphere of fun and personal growth in a safe setting for 97 summers. If you've been a camper or counselor here, send your favorite camp story and pictures to me so that I can put it up on the CHH Alumni Blog.

Why I Keep Coming Back - Robin Wolin

2011-02-11T09:00:00.002-06:00

     There is something about being at Henry Horner that keeps me coming back for more. I have been at CHH for a total of 23 summers and each year seems just as exciting as the first. Although I am no longer a camper I still have the same feelings of excitement and anticipation leading up to the first day of camp. From the minute one summer ends, my countdown to the following summer begins. I cannot wait to see what the new year will hold. How much will the campers have grown? What staff will come back? What new things will I learn about myself and how will we out-do the previous summer to give our campers even a more incredible experience?
     Many people ask me what keeps me coming back each summer. I could tell them that Camp Henry Horner is 180 acres filled with incredible amenities. Who wouldn’t like swimming in the pool, soaring to new heights on the ropes course or spending an afternoon boating, fishing and on the inflatables at the lake? From the sports to specialty areas there is definitely something to make every camper have the best summer ever. However, immediately I reply that I want to give the current campers experiences and memories like the ones I had as a child.
     The minute you enter CHH something magical happens. There is a feeling of security and community. Camp is my second home. I know that I am free to be myself, no matter how silly I am I know I will always be accepted and embraced for my differences. Camp is a part of me. It is more than just a job and that is evident every day. Whether it is a conversation with a counselor over facebook, running into a camper at the grocery store or wearing a CHH t-shirt in a blizzard (to think warm thoughts), camp is always there.
     Although I may be the longest returning camper, I am not alone. Over the years many of my former campers have come back to work as a counselor and even senior staff. They, like me, share the love of CHH and desire to keep Horner traditions alive. Although camp is constantly evolving to keep things fresh and to keep up with the times, some things will never change; the memories, life experiences and friendships made each summer will surely shape and last a lifetime and keep us coming back for more.

Meet the Day Camp Staff

2011-02-03T10:00:00.044-06:00

ROBIN WOLIN
Hi! My name is Robin Wolin. I am the Assistant Director of Day Camp for Junior Village. I have spent 23 summers at CHH and cannot wait for number 24! I have only been working here since 1995 because I also spent 8 great summers at Horner as a camper. Over the years I have made great friends and memories and continue to learn something new about myself each year. Every summer I love coming back to see how our campers have grown and to hear all about their school year. It is pretty amazing to think that I have seen many of my former campers grow up and return to camp to work as counselors and this year, even a Unit Head! I graduated from Indiana University in 2000 with a degree in Speech and Hearing and since then have spent my school years working with children in various settings. I worked at JCYS Northwest Family Center, Interned at Lutheran General Hospital in Child Life and for the past 8 years have been the Assistant Director of the 103 Club, the before and after school program for Lincolnshire Prairieview School District 103. Over the years I have had many great memories at camp and as we begin planning for the summer of 2011 I know that there are great things in store and more amazing experiences to come. I am incredibly excited for this summer and wait to share it with you and your campers!

MOLLY LOBUS
My name is Molly Lobus. I am currently attending Loyola University to become a teacher. This will be my sixth summer at camp and my third summer as Pioneer Unit Head. All of my summers at camp, I have been part of the Pioneer unit and I absolutely love it! One of my favorite parts of camp is going to Arts and Crafts as well as playing around at the lake. I always look forward to coming back to camp and I cannot wait for this summer. Camp is such a wonderful place to be and I always have a smile on my face when I am there. I am sure this summer will be just as great as my past summers at Henry Horner. I look forward to seeing you all there! Have a great rest of the school year!

ABBY SAJOVIC
My name is Abby Sajovic and I am your new Explorer unit head! I graduated from Illinois State University last May with an Elementary Education degree. I am currently substitute teaching and working at an after school program. This will be my 17th summer at Camp Henry Horner. I believe that camp has such a significant impact on a child's life. I know this because of the impact it has had on my life. As a camper, not only was I taught how to swim and participate in other outdoor activities, I was able to develop meaningful relationships with my peers and counselors, I gained confidence in trying new things, and I created amazing memories that are still with me today. As a counselor, I was able to teach my campers the things I learned and give them those camp memories that kept me coming back year after year. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to take what I have learned through my camp experiences and my education to make this a great summer as the new Explorer unit head. Looking forward to an EXciting summer!

ISAAC BRUBAKER
Hi everyone! My name is Isaac and I've been a life-long camper at CHH. I started in the summer of 1995 and have been here ever since. From 2000 - 2002 I worked at the JCYS Northwest Family Center in Buffalo Grove as a high school assistant in the After School Program. I continued working there on breaks from the University of Iowa where I got my BA in English. After graduating in 2006, I started working full-time at Northwest running sports and rentals and, eventually, running the After School Program until March of 2010 when I handed it off to Carly Shapiro. During my time at CHH I've been involved with every unit at camp. I was a counselor in every unit for a year, I was unit head for 3 years for the Explorers and 1 year for the Trail Blazers, and I've been Assistant Day Camp Director of Senior Village (5th - 8th) for 3 years. In March of 2010 I started working at CHH full time continuing at Assistant Day Camp Director of SV and starting in as the Outdoor Education and Adventure Education Director where I run our outdoor education and ropes/challenge course program. My favorite parts of camp are the lake, the overnighters, the camping trips, and, of course, the ropes course. I'm excited to be continuing my work with Day Camp and I'm looking forward to another amazing summer! Give me a call or an email if you have any questions because I'd be happy to answer them!

