Camper Information

Camp Hope 2025

Session 1:  July 20-July 25, 2025

Session 2:  July 27-August 1, 2025

We are excited for Camp Hope 2025! Our camp will be held at Camp Red Leaf located on the grounds of Camp Nageela Midwest in Ingleside, IL. Campers are paired one-on-one with a Buddy, and together, they stay on-site Sunday evening through Friday afternoon. Camp activities include outdoor adventures, swimming, entertainment, music, evening campfires, a costume dance party, a talent show, and much more!  

New Applicants, please read: Are you wondering if Camp Hope is a good fit for your child? We want our campers to succeed and enjoy camp so here are some factors to consider: Camp Hope is an overnight recreational camp involving large group activities, dorm-style sleeping quarters, shared bathrooms, a cafeteria setting for meals, and mostly outdoor activities. It is group-oriented and can be loud at times. Because Camp Hope is a volunteer-run organization, we carefully consider each application and assess what unique needs we can accommodate with our high school and college-aged volunteer base. Please note we have a limited capacity and an application does not guarantee a spot. To discuss your child’s compatibility or for more information, please contact Laura Fuhrman at chadmin@camphopeillinois.org.

ELIGIBILITY - Camper applicants must meet the following qualifications to be considered:

1. Reside in their family home throughout the year 

2. Age 15-30

3. Have a medically diagnosed developmental disability

4. Have up-to-date immunizations per the State of Illinois guidelines

Application Process

The deadline for all steps is January 15, 2025. 

Step 1:

Complete the online Camper Application HERE

Step 2:

Complete the online Camper Participation Affidavit HERE

Step 3:

New Applicants Only: Email a photo of the camper applicant to chadmin@camphopeillinois.org  (a clear cell phone picture is fine)

Acceptance Process

Applicants will be notified of acceptance or waitlist status by March 15, 2025. 

If notified of acceptance, you will be required to submit the following:

1. $500 Registration Fee (due upon notification of acceptance).

2. Copy of the front and back of the applicant’s medical insurance card  (due upon notification of acceptance, email to CHadmin@CampHopeIllinois.org ).

3. Completed 2025 Camp Hope Physician Statement* and immunization records (due by May 30, 2025). Click HERE to download and print the form. Give it to the Camper's physician for completion, then mail the form and immunization records to Camp Hope, P.O. Box 687, Lake Forest, IL 60045. Please do not send via email.

*Medical forms from other camps or organizations will not be accepted. The Camp Hope Physician’s Statement form is mandatory as it documents the following requirements:

1. Date of Camper’s medical physical within one year prior to their 2025 camp session

2. The physician’s agreement that the applicant is safely able to attend our camp 

3. The Camper’s up-to-date immunizations (per State of IL guidelines)

Camp Hope is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all campers and volunteers. All decisions regarding camp administration and admission are at the sole discretion of the Camp Hope organization. In addition, the Camp Hope organization has the right to change, adapt, and otherwise modify any stated eligibility or requirements for camp as health and government authorities, camp host site, and/or Camp Hope Board leadership deem appropriate.