2023  Camp  Referral  program  now  Closed.

The Camp Referral Program for Summer 2023 has closed. Referrals for the 2024 camp season will open next spring, so we encourage you to check back then. If you'd like to sign up for our Referral Program reminder email next spring, click here. 

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what  is  the  dfi  title  XX  program?

The DFI Title XX Camping Services Program works to break the cycle of poverty by providing camp opportunities to Illinois youth from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

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how  does  the  program  work?

​The American Camp Association, Illinois (ACA Illinois) is contracted with the State of Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and purchases the camp services for eligible campers from local day and resident camps. IDHS and camps/agencies provide a "funding match", greatly subsidizing the actual cost of camp to campers and the American Camp Association (ACA), Illinois. 

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cost  &  camper  eligibility

Campers and their families are not charged for any of camp services funded under DFI Title XX Program; including deposits, transportation, spending money, T-shirts, craft items, horseback riding, field trips, etc. ​

Campers receiving funding through the DFI Title XX Program must reside in the state of Illinois and qualify for one of the following:

1. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF),
   
2. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or
   
3. Medicaid. 

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camp  eligibility  requirements  to  participate

ACA Illinois determines camp/agency eligibility in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Human Services. To ensure eligibility, each camp is required to complete an intensive application process in order to provide safe and quality youth-driven programs. ​

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questions?

For questions about our Camp Referral Process, you can contact us at findacamp@acail.org.

The following resources may also be helpful in answering questions you have about the Camp Referral Program and Process:

Impact Report, 2021

Impact Report, 2020