CARLY SHAPIRO
There are many labels for people in this world for example, the punk rock guy, the hippie, the goody to shoes. But there is one label that I am proud to say I am part of: the camp person. Camp is the best invention in the world. I feel that you learn more about yourself, problem solving skills, and communication with your peers in those 1 months in a cabin at camp, then 10 months of school in a class room. Camp is the place where I have had most of my favorite memories. There is one memory in particular that stands out from all the rest: Every other year my overnight camp hosted color wars. You know, the traditional all-camp games where everyone is split into four teams: red, yellow, blue, and green. The catch is only four campers are chosen amongst the other campers to lead the four teams. I was chosen to represent the Yellow Team. As a thirteen year old, it was a very big deal. It was two days of sports, competition, singing, and games! With the final relay followed by the last event: all team leaders must make a fire and burn the rope to close the event. The big catch: we only get 3 matches to light the fire. Did I make the fire? Did I win it for the yellow team? Did lose it for the yellow team? The answer is: yes, no, and yes. Even though I was the first one to burn down the rope for the yellow team which I almost cried. We didn’t earn enough points from sports to win the entire war. But it didn’t matter because it was the most monumental experience in my whole camp life.
Over the past several years I've worked at a few camps, but I really feel like I've found my home here at Camp Henry Horner and through JCYS. Currently I'm happy to be returning for my second summer as the Trail Blazer Unit Head and running the After School Program at the JCYS Northwest Family Center in Buffalo Grove. I love working with kids and can't wait for the summer to start!

HEATHER WIGGINS
Hey guys! My name is Heather Wiggins and I am a Senior at Illinois State University studying Special Education Learning and Behavior. I have been a counselor for 4 summers and last summer was my first summer as the Earth Trekker Unit Head. This summer I am returning for another amazing time as the Earth Trekker Unit Head! I love the 7th and 8th graders; they are the bomb and we go on the best field trips! From tubing, rock climbing, camping, and whirlyball we really do it all! I can't wait for this summer and some of my favorites including the blob, poptarts, pranks, overnighters and mud sliding! I want to perfect my new talent of paddleboarding and teach all my campers that in the lake! Can't wait to see everyone and meet new campers! Get ready for an amazing summer!

KEVIN MAGIDA
Hey Parents,
My name is Kevin Magida, and I am currently in my third year as a Park and Recreation Management undergraduate student at Indiana University-Bloomington. I am also the Summer Program Intern for Day Camp for this coming summer. This is actually a new position that Day Camp has added for this summer to improve upon the programming and organizational aspects of Day Camp at Camp Henry Horner. My main responsibilities include becoming a major role in planning and running all camp events on Fridays and daily morning round up while also acting as the coordinator for the Counselor in Training (CIT) program. I’ll also be assisting the unit heads in implementing overnighter activities and other Day Camp functions. I’m very proud to say that this summer will be my 17th summer at Camp Henry Horner. Even though this will be my first summer that I am in a position that differs from that of a counselor, I am very excited to be taking on greater responsibilities that will allow me to make Day Camp better in any way that I can. I cannot wait for this summer, and I’m sure you will be hearing from me on this blog as the summer approaches.
Kevin Magida
Summer Program Intern

Parents Point of View

2011-01-28T09:00:00.002-06:00

The best way to sum up my children’s experience at Camp Henry Horner is to explain that my youngest son still asks when he will get to see his counselors again! My daughter talks constantly about the ropes course, swimming at the pool, arts and crafts and going to the beach. My daughter also has shared with all her friends that she was able to participate on the ropes course, an experience that has boosted her confidence in all aspects of life. The experiences for my kids were phenomenal and will stay with them the rest of their lives. The opportunity to grow as part of a group with guidance from staff from around the world opened their eyes to diversity and understanding the differences we all have. As the camp director at Camp Red Leaf right here on the grounds Camp Henry Horner, the hardest part for me to handle was when I went to pick my kids up after camp they did not want to come home with me.

Erin Newport

The Power of the Camp T-shirt

2011-01-21T12:52:00.000-06:00

December 8th was national wear your camp t-shirt day, which got me thinking about the power of the camp t-shirt. A camp t-shirt is more than a piece of cotton and some ink. A camp t-shirt is a conglomeration of sweat, sunscreen, ketchup, dirt, marshmallow, and campfire. A camp t-shirt holds the power to transport someone back to some of the best days and nights of their life almost instantly. Many of the staff who work at CHH have been spending every summer here for the past 10, 15, or even 20+ years. These counselors, unit heads, and directors have saved almost ALL of their camp t-shirts from those summers long ago. Why? Because when they put that t-shirt on (if it still fits) they immediately recall the great memories made while wearing that shirt. The friends, sneak outs, camp songs, medic, gaga, Green & White, camping trips and camp fires all come rushing back. Somehow all those things and more get absorbed into the fabric and are preserved for a lifetime.

