Opening the Outdoors: Partnership between YMCA Community Schools Initiative and YMCA Camp MacLean Transforms Summer for Chicago Youth

For many families, Overnight Camp is considered a luxury - an enriching but often inaccessible experience due to its cost and logistics. With camp tuition averaging $1,000 per week (not including gear), this type of opportunity is out of reach for many low-income households. Thanks to a powerful and long-standing partnership between the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago’s Community Schools Initiative (CSI) and YMCA Camp MacLean, that distance is bridged one experience at a time. 

Each summer, generous donors and a Y-USA Strategic Initiative Grant make it possible for 25 to 30 youth from CSI schools, most of whom come from historically marginalized communities, to attend a full week of Overnight Camp at YMCA Camp MacLean. For many of these youth, this opportunity is their first experience venturing out of the city to connect with nature, try new activities, and build lasting friendships. 

Overnight Camp isn’t just about having fun; it’s a powerful tool for youth, teen, and even adult development, offering time away from screens and the pressures of everyday life while promoting independence, resilience, and healthy living. It’s a place that demonstrates the power of play and how new dreams can take root. 

“The gratitude the CSI team has for our generous donors and the amazing team at Camp MacLean, led by Jeff Tremmel and Rona Roffey, is hard to adequately express,” said Eric Werge, Executive Director of CSI. “Together, they’ve made it possible for our students to experience the wonders and joys of Overnight Camp — an experience that traditionally hasn’t been accessible for many of the families we serve. The impact is truly life-changing, and we see that in how eager our kids are to return summer after summer.” 

Camp MacLean’s Executive Director Jeff Tremmel echoed the importance of sustained collaboration. “This partnership is a simple idea by design,” Tremmel said. “But without consistent, caring leadership, it wouldn’t succeed. The dedication of Eric Werge, Gerald Walton, Antwon Mallory, and the entire CSI team has made it possible for young people to access this life-changing experience.” 

The trust that CSI and Camp MacLean staff have built with families over the years has played a crucial role in the program’s success. Parents feel confident that their children are safe, supported, and given an experience that many have never thought possible. 

“This partnership didn’t happen overnight. It’s a reflection of the strong relationships and shared mission at the heart of CSI and Camp MacLean,” Tremmel said. “When you have selfless collaboration between caring, dedicated professionals, the impact on youth and families is immeasurable,” added Eric Werge. 

As we look ahead to another season of summer adventures, we’re reminded that creating access isn’t just about providing a spot at camp; it’s about removing systemic barriers, fostering belonging, and investing in the potential of every child.  

Thanks to everyone who makes this work possible, from our dedicated staff to our generous donors. Together, we’re giving more youth the chance to explore, grow, and thrive in the woods and beyond. 

If you’re interested in CSI, we’d love to hear from you! Please email Community Schools Initiative Executive Director Eric Werge. You can learn more about Camp MacLean via our camp webpage.