Resource Directory /

Recreation and Inclusion Resources

  • C.I.T.Y. of Support

    Children in Therapy and You (C.I.T.Y.) of Support is an online and in-person community that supports all families navigating the needs of their child in therapy, regardless of diagnosis, age, therapeutic needs or overall situation. Information, resources and events are available online.

    C.I.T.Y. of Support includes members from all across Chicagoland. Local leaders help coordinate on-site events and opportunities within specific geographic regions. C.I.T.Y. programs include:

    • In-person and online events and classes
    • Celebrations and inclusive playgroups
    • NICU welcome kits
    • GENERO-C.I.T.Y. Toy Shop

    C.I.T.Y. of Support also sponsored the creation of the Accessibility Support Collection at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library. Children in therapy and their caregivers may borrow therapeutic toys/tools/print materials from the library to explore at home.

  • Camp Big Sky in West Central Illinois

    Camp Big Sky provides accessible cabins and recreational opportunities for children and adults with developmental, physical, cognitive, sensory, and age-related disabilities. Located in northern Fulton County, Camp Big Sky offers three distinct and totally accessible activity areas with two lakes and a campground.

    Daytime activities are free for people of all ages with a disability and their families, friends and caregivers. Overnight camping in cabins and tents is available for a nominal fee. Groups of campers are also welcome. Reservations are required for all visits.

    See the Camp Big Sky fact sheet for more details.

  • Camp Erin Grief Support Online

    Eluna’s Camp Erin Online provides an intentional space for children and their families to connect, find support and remember the people in their lives who have died. Camp Erin Online focuses on helping families find meaningful support as they move through grief using creative outlets such as:

    • Painting
    • Music
    • Mindfulness
    • Movement
    • Photography

    To attend Camp Erin Online events and programs, fill out an application online.

  • Camp Erin Overnight Grief Camp

    Camp Erin Chicago is part of a national bereavement program for youth grieving the death of a significant person in their lives.  Free of charge for all families, Camp Erin combines traditional, fun camp activities with grief education and emotional support for children and teens ages 6 to 17 years old.

    ​Camp Erin Chicago takes place in Delavan, Wisc., in July. Registration usually opens in December for the following summer. ​If you are interested in enrolling your child or family in Camp Erin, please email Camp Director Bryan Heidel at bheidel@nush.org, or call (773) 569.9553.

  • Camp Hope Illinois in Lake Forest

    Camp Hope is an overnight summer camp for Chicago-area teenagers and young adults with developmental disabilities. Campers ages 15 to 30 have a one-on-one buddy providing care and participate in activities adapted to their unique needs. Campers experience five fun days filled with friendships and activities, including swimming, dancing, arts and crafts, adaptive sports, cookouts and more. Camp registration typically opens in December of each year. Space is limited.

    Check out Camp Hope’s Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more. You can also contact camphopeillinois@gmail.com for more details.

  • Camp New Hope

    Camp New Hope offers year-round recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities ages 8 and older. Camp New Hope is accessible to all and located on 41 rolling acres on the shores of Lake Mattoon. Year-round programming includes summer camp, respite weekends, bowling and parties.

  • Camp Sunshine for Children with Life-Threatening Illnesses and Their Families in Maine

    Camp Sunshine helps children with life-threatening illnesses and their families find hope, community and a safe space for recharging together. Located in Maine, the camp offers medical support and free, year-round camping sessions for children ages 21 and under, their siblings, parents and caregivers. Campers come from all over the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world. Bereavement sessions are also available for families who have experienced the death of a child from a supported illness.

    Camp Sunshine offers sessions of varying lengths throughout the year. Supported conditions and diagnoses include:

    • A brain tumor, cancer and retinoblastoma
    • Kidney disease
    • Sickle cell disease
    • Hematologic conditions
    • Phenylketonuria (PKU) and more

  • Challenged Athletes Foundation

    The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) believes that involvement in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life. CAF provides several grant programs, events and support to people with physical challenges who are pursuing active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. CAF resources include:

    • Grants to help pay for sports prostheses, adaptive sports equipment, coaching and competition expenses
    • Adaptive sports videos
    • A list of adaptive sports organizations and collegiate programs
    • Information about adaptive sports equipment

  • Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation

    The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by advancing innovative research and improving quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis.

    The website includes:

  • Creative Healing for Youth in Pain

    Creative Healing for Youth in Pain (CHYP) is a nonprofit organization serving youth between the ages of 13 and 24 who are experiencing pain, feelings of isolation and loneliness. CHYP provides educational resources, peer connection and exposure to creative healing experiences to help bridge the gap between common healthcare barriers such as cost, geographic location and long wait times for appointments. Resources are available for both youth and their parents.

    CHYP resources include:

    • Information on the science of pain
    • Strategies for breaking the pain cycle
    • On-demand webinars for youth and parents
    • Monthly open Zoom meetings for youth (ages 13 to 24)
    • Small group and Zoom meetings for parents
    • Summer camp