 We love hearing from our members about their camp programs, and one of the camps’ we wanted to highlight was Discovery Day Camp. I asked Co-Owners and Directors Sara Blumberg and Laura Harres to share about what makes their camp special. Read on below to learn more about this long-time accredited camp! Tell us a little about your camp.Discovery Day Camp is a summer day camp for girls and boys ages 4-14 located in Indian Creek, IL (the Vernon Hills/Mundelein area). Our camp community experiences Adventure, Creative and Performing Arts, Swimming, Team and Individual Sports, Special Events, and so much more! At the core of everything we do, Discovery is a place where campers and staff feel safe, comfortable, and happy. What are some things that are unique to your camp?The Owners/Directors of Discovery Day Camp are sisters, Sara and Laura. This makes Discovery both a family and female-owned and operated camp, which is a special and unique occurrence. We (Sara and Laura) are also moms of current campers, which lends another unique perspective to everything that we do. Additionally, Sara was a School Social Worker for 9 years and Laura is a licensed Architect. What is a typical day like for a camper?We spend basically our entire day outside! Everyone is also in the pool every single day. We are a well-rounded program where our campers enjoy a wide-variety of activities every week following a structured schedule. The emphasis in all activities is having fun while learning new skills. Campers also get to choose their activities one day each week (Choice Day) and then we spend another day each week enjoying theme-based activities (Special Event). How many staff and campers do you typically host in the summer? We typically have about 250 campers and 65 Staff. Discovery Day Camp is truly a community. Our size allows the staff to know each other and every camper by name. It always provides us with the opportunity to get to know everyone who steps through our gates like a family. What is the philosophy of your camp?Discovery Day Camp has been providing a fantastic experience for campers since 1984. Our focus is creating an environment in which campers have fun while growing as individuals and as members of a group through participation in a wide variety of activities. Through the wide array of activities, events, and field trips offered, our program focuses on skill development, team building, sportsmanship, and an appreciation of the outdoors. Campers explore, learn, and grow while surrounded by encouragement, friendship, and acceptance. Our priority is making sure campers and staff feel safe, comfortable, and happy! How long has your camp been with ACA Illinois?Sara and Laura took over ownership of Discovery Day Camp in 2016. They have been active members of ACA Illinois and continue to maintain accreditation by the ACA. Laura was recommended to the ACA Illinois Board of Directors for 2021! Discovery Day Camp’s membership began in 2000. Why do you choose accreditation?ACA Accreditation serves as an assurance to families and staff that our camp cares enough to submit to a transparent, thorough review of our entire operation. Our goal is to provide families and staff with as much information about our camp, to reassure your choice in a camp. Our voluntary participation in the professional development and accreditation process of the American Camp Association demonstrates our commitment to providing you and your camper with the best possible camp experience. Thanks for sharing about your program with us!Thank you again for providing us with this fun and exciting opportunity to showcase Discovery! Click here to join ACA Illinois as a camp member or to find out more about the Accreditation Program. If you would like to be featured in our Camp/Volunteer Spotlight contact Allie Boyaris.
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