2022 Travel Plans

Getting all our campers and staff to and from camp is one of the most complex pieces we face each year. As we get ready for camp, we want to make sure the entire Camp Chi Family is on the same page for how travel will work this summer.

OVERALL TRAVEL UPDATES

Last year, we found that departing from one bus site made it easier for our staff, simpler for families, and better for arrivals at camp for our campers and staff. Therefore, we will only be utilizing one site for departures to camp.

On the bus, both on to and from camp, everyone will be required to wear a mask. As some campers may need a beverage or small snack to help with motion sickness, we are allowing only water bottles and small snacks. Campers may only remove their mask when eating or drinking.

TO CAMP

We are offering our campers three options to get camp this year: being dropped off, riding the bus, or taking a flight to Chicago O’Hare or Dane County Regional Airport.

Bussing

We will only utilize one central bus site for departure to camp- Old Orchard in Skokie. Similar to last summer, we will have multiple departures to camp, with roughly 90 minutes between departures. Campers will ride the bus with their cabinmates and others in their village.

Upon arrival at the bus site, families will see clear signage directing them to the parking area. There will then be multiple stations where families will check in, provide their proof of a negative COVID test from within 72 hours, drop off any approved medications not sent through Pack My Rx, and campers will undergo their first health screening. Campers will then be directed to their assigned bus.

Drop Off at Camp

Campers will be assigned a drop off window that corresponds to their village. Families with more than one camper can drop off both campers with their first camper, and that camper will be with staff in their village until the rest of their village arrives on the bus.

Instead of pulling into camp, we are working with the Crystal Grand Music Theatre to use their parking lot as a staging area. Families will be asked to arrive there in their check-in window and a staff member will provide directions. Once families are sent into camp, the camper will undergo their first health screening, a nurse will collect any approved medications not sent through Pack My Rx, and their bags will be sorted and taken to their village. Family members are asked to stay in their car the entire time. A bathroom for families will not be available.

Out of State Campers (Flights)

We are proud to serve campers from all over the country and world. This year we are proud to be able to once again offer airport pickup for campers coming from outside of the Midwest. Families who live in applicable areas will get an email in the Spring with more details and instructions.

Travel Information Form

On the Travel Information form, families will select either drop off, flight or bussing. Be sure to select your camper’s village departure on the travel form.

FROM CAMP

At the end of our sessions, we will utilize a similar travel plan as we have in the past.

Bussing

At the end of our 4-week sessions, we plan to offer 4 bus sites families can choose from for the way home: Buffalo Grove (Buffalo Grove High School), Northbrook (Glenbrook North High School), Skokie (Old Orchard Mall), and Chicago (DePaul College Prep). As some sites are bigger than others, the number of buses going to each site will vary. Campers will be assigned based on site selection to a bus with their village. Villages may be mixed depending on numbers.

We ask that only 1 adult per camper goes to the pickup site and arrive at least 30 minutes before buses are scheduled to arrive. Upon arrival, the parent/guardian picking up must check in at the clearly marked station to claim their pickup sticker. As in years past, bags will arrive before campers do and families are asked to claim their bags before getting their camper(s). The buses will be marked clearly, and families are asked to wait in the designated area, spaced out, until a staff member comes off the bus. The first thing the staff will do is empty the bays where sleeping bags, laundry bags, etc. are stowed. Then, the staff will return campers to their families one at a time. If an adult does not have an authorized pickup sticker, they will not be permitted to receive a camper. Families are asked to make sure they have all of their belongings before departing the bus site.

Pickup

Like other years, families wishing to pick their campers up will be given a window to do so before buses depart. Families will be asked to stay in their cars, complete the necessary paperwork, and our staff will help load luggage and return medications when campers are reunited with their families. A bathroom for families will not be available. Camp will remain closed to visitors and families throughout the entire summers, so we are not able to offer tours this summer.

Dane County Regional & O’Hare Airports (Flights)

As we have done in the past, we will transport campers taking flights to either Chicago O’Hare or Dane County Regional Airport (Madison). If a camper is flying as an unaccompanied minor and families have paid the applicable fees, we can escort the camper to their gate. If a camper is old enough to not be an unaccompanied minor, and families choose to not utilize that service, we will escort them to security, but we will not be able to go through security.