YMCA Camp Independence

YMCA Camp Independence This is a camp for children and adults with spina bifida. Contact Emma Nockels about the Camp Independence Fall, Winter and Spring Weekends!

🏕️ SAVE THE DATE! ☀️We’re already looking ahead to another unforgettable summer at Camp Independence! 💚 And now you know...
08/24/2026

🏕️ SAVE THE DATE! ☀️

We’re already looking ahead to another unforgettable summer at Camp Independence! 💚 And now you know exactly when you can start planning…

📅 REGISTRATION OPENS NOVEMBER 2ND! 🎉

Get ready for days filled with adventure, friendship, laughter, camp traditions, and plenty of moments that matter. From the lake to the trails, from campfires to new experiences, there’s so much waiting for you at Camp Independence! 🌲🎣🔥☀️

✨ Camp Independence Gala: Moments That Matter ✨Join us for our annual Camp Independence Gala on October 3rd from 6pm unt...
08/17/2026

✨ Camp Independence Gala: Moments That Matter ✨

Join us for our annual Camp Independence Gala on October 3rd from 6pm until 11pm at Ridgemoor Country Club! 🏕️💚

This year’s theme, “Moments That Matter,” celebrates the little moments that become lifelong memories, from new friendships and big accomplishments to the laughter, confidence, and sense of belonging that campers find at Camp Independence. ✨

Enjoy an unforgettable evening featuring dinner, a silent auction, ticketed games with exciting prizes, and a paddle raise, all while helping us create even more meaningful moments for our campers. 🎉

🎟️ Individual Tickets: $175
📅 October 3rd | 6:00–11:00 PM
📍 Ridgemoor Country Club

Come celebrate Camp Independence, the memories we’ve made, and the Moments That Matter most. 💚

Because some moments last a lifetime. ✨🏕️

https://www.ymcachicago.org/news-events/camp-independence-gala-2026/

💙🏕️ That's a wrap on another unforgettable summer at Camp Independence! ☀️✨As we reflect on the past several weeks, our ...
08/12/2026

💙🏕️ That's a wrap on another unforgettable summer at Camp Independence! ☀️✨

As we reflect on the past several weeks, our hearts are full of gratitude for every camper, family, staff member, and volunteer who made this summer so special. This year was especially meaningful as we welcomed our highest number of unique camper registrations since COVID - a milestone that wouldn't have been possible without the incredible support of our camp community.

This summer was about so much more than the activities. It was about campers building confidence, trying new things, making lifelong friendships, and creating memories they'll carry with them long after summer ends. From campfires and s'mores 🔥🍫, days spent swimming 🏊, boating 🚣, fishing 🎣, and archery 🏹, to camp dances 💃🕺, creative projects 🎨, and countless moments of laughter 😄, every day reminded us why camp is such a special place.

To our campers - thank you for your smiles, courage, kindness, and enthusiasm. You are the heart of Camp Independence, and watching you grow, support one another, and embrace every adventure has been the greatest privilege.

Thank you for making Summer 2026 one to remember. We'll be counting down the days until we can welcome you back home next summer! ☀️🏕️💙✨

🔥🍫 Happy National S’mores Day! 🍫🔥 Is there anything better than a summer night at camp, a crackling campfire and a perfe...
08/10/2026

🔥🍫 Happy National S’mores Day! 🍫🔥

Is there anything better than a summer night at camp, a crackling campfire and a perfectly toasted marshmallow sandwiched between chocolate and graham crackers? We don't think so. 😋

Here at Camp Independence, s’mores are more than a tasty treat — they're part of the memories, laughter and friendships that make camp unforgettable.

Here's to gooey marshmallows, chocolatey fingers and campfire memories that last long after summer ends! 🏕️ Read more about it here. 💙 https://ow.ly/HV3450Zy8GP

Session 7 was one for the books! 💙🏕️We kicked off the week gathered around the campfire, roasting s'mores, sharing laugh...
08/10/2026

Session 7 was one for the books! 💙🏕️

We kicked off the week gathered around the campfire, roasting s'mores, sharing laughs, and making new friends—the perfect way to start another unforgettable session at Camp Independence.