In the summer of 2002 CHH decided to have all the day camp staff wear a camp t-shirt every day except during special events. Previously, they only needed to wear them during out of camp field trips and on family days. Change can be difficult in camp that’s been around for 90+ years where the traditions and culture is so firmly entrenched. So we were expecting quite a bit of resistance and complaining. However the new rule went over pretty well. I think the additional 3 shirts we gave them over the traditional 1 helped a bit. Since then, the administrative team has considered rescinding the t-shirt rule and allowing the staff to wear whatever they want so long as it meets the modesty standards. However, whenever we poll the counselors and specialists, the answer is a resounding “NO!” The truth the counselors, like the campers, LOVE their camp t-shirts.

The designs, the color, the size matter less than what the shirt represents. The t-shirts mean they are part of incredible community called Camp Henry Horner. I’m still amazed by the excitement that 16-25 year olds have on the day we give out the t-shirts. I swear the furor is almost matches the intensity of the upcoming Packers-Bears NFC Championship game. Everyone makes sure they get their t-shirts and believe me, if they don’t, I hear about it. The counselors also try collect a ‘whole set’ set of shirts. Begging and trading for shirts from other units or from year they weren’t yet on staff. I’ve had ridiculous amounts of money offered for an old CHH t-shirt from the 90’s with the ‘squiggle people’ logo (pictured below). I won’t even mention how nuts they go over the hooded sweatshirts!

Ultimately the camp t-shirt is just another small piece of what makes camp special. I look forward to this time every year when we start planning our summer t-shirts and other camp wearables. Should we design new ones? What colors should we pick? What new thing can we do? We spend a lot of time fretting and worrying about how they will turn out. But in reality we shouldn’t worry at all because no matter how the t-shirts turn out, they will be loved.

Kenley Perry
Camp Director

What happens at camp when the summer ends?

2011-01-14T10:15:00.005-06:00

Since I started working full time back in 2003 I have been asked one question more often than any other, what happens at camp when the summer ends? I was amazed to find out how many people thought that after the campers and staff head home at the end of the season, that every building is locked up and we turn off the power until the following May. As a counselor at Horner I did not even know what happened here after August 31st. The Monday following the end of our summer season, camp transforms into the JCYS Conference Center and JCYS High Sierra Adventure. Organizations from youth groups, dad-and-daughter outings, family events, school groups, business meetings, religious groups and conferences make Camp Henry Horner their home for up to a week at a time.

Naperville Snowball using the Rec Hall for their program.

The JCYS Conference Center caters to groups all sizes and backgrounds. One weekend we may host a religious school retreat, and the next we'll become the home of Camp Dogwood (check out the link below to see their appearance on the Today Show). Groups stay in all the same buildings we use throughout the summer like Ruth Lodge (Indoor Cooking), Desser Lodge (senior village overnight camp dorm) and even at Red Leaf Village. Guests of camp also eat in our dining hall and enjoy the same food as our summer campers.

Check out camp as it goes to the dogs! Click here to see the video!

The other component of the conference center is the High Sierra Adventure Center. School and boy/girl scout groups come to camp and use the challenge course as well as our outdoor education programs to compliment their curriculum. Adventure center programming changes greatly between the summer and off season. During the summer our campers use the challenge course for recreation only. But come the off season, the programming because much more intense. Facilitators use experiential education to connect the camp activities to their school work. One of the highlights of this program is watching the impact that it makes on students and teachers. One student from Grayslake commented, "We all had different highlights from this trip, and there were different parts that impacted each of us".

The Girls Cross Country team from a local high school working to move together.

The JCYS Conference Center and High Sierra Adventure Center are crucial parts of Camp Henry Horner. Summer camp is our mission however the other programs on our site make it possible to run throughout the year. If you are interested in more information about the JCYS Conference Center or High Sierra Adventure Center contact Isaac (ibrubaker@jcys.org) or Danny (dglassman@jcys.org) in the camp office at 847-740-5010.

The Importance of Camping

2011-01-07T09:00:00.015-06:00

Dear Parents,
We know there are so many reasons your children love coming to camp! Of course, for them, the most important thing is that they're having fun; but for us it's so much more than that. Each year your child comes to camp to learn new skills, like swimming, and in the process learns life skills, like cooperation, problem solving, conflict resolution and commitment in a safe, nurturing environment. Over the next several months we'll be publishing weekly articles and editorials from many different members of our staff regarding the "youth development" that is achieved by sending your child here to Camp Henry Horner.
Please let us know if you have any questions and make sure to "Follow Us" by clicking the link at the top of the page so you can sign up to get our weekly updates via RSS feeds.

Isaac Brubaker
Asst. Day Camp Director

Camp Henry Horner does so much for your children in day and overnight camp. Life skills are taught and learned in camps across the country and we're proud to be a part of the Youth Development tradition. The learning through experience is a great supplement to the education they receive in school! Below are excerpts from an article on the American Camping Association website and in their magazine, simply titled "Camping", regarding the benefits of camping in general.

In 2003 - 2004 the American Camping Association conducted a survey among 80 ACA camps. The collected the results and determined that their research demonstrated:

Camps, more than some other youth programs, provide positive developmental environments for youth, especially in providing supportive relationships with adults and peers, and in skill building.
While strengths vary by camp type and sponsor, ALL camps have the potential to provide positive experiences foundational to practicing successful life skills.
The value of camp for campers is enhanced by attending camps in multiple summers or for sessions that are as long as practicable.

Below is an excerpt from an ACA article regarding the benefits of day camps. Click here for the full article. I've added some answers about CHH in green.

