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About Us

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Day Camp and Programs

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Get Involved

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Families

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For Staff

Contact Us
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2026 Camp Dates

June 15 – August 5

Giving children with cancer and their siblings a safe place to explore, make friends, and have fun—where every day is the best day ever!
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Who We Are

Sunrise Day Camp–Chicago, a program of JCC Chicago, brings the simple pleasures of childhood back to children with cancer and their siblings. Camp activities can be adapted to suit individual campers’ abilities—and we provide medical support, transportation, snacks, and more. Compassionate counselors, medical professionals, mental health professionals, and others support campers where they are.

Sunrise Day Camp–Chicago is 100% free for families

Sunrise Day Camp-Chicago is a proud member of the Sunrise Association, whose mission is to bring back the joys of childhood to children with cancer and their siblings worldwide. Sunrise accomplishes this through the creation and oversight of welcoming, inclusive summer day camps, year-round programs and in-hospital recreational activities, all offered free of charge.

Where Children with Cancer and their Siblings Can Just Be Kids

 Summer Day Camp

Sunrise Day Camp–Chicago for children with cancer and their siblings ages 3-1/2 to 16, is offered free of charge and includes medical support, transportation, and activities adapted for each child.

Learn More
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SunriseVX Virtual Camp

SunriseVX provides the camp experience through live and interactive sessions throughout the year for children who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend an in-person camp.

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Sunrise on Wheels

An innovative program that brings the fun of camp to children awaiting and undergoing treatment at participating hospitals. Siblings and families are welcome and encouraged to participate.

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Wheels Up!

This interactive video-based program for children and teens features travel, arts and games for children in the hospital, and that can be found on YouTube for viewing at home.

Watch Now

Spreading Joy to Families Facing Cancer

Since 2022, we have brought joy to over 500 kids with cancer and their siblings across Chicagoland. Check out our impact from our last camp season.

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of parents said their child’s confidence increased

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of parents said camp helped their child cope with cancer

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of parents said their child became more independent

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children had fun at Sunrise Day Camp-Chicago since 2023

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patients participated in our Sunrise on Wheels since 2023

Impact in Every Gift

Every dollar you give supports local children and families facing pediatric cancer. Thank you for your generosity!

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supplies a camper with a camp t-shirt and backpack

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sponsors one day of camp per child

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sponsors a set of Activity Bags for Sunrise on Wheels

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covers one week of daily popsicle treats for all campers
Donate

View Our Camp Video

2026 Camp Dates

June 15 – August 5

Siblings Welcome

Free transportation on staffed, air-conditioned buses

Medical Support

“The best thing about camp this summer was the abundance of joy and anticipation that all of my children experienced every day!”

– Sunrise Day Camp-Chicago Parent

Sunrise Day Camp-Chicago

23280 N. Old McHenry Road
Lake Zurich, IL 60047

General Inquiries

224.633.1975lcohenlavin@jccchicago.org

Sunrise Day Camp – Chicago is a partnership between JCC Chicago and Sunrise Association. Learn more about these organizations.