Shady Oaks has a 5 day, day camp program that runs June 22nd to June 26th. We also have an 8 week residential program for people with disabilities ages 5 and up starting June 29th. Summer is split up into 4 sessions. Campers who attend more then one session must go home every other weekend to accommodate staff days off. Cost for residential camp is approx. $3500.00 per session (cost goes down if camper comes for multiple sessions). All attendees must become members of the Parents Association. Cost can be reduced by participation in camp fundraisers. Cost for the day camp is $350.00.

Financial Assistance Available

Scholarships through a local foundation may be available to families who become active in the Parents Association.

Our chef prepares 3 meals a day for campers and staff. Dining hall is set up buffet style so campers and staff can choose their own food. Food prepared is not allergy free. When at all possible chef will prepare other options but this can not always be guaranteed.

In the 1940's there were little or no services available for people with disabilities. Seeing this, a group of dedicated parents of children with Cerebral Palsy came together to form The Parents Association for Cerebral Palsy Children Inc. The Association purchased 30+ acres of land in Homer Township, Illinois in the hopes of building a summer camp which specifically served people with CP and similar disabilities. In 1947 this dream came to light with the opening of Shady Oaks Camp for Individuals with Cerebral Palsy. For the past 73 years, the dream of a few caring parents has survived through Shady Oaks. In recent years the group has grown to not only accept children with Cerebral Palsy but all disabilities.

Shady Oaks Camp is a not for profit organization which is dedicated to the welfare of individuals with disabilities. It is a inter-racial, non-denominational, charitable organization chartered by the State of Illinois.

The operation of Shady Oaks costs approx. $400,000 per year, with most of the expenses incurred during the eight week camp period. This cost does not include improvements and maintenance to the buildings, electrical and plumbing, and grounds work. The cost of these repairs varies from year to year.

Because the Shady Oaks Camp is a not for profit, private organization the money to run camp must be raised by the parents. Many fundraisers are conducted throughout the year to help bring in money. These fundraisers include raffles, dinner dance, tag days, Poker games and our annual SOB Motorcycle run. Beside fundraisers, the parents receive cash donations from various supporting organizations.

To be a member of the Parents Association, dues of $50.00 must be paid between September 1st and December 31st. After December 31st, dues are increased to $100.00. Dues must be paid in order to hold an office, serve on the Board of Directors, or to obtain camp time for your child. The cost of sending a child to camp depends on the number of weeks requested and the amount of fundraising done.