A camp experience is beneficial for a variety of reasons — camp teaches children independence, helps develop self-esteem, and allows a child to take healthy risks in a safe and nurturing environment. The experience helps many children develop authentic relationships with peers and adults, learn to be a part of the natural world, and participate in human powered activities.

But what if you have decided that a traditional resident camp isn't a good fit for your child? Is there a way to provide camp's benefits without an overnight stay? Yes, there is — day camp.
Day camp is one of many camp options available to families today. It allows for children to experience camp close to home. Perhaps a child is too young for resident camp, or perhaps scheduling does not allow for extended time away from home. Regardless of the reason, a day camp is an excellent alternative.

Just like resident camps, day camps offer a wide range of programming and activities — from sports to arts to science and education. Day camps can also offer team building activities, leadership training, and wilderness programs.

When selecting a day camp, there are important questions for parents to consider. The American Camp Association® (ACA) recommends that families use the following questions when researching day camps and speaking to the camp director:

Is the camp accredited by ACA? If not, why not? (We are. In fact, we received 100% on our 3-year accreditation in 2009!)
Is transportation available? (Of course. We have many transportation options and pick up locations in Day Camp so hopefully one will be close to you!)
What about extended care before and after camp? (We have both before and after care at Camp as well as the JCYS Northwest Family Center in Buffalo Grove.)
Will the camp provide lunch? (We have a great hot lunch program that you can sign your camper up for. On our one-night overnighters we provide dinner, snacks and breakfast. Also, once a week we do a cookout for all our campers.)
Are campers grouped by age, activity, or both? (Campers are separated by age and by gender. Starting at 3rd grade we will split them up additionally during camper's choice times for activities of their choosing.)
Does the price include the full range of activities? (Of course! There are no hidden fees for special activities, trips, overnighters, swim lessons or the like.)
Are parent visits encouraged? (We love to have parents come to visit camp for tours, on Parents' Orientation, and on Family Day! Family Day is great because the parents get to do all the activities they hear about from their campers.)

Even with tightening budgets, families should know that camp is still within reach. Finding out how to afford camp is easy — and there's plenty of help. The bottom line about camp costs is that there's a camp for just about every budget.

Camp is critical to the education of the whole child. It is an equal opportunity life changer — teaching children and youth the skills they need to become successful adults. A positive day camp experience can teach real world skills, develop self-esteem, and help a child gain a sense of independence and community. But most of all, children will create memories that last a lifetime.

Thanks for reading the first in a series of articles we'll be posting on the blog written by different members of the Camp Henry Horner family. We at CHH believe that there is so much to be learned through camping. We're constantly pushing ourselves to learn more and we attend annual conferences to both learn at teach others about camping. Whether your camper is in Day, Overnight, or both, we're going to make sure that they have an amazing time and come home with a growing set of skills and a growing set of friends! If you have any questions about camp, please feel free to contact me or you can visit our official site at www.jcys.org/chh.

Camp Red Leaf Fundraiser

2010-12-30T10:16:00.000-06:00

JCYS Camp Red Leaf is a camp for youth and adults with disabilities run that is run on the same grounds as Camp Henry Horner. They have a long tradition here at camp dating back to the 50s. If you can, we'd love to see you come out to the Buffalo Wild Wings in Round Lake Beach, just minutes from CHH, on February 19th to have some food and support a good cause! 15% of all food purchases accompanied by the flyer below will be donated to CRL. Let us know if you have any questions!

You can also visit their blog here!

Winter

2010-12-15T12:04:00.000-06:00

Don't forget to send in your registration for summer 2011! As you know, winter is upon us but summer will be here before you know it! Right now camp looks a little different than it does during the summer. Below is a picture of what camp looks like from the street.

Give us a call if you have any questions because our email will be down 12/16, 12/17!
847.740.5010

December 8th - Camp T-shirt Day

2010-12-03T13:34:00.001-06:00

We just found out that December 8th is National Camp T-shirt Day! Be sure to wear your camp shirt out!

Confirmation Forms for Summer 2011

2010-12-01T10:00:00.001-06:00

We've been working hard to update our website and, though it's a slow process, we've got all the forms up online so you don't have your inbox bombarded with pdf's. Click here and scroll down to download the forms you need. If the link doesn't work, copy and paste the following text into your browser: http://jcys.org/forms.html
As always, give us a call if there are any questions!

847-740-5010

A New Friend on Facebook

2010-11-29T13:10:00.000-06:00

Mrs. O'Callahan is officially on facebook. She sent me a message today. Apparently just calling to complain wasn't enough! Feel free to check out Mrs. Judith O'Callahan, who isn't the biggest fan of our camp songs.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-23T13:22:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving! Below is a little card from all of us at CHH.

And I couldn't end a post without a few pictures. These are from the 80s I think but have no specific date on them.

Let me know if you have questions or if you recognize anyone!

Isaac - ibrubaker@jcys.org or 847.740.5010 ext. 2223

1979 Camp Videos

2010-10-23T12:28:00.000-05:00

We found these online a few weeks ago and I thought I'd share them here. I'd love to do a camp reunion this summer so give me a call or send me an email if you're interested!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJz0etBmPKI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQAdKAsQF5k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TFAYd3H9KE

Isaac Brubaker
847.740.5010 ext. 2223
ibrubaker@jcys.org

The 80s

2010-10-15T17:38:00.000-05:00

The weather has finally, it seems, decided to stay out of the 80s. I also had a visit today from a former camper who was here in the 80s. Below are some pictures from the same time frame. As always, look to see if you can recognize anyone!

