Inclusive Outdoor Experiences: Medical Camps at YMCA Camp Duncan

Located just an hour northwest of Chicago, YMCA Camp Duncan has long been a trusted destination for outdoor adventure and community building.  

Beyond traditional summer camp programs, Camp Duncan hosts a variety of medical camps year-round that provide safe, inclusive, and transformative experiences for children, teens, and adults with specialized health needs. Our facilities, staff, and medical partnerships make us uniquely equipped to host specialized medical camps year-round. 

“Our medical camps represent the very best of Camp Duncan where safety, dignity, accessibility, and joy come together to create life-changing experiences,” said Jason Kuffel, Executive Director, YMCA Camp Duncan. “What inspires me most is watching children, teens, and adults with complex medical needs step into a community where they are seen, supported, and free to simply be campers.” 

Camp Duncan currently hosts CAMP – A FASD Community, Camp I Am Me, Camp Triangle Adventure, Camp Quality, Hope Loves Company, Kidney Camp, and Tourette Syndrome Camp USA. Learn more about our current medical camp offerings by visiting the YMCA Camp Duncan Camp Offerings webpage.  

By hosting your medical camp at YMCA Camp Duncan, you’ll join a growing network of organizations committed to transforming lives through outdoor experiences. 

Whether your organization serves children with chronic illnesses, adults with disabilities, or families navigating complex medical needs, Camp Duncan offers: 

• Accredited facilities with a health center, trained staff, and 24/7 medical support.  
• Accessible programming designed to ensure safety and dignity for all campers. 
• Collaborative partnerships that integrate medical expertise with the joy of camp. 
• A welcoming environment where campers are celebrated for who they are. 

“As we look to the future, I’m excited to expand our medical partnerships, strengthen accessibility across camp,” said Kuffel. “We plan to continue shaping Camp Duncan into a year-round center for innovative, inclusive outdoor adventure where every camper can grow with confidence and belonging.” 

If your organization is interested in partnering with YMCA Camp Duncan to host a medical camp, we invite you to connect with us today. Email [email protected] or call us at 847-546-8086 to learn more. 

Together, we can expand opportunities for campers of all ages and abilities to discover confidence, community, and joy.