Sunrise Day Camp-Chicago, a JCC Chicago program, opened its doors in the summer of 2023 to provide full-summer day camp for children with a cancer diagnosis and their siblings--completely free of charge.
By the summer of 2024, the camp doubled in size, serving over 75 registered campers at the Lake County JCC campus in Lake Zurich. At Sunrise-Chicago, the support campers receive extends beyond traditional day camp, including on-site registered nurses, dietician-approved menus, and activities that are adapted to campers' differing abilities.
Parent Michelle Nowinski shares how finding Sunrise Day Camp was "nothing short of a miracle."
Her family's world was turned upside-down when their son Teddy was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma. Now thankfully in remission, Teddy and his siblings attended Sunrise Day Camp-Chicago for their second year this past summer.
"The best part about the camp is watching my children having a great time just being kids," Nowinski shared. "The experiences and support have been beyond my imagination.
"It brought so much relief and joy knowing that our kids were having fun, learning new things, and making great friends-while being kept safe and healthy," she said.
There has been a tremendous amount of support for Sunrise Day Camp-Chicago from community members and donors, leading to a strong launch and numerous campus improvements. The campus now features an innovative yurt village where campers can enjoy camp activities, from art and games to building and yoga, in temperature-controlled spaces.
Twice a week in the "Zen Den" yurt, Amy Fields, a Sunrise-Chicago donor, volunteer, and yoga instructor, lays out a circle of yoga mats. Kids of all ages file in, find a spot, and calm their bodies and minds with Fields' expert guidance.
Her yoga instruction focuses on reconnecting campers with their bodies to address how they may have been impacted during treatment. Whether they're grappling with new and confusing emotions or experiencing physical pain from treatment, Fields offers tools and techniques to support the campers.
"I feel like this is where I need to be. I am so grateful that there is an opportunity like Sunrise for these children. It warms my heart," Fields said.
Within the Sunrise Village is an assembly green with a theater-in-the-round style stage and seating for the camp community to gather for songs and performances. Sunrise Village also sports a horizontal climbing wall and ninja warrior course, along with a new greenhouse where campers experienced nature through a living plant wall, koi pond, plants, and vegetables.
Coming next summer, camp activities will expand with the permanent installation of an 18-hole mini-golf course, renovated sports court for basketball, pickleball, and playground games, and a new high-tech STEM program. These innovative offerings at Sunrise Day Camp-Chicago, combined with a caring and specially trained staff, provide campers a safe, supportive, and fun-filled summer with a community of peers who have a shared experience.
"At the J, summer is our season, and we know how important summer camp is to every child and family," said Addie Goodman, JCC Chicago President and CEO. "To be able to give the gift of camp to children who would otherwise be at home on summer days is a blessing-to witness their personal growth and development, the blossoming of new friendships, and the mentorship between campers and counselors is a privilege."
To learn more, visit sunrisedaycamp-chicago.org.
Karen Goodman Minter is the Chief Marketing Officer of JCC Chicago.
