Cabins — modern facilities built 2011–2012 with AC
YMCA Camp Benson is proud to offer modern and comfortable overnight summer camp facilities. All of our Camper Cabins were built in 2011 and 2012. These cabins were designed to provide a high-quality overnight summer camp experience while maintaining a rustic camp feel. Each cabin houses between 8-12 campers, 1 Teen Leader (aka SDP) and at least 1 staff member. Mattress sizes in the cabin are standard twin mattresses. Camper cabins are all equipped with air-conditioning.
16355 Scenic Palisades Rd., Mt. Carroll Historic District, IL 61053
Camp type
Overnight camp
Cabins
Each cabin houses 8–12 campers, 1 Teen Leader (SDP) and at least 1 staff member. Cabins built 2011–2012, air-conditioned, standard twin mattresses.
Ages
6–17
Activities
More activities
swimming (pool)
Clues to fit
Community — special community since 1928
Here at YMCA Camp Benson campers have been given the opportunity to create a very special community focused on friendship, acceptance, self-discovery and independence since 1928.
"As a first-time camp parent I was really nervous about leaving my daughter, but everyone was really helpful and made my daughter feel welcomed." — Camper Parent
Camp history and setting — 95+ summers on 113 acres
For more than 95 summers, YMCA Camp Benson has provided engaging, positive and life changing overnight summer camp programs for boys and girls ages 6-17. YMCA Camp Benson's 113-acre campus has been home to countless friendships, life lessons and summertime memories for generations of campers, earning YCB a reputation as one of the premier overnight summer camps in Illinois.
At YMCA Camp Benson we truly believe in the potential of every child. Our mission is to build stronger campers by creating opportunities in the outdoors for personal growth and character development. YMCA Camp Benson's summer camp program is designed to help campers discover who they are, who they want to be, and then — with the support of our nurturing staff — build the confidence and character to actually become that person.
Every child deserves an overnight summer camp experience. As a non-profit dedicated to youth development, YMCA Camp Benson wants the overnight summer camp experience to be available to everyone. We understand that some families may still need additional assistance to help their children attend summer camp. Our Camp Scholarship program provides scholarships towards both Member and Non Member prices. This confidential Camp Scholarship allows numerous children, who would otherwise not be able to attend, to experience all that YMCA Camp Benson has to offer.
Food — peanut-free dining hall with vegetarian and gluten-free options
At YMCA Camp Benson it is our goal to serve healthy, balanced and kid-friendly meals. Each meal is served family style, where we focus on a sense of community and fellowship. Campers are responsible for helping set the tables and cleaning up after themselves. YMCA Camp Benson's Dining Hall is a peanut free facility offering vegetarian and gluten free meals for campers with dietary restrictions. We have fresh fruits and other snacks available throughout the day for our campers and staff.
Health & medical — Wellness Center staffed 24 hours
YMCA Camp Benson has a Wellness Center that is staffed by our Camp Health Supervisor 24 hours a day. Our Camp Health Supervisor takes care of all camper medical needs, including medication management. All camper medication must be checked in with our medical staff during Check-in. The camper Health History Form must be completed two weeks prior to the start of your camper's session.
Parent communication — one-way emails via Camp-In-Touch
We want all of our parents and guardians to feel connected with their camper while they are at YMCA Camp Benson. The Communications Dashboard in your Camp-In-Touch account allows you to do just that. Through the Communications Dashboard you are able to send one way emails to your camper. The one-way emails are printed daily and delivered to the cabins every afternoon.
QUEST is an opportunity for individual cabins to grow closer together as a cabin group. Cabins use this time to focus on Camp Benson's Core Values and get to know each other better. Examples of QUEST activities include cabin trust hikes, games and story telling or writing a skit for the Staff & Camper Show on Wednesdays and much more.
