IMG_0264.JPG

Camper Information

2026 Camper Application

Deadline January 15, 2026

Session 1:  July 19 - July 24, 2026

Session 2:  July 26 - July 31, 2026

Important Camper Information:

  • Location: Camp Hope is an overnight recreational camp held at Camp Red Leaf, located on the grounds of Camp Nageela Midwest in Ingleside, IL (formerly known as Camp Henry Horner).

  • One-on-One Support: Campers are paired with a student Buddy, and together they stay on-site Sunday evening through Friday afternoon. 

  • Activities: Camp fun includes outdoor adventures, lake and pool swimming, live entertainment, music, crafts, sports, evening campfires, a costume dance party, a talent show, and much more!  

  • Tuition is $500 per camper. Although our actual cost per camper exceeds $2,500, generous donations from Camp Hope's supporters enable us to maintain a reasonable tuition fee.

  • 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 Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines.

  • 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 please consider these factors in relation to your child’s personality: the Camp Hope experience involves predominantly outdoor and large group activities, dorm-style sleeping quarters, shared bathrooms, and a cafeteria-style setting for meals. It is group-oriented and can be loud at times. 

  • Capacity and Acceptances: Camp Hope has limited capacity, and an application does not guarantee a spot. Camp Hope carefully considers each applicant, assessing whether our high school and college-aged volunteer base can meet their unique needs. 

  • Questions? For more information, please contact Laura Fuhrman at chadmin@camphopeillinois.org or call 312-401-4673.

Multi-Step Application Process:

All steps must be completed by January 15, 2026. Due to the high volume of applicants, incomplete applications will not be considered. No exceptions.

Step 1 - Camper Application - complete online HERE

Step 2 - Camper Participation Affidavit - complete online HERE

Step 3 - Health Insurance Card - Email scans or photos of the front and back of the applicant’s card(s) to chadmin@camphopeillinois.org. Clear cell phone photos are fine.

Step 4 - Camp Tuition - Mail $500 check, payable to Camp Hope: Camp Hope, P.O. Box 687, Lake Forest, IL 60045

  • Checks will be held until acceptances are determined. Checks for waitlisted applicants will be returned by mail after March 15, 2026. 

  • Financial assistance may be available if the tuition cost is prohibitive for your family. Click HERE to download and print the Financial Assistance Application form. The form must be mailed and received by Camp Hope by January 15, 2026.


Step 5 - Applicant Photo: New applicants only -  Email a photo of the applicant to CHadmin@camphopeillinois.org. A clear cell phone picture is fine. Returning camper applicants do not need to send a photo.

Acceptance Process:

All complete applications will be reviewed and acceptances will be determined based on compatibility and available spots. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

  • NOTIFICATION - Applicants will be notified of acceptance or waitlist status by March 15, 2026. 

  • ACCEPTANCE REQUIREMENT - Accepted Applicants must mail the following by May 30, 2026:

  1. 2026 Camp Hope Physician Statement - click HERE to download and print

  2. Immunization Records: 

  • Give the Physician Statement form to the Camper's doctor for completion.

  • Be sure they include immunization records as well.

  • Camper’s medical exam must be within 1 year prior to their 2026 camp session.

  • Mail the Physician Statement form and immunization records to: Camp Hope, P.O. Box 687, Lake Forest, IL 60045. 

  • Deadline is May 30, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted without prior approval and will result in the revocation of the acceptance.

  • Medical forms from other camps or organizations will not be accepted. 

  • Older versions of the Camp Hope Physician Statement will not be accepted. You must use the 2026 version.

Please contact Laura Fuhrman with any questions: CHadmin@camphopeillinois.org  or 312-401-4673.

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 Camp Hope. 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.