YMCA Camp Independence is a camp on Fish Lake in northern Illinois, run by the YMCA of Metro Chicago specifically for campers with spina bifida. Youth sessions serve ages 7-13, teen sessions ages 14-19, and adult sessions ages 20 and up, with campfires, boating, arts and crafts, swimming and other traditional camp activities adapted to campers' needs and built around self-reliance and self-care. The camp is accredited by the American Camp Association and a health officer lives on site around the clock during overnight sessions.
Camps
| Camp | Dates | Ages | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Overnight Camp | Session 2: Teen Overnight CampRegister → | Jun 21 – Jun 26, 2026 | 14–19 | $1850 | Past season |
| 2026 Overnight Camp | Session 3: Youth Overnight CampRegister → | Jun 28 – Jul 1, 2026 | 7–13 | $900 | Past season |
| 2026 Overnight Camp | Session 4: Teen Overnight CampRegister → | See website → | 14–19 | $1850 | Past season |
The practical details
- Ages
- Ages 7–19
- Environment
- Indoor/Outdoor
- Operator
- YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago · YMCA
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 YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago directly before you register or pay.
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Accreditations & licensing
As stated by the camp or listed in the accrediting organization's directory — confirm current status with the accreditor.
Google Reviews
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★★★★★Lucha MorenoI was very happy to send my Son Giovani to Camp. The personnel were very friendly and very helpful with our loved ones they took into their responsibility with love like if they were their own
★★★★★Ralph AtansuyiGreat place to be (my son).
★★★★★Bruce BartonWe do a camp quality cancer Camp there fantastic facilities clean and kept up good
★★★★★Atlas DooleyLove this place. The staff are amazing. Lili did an amazing job last summer!
★★★★★Pete Horvath