Also, if you haven't filled out our survey, please take a few minutes to do so!

2010-09-14T12:43:00.000-05:00

Please take a few minutes to evaluate us and your camper's experience this summer! There are only a few questions and it would help us immensely!

CHH Day Camp Evaluation

New Registration Form!

2010-08-13T10:00:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all our campers for making this an amazing summer! We've had so much fun and know that you did, too!
Below is our registration form for next year. Remember, the earlier you sign up, the more you can save! If you have any questions, please give Kenley, Danny or Isaac a call at 847.740.5010!

Confirmation Forms

2010-05-07T12:19:00.000-05:00

In case you had trouble downloading our forms (or you lost the emails), now you can download all of them from this site!

Let us know if you have any questions! 847.740.5010

Celebrating Earth Day with Our Green Guardian Effort!

2010-04-22T19:48:00.000-05:00

Camp Henry Horner's Green Guardian Efforts kicked into full swing today when in honor of Earth Day, trees purchased with money donated were planted in areas that were compromised by nearby developers.

The Green Guardian Fund was launched in early 2009 after a poll of campers illuminated the interest in addressing the loss of privacy and security due to the appearance of new subdivisions near camp property.

The Green Guardian Effort is the greatest way for each individual person involved to have an impact on the whole environment, hence the reason for the first round of planting that took place today, Earth Day 2010.

Thank you to everyone who donated funding to help us invest in the future of our extraordinary property at Camp Henry Horner. Here are the before and after shots of our incredible celebration of mother earth today!
Before

For More Information about the Green Guardian Fund or The Earth Day 2010 Planting, contact Kenley Perry, CHH Director at 847-740-5010.

After

Spring Into Action

2010-03-26T14:56:00.000-05:00

The Spring is definitely upon us. The weather will soon be getting warmer and the trees will start to bud. But there are a few things that would greatly help Camp Henry Horner accomplish some of it's goals before summer gets here.

For the last several months we've been collecting support for our Green Guardian Fund. This fund will go directly towards planting trees around camp to provide year-round screening and shade. The trees we will get are between 8 and 10 feet high already and come with a year of professional maintenance to help ensure the survival of the trees. Thanks to everyone who who donated from $5 to $175. We're planning on planting in mid-April so if you'd like to donate, there's still time!

We've already had a very generous donation by one of our campers. Aaron Becker used small pine trees as the centerpieces at his bar mitzvah and then he donated the trees to us. We've already planted the 60 trees donated to us by Aaron. Thanks!

If you'd like to donate to the Green Guardian Fund, you can find us on Facebook or you can contact Kenley Perry at 847.740.5010 ext 2221 or kperry@jcys.org.

For those who don't know, we also run a camp for individuals with mental and physical disabilities at Camp Henry Horner. This branch of Camp is called Camp Red Leaf and our friends at Camp Red Leaf are also trying to raise money to to help fund scholarship for their campers. They will be running in the Lake Geneva 1/2 marathon on May 8th. That's 13.3 miles of hilled terrain. If you'd like to donate to the CRL 1/2 marathon, please contact our new Camp Red Leaf Director, Erin Newport at 847.740.5010 ext 2227 or enewport@jcys.org.

This is a picture of Camp Red Leaf in the mid-60s.

Below is a group picture in front of the Rec Hall. Let me know if there's anyone you recognize! ibrubaker@jcys.org

SPRINGING FORWARD

2010-03-16T11:47:00.000-05:00

Since the clocks changed, the days have been so beautiful outside! The snow has melted from camp and the grass is turning green. Summer is right around the corner. Be on the look out in early April for the 2nd Confirmation Packet.

If you have any questions or recognize someone in the pictures, please let me know!

Isaac Brubaker
847.740.5010 ext. 2223
ibrubaker@jcys.org

Early Bird Discount

2010-02-22T17:39:00.000-06:00

The Early Bird Discount is almost over so make sure to get your Registration Forms in before February 28th to get the discount!

Let us know if you have any questions!
847.740.5010

We're back!

2010-02-08T11:55:00.000-06:00

After an exciting time recruiting counselors in Australia, the UK and Western Illinois University we're back! We got some amazing staff and we're even more excited for the summer to start! Don't miss out on some of our group pictures on Facebook from the 80s and 90s. Just go to the Henry Horner page and you'll be able to see several of the pictures. We have tons of group pictures from Camp Henry Horner and North Shore Day Camp up! Look to see if you can find yourself!

In the mean time, here are a few older pictures to peruse.

Summer is Less Than 5 Months Away!

2010-01-25T14:06:00.000-06:00

If you haven't signed up for camp yet, make sure to get your Registration Forms in quickly because the Early Bird discount ends February 28th! In the mean time, here are a few more recent pictures. See if there are any familiar faces! I've got about 600 pictures and scanning more every day. If there's one you're looking for please let me know!

Just to keep everyone up to date, here are the prices of some of the other private camps in the area.