From there, the adventures kept coming! Campers spent their days swimming, boating, fishing, testing their skills in archery, and creating beautiful nature art. One of the week's biggest highlights was welcoming back the amazing Mane in Heaven Therapy Horses, bringing smiles and special moments to campers and staff alike.

We wrapped up the week dancing the night away at our camp dance, celebrating the friendships, memories, and confidence that grew throughout the week.

Thank you to our incredible campers, families, and staff for making Session 7 so special. Every week at Camp Independence reminds us that the best memories are made together, and this one was no exception. Until next time! ☀️💙🐴🔥

A huge thank you to Mane in Heaven Therapy Horses for another wonderful visit to camp! 🐴❤️ Seeing the smiles on our camp...
08/07/2026

A huge thank you to Mane in Heaven Therapy Horses for another wonderful visit to camp! 🐴❤️ Seeing the smiles on our campers' faces as they met, brushed, and spent time with these incredible horses is something truly special. The comfort, confidence, and joy they bring make such a lasting impact, and we're so grateful to have them as part of the Camp Independence experience. We can't wait to welcome you back again next year!

Twist it, tie it, dye it... then wait for the magic! 🌈Our campers had a blast creating their own colorful masterpieces o...
08/07/2026

Twist it, tie it, dye it... then wait for the magic! 🌈Our campers had a blast creating their own colorful masterpieces on Tuesday. With plenty of laughs, a little bit of mess, and lots of imagination, Tie Dye Tuesday is always one of our favorite camp traditions. ✨ We can't wait to see all these bright creations once they're washed and ready to wear! 🎨

Fashion show? ✔️Talent show? ✔️Fishing? ✔️Boating? ✔️Pool time? ✔️Archery? ✔️Campfire? ✔️Tie-Dye? ✔️Sounds like an unfor...
07/26/2026

Fashion show? ✔️
Talent show? ✔️
Fishing? ✔️
Boating? ✔️
Pool time? ✔️
Archery? ✔️
Campfire? ✔️
Tie-Dye? ✔️

Sounds like an unforgettable Adult Week to us! 🎉

Last week was filled with laughter, new experiences, and memories made with friends. Thank you to all of our campers and staff for making it such a fun and meaningful week. We already can't wait for the next adventure! 💙🏕️

✨ What a week!Session 5 was packed with adventure, laughter, and unforgettable moments from start to finish. Every day b...
07/20/2026

✨ What a week!

Session 5 was packed with adventure, laughter, and unforgettable moments from start to finish. Every day brought new opportunities to learn, explore, and make memories with friends old and new.

Thank you to everyone who made this session so special. Your smiles, enthusiasm, and camp spirit are what make Camp Independence such an incredible place. 💙🏕️

💙 Visitor's Day is always a special one at Camp Independence!This week, we had the pleasure of welcoming our families, f...
07/19/2026

💙 Visitor's Day is always a special one at Camp Independence!

This week, we had the pleasure of welcoming our families, friends, and YMCA board members to camp. It was a wonderful opportunity to share the Camp Independence experience, play games together, and give our visitors a glimpse into the friendships, laughter, and memories that make camp so special.

Seeing our campers proudly show off everything they love about camp; from their favorite activities to the incredible community, they've found here made the day even more meaningful.

We're especially grateful to our YMCA board members and the many supporters in our community whose dedication, generosity, and belief in our mission help make Camp Independence possible. Your support allows us to continue creating life-changing experiences and unforgettable memories for every camper who walks through our gates.

Thank you to everyone who spent the day with us. We loved sharing our home away from home with you and can't wait to welcome you back again! 🌲💙

Address

32405 N. US Highway 12
Ingleside, IL
60041

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+18475468086

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