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. This has been accomplished through innovative, value-based programming supervised by experienced and caring staff members in a wonderful natural setting. Summer camp is what we do and summer camp is who we are. 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. YMCA CAMP BENSON MISSION 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. OUR GOALS To create an inclusive community where campers are respectful and mindful of one another To have fun in a safe and friendly environment To instill courage, confidence, and character in all of our campers To encourage an appreciation and awareness of the natural environment OUR YMCA CORE VALUES Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, Dedication and Inclusiveness are the six core values that serve as the foundation of everything we do here at YCB. These are the character values we strive to instill in our campers and staff through intentional programming and relationship building.