JCC Elaine Frank Apachi - 9:30 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
K - 3rd: $3,390
4th - 7th: $3,635
7th - 8th: $3,815

Discovery Day Camp - without transportation

K - 2nd: $3,690
3rd+: $3,890

With bus service OR extended day
K - 2nd: $4,130
3rd+: $4,330

Jay's Camp

K - 1st: $3,600
2nd - 6th: $3,600
5th - 8th: $3,800

Tamarak Day Camp
K - 2nd: $4,595
3rd: $4,695
4th - 6th: $4,820
6th - 8th: $6,250

Banner Day Camp
PreK - K: $5,100
1st - 3rd: $5,100
4th - 6th: $5,600
7th - 8th (CIT): $3,900
(Overnight Fee: $130)
ibrubaker@jcys.org

What happens at camp when the summer ends?

2010-01-14T09:00:00.007-06:00

Since starting working full time for camp in January 2003, I have been asked one question more often than any other. What happens at camp when the summer ends? I have always been astonished by the number of people who think after the campers and counselors leave, we go to a giant switch and shut down camp until the following May. At many camps throughout the country that does happen, but it is not the case with Camp Henry Horner.

Naperville Snowball putting on a show in our Rec Hall

Immediately following the departure of campers and staff, Camp Henry Horner open its doors up to school and retreat groups who come from across the country. Like our campers, they come to Horner for the great setting and fun you can only find at camp. During the week in the fall and spring you can usually find a local school group that is trying to enhance their curriculum through the use of challenge course and outdoor education. Through the use of experiential education, students improve on crucial life skills while taking a hands-on approach. Weekend retreats actually happen throughout the entire year too! Over the weekends our guests range in size, religious and economic backgrounds and functions. One weekend we’ll host a retreat for a number of synagogues and the next we’ll become the home to Camp Dogwood (a weekend retreat for owners and their dogs). These groups use programs areas like the ropes course, arts and crafts, archery and even the pool and lake. The majority of our guests also get to enjoy some of the same camp food that our campers get during the summer (I think the highlight for most though is making S’mores at the lake).

Check out what happens at Camp Henry Horner when it goes to the dogs! Click here to see!

The JCYS conference center and High Sierra Adventure play a critical part in the function of Camp Henry Horner. To learn more about the year round programming or rental opportunities offered at Camp Henry Horner, contact Isaac (ibrubaker@jcys.org) or Danny (dglassman@jcys.org) in the camp office at 847-740-5010. We would be happy to answer your questions and even help you book your own group.

Confirmation Packet

2010-01-12T15:41:00.000-06:00

Keep your eyes peeled for the Confirmation Packet coming to you via email. Many should already have the packet and the rest will be coming shortly! If you have any questions regarding your child's camp registration, please email or leave a voicemail for our registrar.

registrar@jcys.org
(847)745-5010 ext. 2225

Here are a few pictures from the 90s! As if you couldn't tell!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-06T17:32:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year! We've had an overwhelming amount of registrations come in over the last few weeks so it may take us until the 15th to get all the Confirmation Packets out. Watch your email for that to come in!

The bad news about the new year is that our Super Saver discount is over. But there's still time to save a significant amount of money. Just make sure to get in on our Early Bird discount that ends on February 28th. If you'd like you can still download our registration form and give us a call if you have any questions!

Camp Office
847.740.5010

Isaac Brubaker
Assistant Day Camp Director
ibrubaker@jcys.org

Danny Glassman
Overnight Camp Director
dglassman@jcys.org

Super Saver Deposit Discount

2009-12-07T17:08:00.000-06:00

If you sign up between now and December 31st, the end of our Super Saver Discount, you can put down $100 deposit per child instead of $300. We know that money is tight right now for everyone so this is our little holiday gift for you. If you have any questions, you can call Carolyn at Camp at 847.740.5010! Make sure to take advantage of this offer while the savings are at their greatest!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T09:00:00.000-06:00

Just a quick note from all of us at CHH to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

Here's a picture from the mid-40s I think. See if there's anyone you recognize!

Doing Our Part

2009-11-16T17:03:00.000-06:00

We don't just say that we're going green, we actually do things to prove it! We keep the heat low in buildings we're not using, we turn off lights, shut down computers, and we email out as many forms as we can to limit the amount of paper we use. However, one extra special thing we do to go green is that we're working to eliminate our use of golf carts on Camp. In fact, we've already gotten a fantastic donation. Carolyn has been using it every day to go get the mail!

Don't forget to tell her you saw these pictures when you call to register!

A Few Pictures

2009-11-03T10:49:00.000-06:00

We hope your Halloween went well! Just wanted to upload a few pictures of campers' past.

Don't forget to send in your registration forms! The Supersaver Discount ends the 1st of the year.

NEW BROCHURES!

2009-10-21T17:52:00.000-05:00

2010 brochures are out! Start checking your mail because you should have them by October 23rd. If you'd like a brochure, a question answered or just some more information, contact Isaac Brubaker at ibrubaker@jcys.org.

Here are some archery pictures from the mid to late 60s. The last two are 1966 and 1968 respectively. See if you recognize anyone!

2010 Registration Form

2009-10-16T15:32:00.000-05:00

Below you'll find our Camp Henry Horner registration form for 2010.

