Camp Young Judaea Midwest is your child's home away from home.
At CYJ Midwest, your child will gain valuable life skills.
We tailor our attention to each camper's individual needs, while teaching them the lessons of living as part of a community.
They will come back more self confident, with a stronger Jewish Identity, with more knowledge about Israel and most of all they will have a great time.
What CYJ Midwest parents and campers are saying:
"My son has been an unsuccessful camper at another camp. He LOVED CYJ and was relaxed and happy there. This made me very happy and I was completely satisfied that the camp was responsive to his needs and acknowledged and addressed my concerns. What a great summer!"... "Community is CYJ's major strength. Our children have been returning to second session for years because of the closeness and diversity of the campers and staff."
... "[As a parent, I was most satisfied with] the caliber of the counselors and the way they treated my child."
... "Just keep doing what you're doing! You guys are all awesome and my son looks forward to the summer because of what you do."
... "You offer the ultimate Jewish camp experience. My son enjoys all of the activities that you plan and all of the challenges that you put before him. Thank you!!"
... "[CYJ is]creating a compassionate, caring, safe Jewish environment for children to explore their independence and have a fun summer."
... "I would say that Camp Young Judaea's major strength is creating a place that you can really feel like you truly belong and won't be judged. In the cabin, I made friends who I could literally talk to about anything and they wouldn't judge me. CYJ is a place that I am happy...Overall, CYJ is a safe haven where you can be yourself."
FACILITIES
Camp Young Judaea Midwest is situated on Lake Stratton, surrounded by trees, nature trails and protected wetlands. The 80+ acre campsite includes a spacious dining hall & kosher kitchen, a modern air conditioned large recreation hall and an indoor site for Arts and Crafts. Our 20 acre lake and waterfront includes waterskiing & tubing, kayaking, sailing, canoeing and swimming. Every cabin has connecting washrooms and showers. The sports facilities include 2 basketball courts, a ROPES course including a 41 foot climbing tower, softball diamonds, soccer fields, tennis courts and an archery range.
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Health & Safety
Every effort is made to ensure the health and safety of each camper.
All of our activity areas are staffed by trained and certified professionals using the
most up to date safety equipment.
Our camp nurse, Julia Blyveis, has been with us for eight summers. Her son and daughter have been campers and staff as well. No one knows health better than Julia at camp!
We give particular attention to those campers who require special care or medication while away from home.
A full service hospital is located minutes from the Camp Young Judaea Midwest site.
Open Houses & CYJ Midwest Events
Contact CYJ Midwest at 847.675.6790 for more information about any event.
Open House for Havurah & CYJ Midwest
Monday, April 8
7:00 pm
New Life Radio (615 Academy Dr, Northbrook, IL)
CYJ Alumni Get Together
Sunday, April 28
4:00 pm
The Home of Lori & Jeff Lasday (West Bloomfield, MI)
Judaism & Israel at Camp
At CYJ Midwest everything we do is infused with a love of Israel and its culture - from our outstanding programming
to the phenomenal staff that we hire! The intertwined ideals of a connection to Israel and a positive Jewish identity
are something that we promote every day at CYJ Midwest!
Our programming is centered around our Jewish heritage in both the United States and Israel.
In addition to special days such as Maccabia (color war) and Yom Yisrael (Israel Day), campers are exposed to Judaism and
a connection to Israel every day at camp in an informal setting. Our deep commitment to Jewish
traditions and values are further stressed as we are a Kosher and Shomer Shabbat facility.
Prayer:
Chanichim (campers), with the help of their madrichim (counselors), plan and lead t'fillot (services). As a result, chanichim (campers) are able to understand the meaning and importance of prayer in Jewish life.
Educational Activities:
Each eidah (unit) has its own educational theme appropriate to that age group. Through participation, campers gain an understanding of Judaism and obtain a love of Israel.
Shabbat:
Shabbat takes on a whole new meaning as it is observed in a beautiful setting by our entire community. We are Shomer Shabbat. Preparations begin Friday morning to make the camp's Shabbat truly memorable as it is filled with spirit, beauty and fun. This weekly holiday includes candelighting, services, a Shabbat meal, singing and dancing.
Kashrut:
Our kitchen is strictly kosher and under rabbinic supervision.
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