This summer, 130 children attended Josselyn’s therapeutic day camp across two locations in Waukegan and Northfield, our highest enrollment to date. Camp Neeka continues to serve as a vital resource for children ages 7 to 16, offering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment designed to foster emotional growth and mental wellness.
Led by licensed therapists and trained mental health professionals, Camp Neeka is grounded in Josselyn’s dedication to provide accessible care, regardless of circumstance. The 2025 season reaffirmed the camp’s impact:
- 100% of families said they would return to Camp Neeka
- 100% said Camp Neeka met their expectations for a therapeutic day camp
- The camp has maintained a 4.95 out of 5 rating from families over the past three years
At the core of Camp Neeka’s success is the therapeutic programming designed by Josselyn’s Director of Mental Health Education Maggie Nash, LCSW, M.Ed. Nash, who oversees the camp’s curriculum, reflects on what makes the experience unique:
“Each year, I’ve watched kids walk into Camp Neeka unsure or hesitant, and leave feeling confident, connected, and seen. Our camp isn’t just a place to learn skills; it’s a space where kids build friendships, feel safe being themselves, and know they truly belong.”
This transformation was echoed by families throughout the summer. One parent shared, “I’ve noticed so many positive changes in [camper name] compared to last year’s camp, and those improvements have continued even now. I truly appreciate Josselyn’s team for ensuring they had a wonderful time and learned important skills to understand and manage their emotions.”
Camp Neeka teaches coping strategies, emotional regulation, and communication skills that extend far beyond camp. One camper explained, “I love Camp Neeka. It has helped my relationship with my mom because we are now both using the skills I learned at camp to better listen to each other.”
Parents also experienced the positive ripple effect. One shared, “I wish something like this had existed when I was younger. In many ways, it feels like a part of me is healing too. For that, I’ll always be grateful. We can’t wait to see you all again next year!”
Above all, Camp Neeka is a place where children feel safe, valued, and empowered to be themselves. One camper said, “I like Camp Neeka because I can be myself here. I love all my counselors. We learn how to control our emotions and learn coping skills.”
Learn more about Camp Neeka and other programs at Josselyn at josselyn.org.
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