You might notice something amazing about our registration form; it hasn't changed much since last year. I'm not talking about our same easy to understand format. I'm talking about our prices. Our prices changed by roughly $100 (give or take) from summer 2009 to summer 2010. Last year we drastically dropped our prices by taking door-to-door bus service out of the price in favor of offering more shared drop points for our bus routes. This was a big success last year because the total cost of camp was less and the amount of time spent on the bus was dropped down to roughly a half hour each way.

If you're already a Camp Henry Horner family, you know that you're getting an amazing Day Camp experience that's one of a kind. But did you know that you're already getting the best price around, too? For 8 weeks of Day Camp we're giving you the best price and an amazing traditional camp experience.

JCC Elaine Frank Apachi - 9:30 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
K - 3rd: $3,235.50
4th - 7th: $3,480.50
7th - 8th: $3,660.50

Discovery Day Camp - without transportation

K - 2nd: $3,690
3rd+: $3,890

Jay's Camp

K - 1st: $3,600
2nd - 6th: $3,600
5th - 8th: $3,800

Tamarak Day Camp
K - 2nd: $4,595
3rd: $4,695
4th - 6th: $4,820
6th - 8th: $6,250

If you think that some of your friends or your friends kids might like CHH, please email Isaac Brubaker at ibrubaker@jcys.org so he can set up a meeting or a tour with them.

Big Ten Fan Camp

2009-10-12T16:02:00.000-05:00

Did you know that you can see us during every Big Ten football game? During the summer the Big Ten Conference came out to CHH to film a series of PSAs for the Big Ten. We're on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and the Big Ten Network. If you check them out on YouTube you might even see some familiar faces! Of course you can always search for Camp Henry Horner to see our own video on YouTube.

Arts & Crafts #1
Arts & Crafts #2
School Spirit
Training Camp

Does Anyone Know These People?

2009-10-05T17:08:00.000-05:00

Every week or so I'll try to post a few pictures of campers from the 40s, 50s and 60s. I came across a huge pile of pictures and some have dates but none have names. Spread the word if you know someone who used to come here!

As the Weather Gets Cooler...

2009-09-29T11:10:00.000-05:00

It's getting a bit more brisk outside and your thoughts may be more turned towards Halloween than camp. However, we're working hard to make sure that this summer is the best summer it can be. We're always trying to make sure that all our campers have an amazing summer. If you know someone who doesn't come to CHH but might be interested, contact Isaac to set up a meeting or a tour. In addition, if they sign up, you'll receive $50 off your camp tuition.

Contact Isaac today with any questions!
ibrubaker@jcys.org

Just a Quick One

2009-04-27T17:43:00.000-05:00

Check your emails! As we continue on the road towards a "greener" camp we've been sending out all required paperwork via email. Our second Parent Packet has gone out. This email includes our Parent Handbook, internet form, and a few others.

Also, today Kenley sent out the transportation form. If you have any questions, either call Kenley or Isaac.

Kenley
847-740-5010 ext. 1

Isaac
847-279-0900 ext. 21

Meet the CHH Day Camp 2009 Admin Team

2009-04-27T17:40:00.000-05:00

Every day that passes is one closer to the start of the summer! We're going to make sure that this summer is the best summer yet! We've got a jump on the summer by planning all the fieldtrips, all camp events, village days and overnighters. We're getting ready by fixing up the buildings, caring for the grounds and making sure we have some stupendous staff.

Junior Village
(K - 4th)

This summer we're welcoming Jamie to the administrative team as our new Pioneer Unit Head! Jamie has been at CHH for the last 2 years as an Explorer counselor in 2007 and a Pioneer counselor in the summer of 2008. We're very excited to have her stepping into this new role. She's excited to meet all of the parents and wants to make sure that each person feels comfortable sending their child to our unique and breathtaking camp!

We're also welcoming back long-time camper, counselor and past Explorer Unit Head, Lindsey. Lindsey is a 2nd Grade teacher at Kildeer Countryside school in Long Grove. She was with us a few years ago as the Explorer Unit Head and this summer she'll be making her triumphant return! She's most looking forward to being at camp and giving the campers the same kind of amazing experience that keeps bringing her back.

Continuing in her role as Assistant Director for Junior Village (K - 4th) is Robin. Robin loves camp and tries to make sure each summer is better than the last. Robin spends her school year as the Assistant Director of 103 Club. She’s excited to meet all the new parents and seeing all of her old friends!

Senior Village
(5th - 8th)

Coming back for her second year as Trail Blazer Unit Head is the energetic Megan. Megan is so excited to be coming back and is looking forward to making this summer the best year ever! She's even brought a set of cupstacks out to the University of Iowa, where she studies elementary education, so that she can lead her unit to a series of rousing victories!

The Earth Trekkers will be overjoyed to have their loyal Lindsay Claire back as Unit Head. She's been planning fieldtrips and coming up with new Camper's Choice activities because she really wants to make sure the E.T.'s utilize all that camp has to offer. Since she finished her student teaching in December, Lindsay's been helping out at camp, at the JCYS in Buffalo Grove and looking for a full time teaching job.

Also in his second year as Assistant Director of Senior Village (5th - 8th grades) is Isaac. Isaac's been getting excited about camp by getting everything set up. He's been traveling to some of the universities in the Midwest recruiting fantastic new staff. He's also been working at the JCYS Northwest Family Center in Buffalo Grove running the After School Program. Isaac's very excited for the summer to start because he thinks that there's no place on Earth that's better or has more fun than Camp Henry Horner!

