JCC Elaine Frank Apachi Day Camp

This is about the facility itself than the camp. My kids and I went her for a JCC event in October. The event and the facility itself are amazing. I have gotten to know Lawrence over the past two years through the second friday events and he does an amazing job.
This particular event was for sukkot and included arts and crafts, hayrides, a chance to put the crafts in their sukkah, a petting zoo and live music.
EFA is a great venue. The site is extensive and gave plenty of room for all of these activities to co exist. Because its in LZ, the hayride almost felt like being on a farm,
Without a doubt the highlight of the day with the Garoon Gateway to Science.
Its an amazing experience. Its hands on and outside. Both of which are important for learning. Chicago is definitely bereft of hands on museums and the Garoon definitely is.
According to the website for Garoon it says.
«In this state-​of-​the-​art, outdoor learning environment, children ages 4 – 14 are encouraged to explore basic physical and natural science principles in a way that challenges learning, curiosity and creativity. The hands-​on exhibits are designed to be both fun and demonstrative. JCC believes children learn best through processes that peak their own curiousity and compel them toward discovery (informal, experiential education)…
«This project is in the mainstream of a world-​wide movement toward experiential, outdoor, informal science education,» said Martin Levine, General Director of JCC Chicago. «The basic premise is that children can have fun and do serious learning at the same time.»