YMCA Camp Duncan
Shady Oaks Camp
- Coed
- Ages 8-18
- Disability
Primarily serves campers with: All Disabilities
Overview
The mission of Shady Oaks Camp for People with Disabilities is to provide people of all ages and backgrounds, who have a disability, the same recreational opportunities that their peers without disabilities enjoy in a summer camp setting. We believe camp provides an opportunity for personal growth, increased self-esteem and social skills building. We strive to create a space for our campers that promotes safety, independence, supportive care and attention based on the individual’s needs and goals.
At Shady Oaks, every summer since 1947, campers enjoy 2 to 8 weeks of field trips, movies, swimming, campfires, song fests, handicrafts, talent shows, parties, and special adapted games. The minimum age for attendance is 8 years with no maximum age for campers. The level of disability ranges from minimal in some cases to severe and profound in others. Care is designed around the needs of each camper.
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Disability-centered camp for: Developmental Disabilities, Medical Needs, Physical Disabilities
Unique Features
- Our goal is to enrich the lives of their children by creating an environment where they can enjoy outdoor activities, shared friendships and the discovery of new interests.
- Shady Oaks is an inter-racial, non-denominational, gender neutral, charitable not-for-profit 501c3 organization chartered by the State of Illinois in 1942.
- Programs at the camp include planned recreation, games, arts & crafts, and swimming. All are adapted to fit the needs of each individual camper.
- Field trips to entertainment areas and cultural centers, enabling campers to join in the everyday activities of living in the mainstream of life.
- We accept campers not only from Illinois, but from all over the United States and other countries.
Activities
Dates & Rates
2026 Season:
- Camp Season June 16 - August 08
- Session Lengths 2, 4, 6, 8 weeks
- Cost $1,100 - $2,200 /week
Financial Offers:
- Tiered/sliding scale tutition: No
- Financial assistance: No
- Special discounts: No
Accommodations
Bunks
- Type: Cabins
- Not open air
- Electricity/lights
- Air conditioning
- No separate bathhouse
- Showers attached
- Toilets attached
Health
- Staff not certified in First Aid /CPR
- No doctor onsite
- Nurse onsite
- 24/7 medical staff
- Health Center
Dietary Needs
- No food allergy options
- No gluten free option
- No kosher
- Not peanut free
- Not tree nut-free
- No vegan option
- No vegetarian option
International Campers
- Does not enroll non-US campers
Welcome Message
Scott, Executive Direector since 1999
Scott will be returning to camp for his 30th summer. He started out as a counselor in 1992 and returned to camp every summer until he graduated with a Bachelors degree in education with a emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation from Southern Illinois University in 1997. In 1999, Scott was hired as Executive Director of Shady Oaks Camp and currently holds this position.