Of course, Camp Director, Kenley has been working tirelessly to make sure that camp is as amazing as it can be. He has some big plans for the campgrounds and for busing. We're all excited to see how it turns out!

Come Make Some New “Friends” During Hobbies!

2009-04-27T17:37:00.000-05:00

Dear Overnight Camp Parents,

This summer campers will have a unique opportunity to participate in a Hobbies activity run by the world renowned Lookingglass Theatre Company. This is the company that was co-founded by David Schwimmer from the television show, “Friends”.

For 4 days in campers who select this choice will learn acting skills by participating in theater games and exercises facilitated by Lookingglass professionals. This Hobby will also have a rewarding additional feature as Camp Henry Horner Overnight campers will be joined in the activity by campers with developmental disabilities from the Center for Enriched Living.

CHH Overnight campers will not only act but assist their CEL counterparts in the activities. CHH overnight campers who have Bar and Bat Mitzvah volunteer requirements can use this experience to meet their needs.

If you would like your son or daughter to select this new Hobby, start talking to them about it now. This is a great opportunity for your child to have an amazing acting experience as well as help those with developmental disabilities.

For more information, contact Kenley Perry, Camp Director, at kperry@jcys.org or Marty Oliff, JCYS Executive Director, at moliff@jcys.org.

CAMParison Shopping

2008-12-01T17:32:00.000-06:00

We know times are tough for everyone right now. At CHH we think we’ve been the best camp around for the money. This year, we know it’s true. We’ve done our own comparison (or “camp”arison) shopping to see what the price difference is. Below are the numbers from some of the other camps in the area.

We offer 180 acres, a pool, a lake, a real camp” atmosphere, the best counselors, amazing fieldtrips and creative overnighters all included in the price.

The prices listed in the box above are broken down by adding together the fees of the camps and averaging them to create one easy-to-read chart. Below you’ll see what each camp’s average fees are and what you save by sending your campers to CHH. You’ll also see what their fees are plus their transportation charges. Our standard fee includes transportation from shared drop points. The last column shows what you save at CHH even with our door-to-door bussing. As you can see, you really are getting the best deal for your money! If you have any questions, please give Isaac a call.

847.279.0900 ext. 21
ibrubaker@jcys.org

Save $50 or MORE by calling our Camp Consultants today!

2008-12-01T17:29:00.000-06:00

Do you love Camp Henry Horner as much as we do? Do you have friends that don’t come to CHH? Have our Camp Consultant come out to and talk to them and you’ll receive $50 off for every successful referral! These meetings are not a “hard sell”. These are informational meetings in an informal setting where Isaac, our Day Camp Consultant, and the family or families discuss camp openly and address any questions.

These meetings usually take place in the home of one of the families. They consist of watching the DVD (which can be found on YouTube.com by searching “Camp Henry Horner”), answering questions and explaining what camp is like. Parents and children are welcome and Isaac will provide the snacks. All you need to do is help him set up a meeting. If the family you refer signs up for camp, you receive $50 off your bill! The more people you refer, the more money you receive off. Call Isaac or email him today with any families you’d like to refer.

Isaac Brubaker
Assistant Day Camp Director
847.279.0900 ext. 21
ibrubaker@jcys.org

Get Excited! Camp is Less Than 7 Months Away!!

2008-12-01T17:27:00.000-06:00

It may be cold and snowy outside and your thoughts may be more to the upcoming holidays than thinking about camp, but the summer is just a few months away. Soon the air will be warm, the sun will stay up past 4:30 p.m., and the grass will be green. There will be campers in the pool, boats on the lake, and the chants of “ga, ga, ga” coming from Cabin 23. Before you know it, lanyard will be plentiful, medic games will be abound, new dance steps will be learned, and arrows will be flying.

We at camp can’t wait for summer to be here! We’ve been talking to your favorite counselors, planning fieldtrips, overnighters, all camp events, and everything else that makes camp so special. We hope that you’ve been practicing your cup stacking. We’re expecting to have a few records broken this year!

In the mean time, just keep counting the days until the weather is beautiful, the trees are lush, the grill is full of hotdogs and hamburgers, the Wednesdays when we sing the Lollipop song, and the beautiful days at camp when fun is everywhere you look!

If you have any questions about camp, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to help!

Kenley Perry
Camp Director
847.740.5010 ex.1
kperry@jcys.org

Isaac Brubaker
Assistant Day Camp Director
847.279.0900 ex. 21
ibrubaker@jcys.org

Overnight Camp Reunion on January 30th - 31st!

2008-12-01T17:22:00.000-06:00

The summer has ended but the memories remain. Let’s all get together and let the fun times roll again. Join Danny, Ken and Josh at camp for an Overnight Camp reunion!

If you were an Overnight camper in the Summer of 2008, come join us on January 30th through the 31st for an overnight camp reunion. We’ll be staying at Camp overnight where fun and frivolity is sure to ensue. Sixty dollars gets you meals, lodging, off-camp events and a special reunion gift! Please call Danny at camp with any questions.

Make sure to register by January 2, 2009. And don’t forget to get your registration form in before the SuperSaver discount ends on December 31st! This is your best opportunity to save money for the summer of 2009. We look forward to seeing you and having a blast January 30th! Please contact Danny with any questions.

Danny Glassman
Overnight Camp Director
847-740-5010 ext. 4
dglassman@jcys.org