Banner Day Camp logo

Banner Day Camp

★★★★ 4.4109 reviewsLake Forest, IL

Private

A premier private summer day camp in Lake Forest (founded 1964) for children ages 3-14, set on a 55-acre property with oak woodlands and a natural lake with beachfront. Programs are tiered—Banner Beginnings for preschoolers, Junior Camp, and Senior Camp—with daily swim instruction, sports, fine and performing arts, and adventure programming led by specialists. Door-to-door bus transportation is included, with a low 1:3-4 staff-to-camper ratio.

The practical details

Environment
Indoor/Outdoor
Operator
Private
Before you register

We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact Banner Day Camp directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.

Camps nearby

Accreditations & licensing

ACA Accredited logo
ACA Accredited
Meets the American Camp Association's health, safety, and program standards, reviewed on a recurring accreditation cycle.

As stated by the camp or listed in the accrediting organization's directory — confirm current status with the accreditor.

Google Reviews

Powered by Google
See all reviews on Google →
★★★★★Robyn Boumstein

Banner Day Camp is absolutely fantastic! The staff is warm, energetic, and truly cares about every camper. The activities are top-notch, the communication is great, and both my kids come home happy, confident, and excited every day. Highly recommend! Now they have become part of the summer staff.

★★★★★Erica Faulhaber

Banner Day Camp is truly an extraordinary place. It’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I was a camper, a staff member, and now my own children spend their summers at Banner. Watching them experience the same joy, confidence, and sense of belonging that I did is incredibly special. The staff at Banner go above and beyond to make every camper feel seen, supported, and celebrated. The programming is intentional and creative. From swim lessons and outdoor adventures to music, arts, and team-building games, everything is designed to help kids grow socially and emotionally while having the time of their lives. What makes Banner so unique is the culture. It’s positive, inclusive, and filled with genuine warmth. The Leadership Team truly cares about every child and every staff member, and it shows in every detail of camp life. Banner has shaped who I am and continues to shape my kids in the best ways possible. It’s not just a camp — it’s a family, a tradition, and a home away from home.

★★★★★Dana Harf

There is nowhere like Banner! Truly! And I can say that as someone who went to camp there growing up and now sends my 3 kids, who are 10, 8, and 4, there! Not only are the grounds gorgeous but the staff are all incredible and the activities they offer are unmatched. It's safe to say that we are just a little (ok, maybe a lot) Banner obsessed! It's worth every investment for our kids to go there!!

★★★★★Ellen Stern

All three of my sons have gone to Banner Day Camp since they were very little, and it has truly been one of the most special parts of their childhood. They look forward to Banner all year long and have the most incredible summers there. The counselors and directors are beyond kind, loving, and caring—you can feel how much they genuinely care about each child. I have always been so impressed with the communication between the counselors, directors and parents at Banner. They are proactive, and make sure we are always informed, which creates such a strong sense of trust. The variety of activities offered is unmatched by any other camp in the area, and each of my kids has discovered new interests and skills along the way. One of the biggest gifts Banner has given our family is swimming—each of my boys became phenomenal swimmers thanks to the amazing instruction. We are so grateful to Banner for creating such a fun, safe, and nurturing place. It’s truly a second home for our kids, and we can’t recommend it highly enough!

★★★★★Wendy Weingarten

I am so grateful for what Banner Day Camp has done for my child. She went to camp as a 3 year old for the first time. She became extremely confident. She would tell me daily how much fun she had. Her swimming skills progressed more in the 8 weeks at Banner than at her swim school in two years. This camp is more than a 10/10!

Price not listedVisit camp website