Waukegan Session Concludes After Another Transformative Summer
This summer marked an exciting milestone for Camp Neeka as Josselyn expanded its therapeutic day camp to three locations for the first time, allowing a record 193 children in Waukegan, Highland Park, and Northbrook to experience a summer focused on healing, growth, and connection. The Waukegan session recently wrapped after serving 68 campers, each one supported by licensed therapists and trained mental health professionals in an environment designed to help children thrive.
More than a summer camp, Camp Neeka is a place where children ages 7 to 16 build confidence, strengthen friendships, and develop lifelong coping skills in a safe, welcoming community where they can simply be themselves.
This year’s feedback from Waukegan families reflects the lasting impact of the program:
- 100% of surveyed campers said they felt safe at Camp Neeka.
- 100% of surveyed campers said they would return next year.
At the heart of Camp Neeka is the therapeutic curriculum developed by Josselyn’s Director of Mental Health Education Maggie Nash, LCSW, M.Ed., and brought to life by a team of dedicated counselors, therapists, and mental health professionals who help every child feel seen, supported, and valued.
One Waukegan parent shared, “Camp Neeka is not only beautifully run, it is transformative. I don’t know how you find so many AMAZING counselors, but they are gifted at noticing and bringing out the best in each child!”
That transformation extends well beyond the final day of camp. Through therapeutic groups, art and movement activities, recreation, and meaningful peer connections, campers practice emotional regulation, communication, problem-solving, and resilience—skills they carry into their homes, schools, and communities.
Another parent reflected on the difference Camp Neeka made for their family, “Camp Neeka has given her a welcoming environment where she can build friendships, try new activities, and simply enjoy being a kid. She looks forward to going each day and comes home excited to share what she’s learned and experienced. We are truly grateful to the caring staff for creating such a positive, supportive, and nurturing environment.”
As Camp Neeka continues this summer in Northbrook and Highland Park, Josselyn remains committed to expanding access to therapeutic programming that helps children build resilience, strengthen relationships, and discover that they are never alone.
Learn more about Camp Neeka and Josselyn’s children’s mental health programs at josselyn.org.
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