Jewish Council for Youth Services

About JCYS

Our Mission

Jewish Council for Youth Services ("JCYS") is an independent, not-for-profit agency dedicated to serving both Chicagoland's Jewish and greater communities and developing leaders who continue its tradition of volunteer service. Embracing Jewish values and culture, JCYS provides educational and recreational programs that nurture individual growth and promote responsibility to others.

What We Offer

JCYS offers educational, recreational and leadership experiences that grow along with each child - nurturing their individual spirits, imaginations, confidence and talents. Programs are for children ranging from toddlers to tweens and teens.

At our three Family Centers - the JCYS George W. Lutz Family Center in Highland Park, the JCYS Northwest Family Center in Buffalo Grove, and the JCYS Michael R. Lutz Family Center in Chicago - we offer a range of early childhood, enrichment, before- and after-school, and summer camp programs.

Camping and recreation have been a JCYS hallmark for nearly a century. JCYS camps include JCYS Camp Henry Horner Day and Overnight Camp, JCYS North Shore Day Camp and its N.S.D.C. SPORTS specialty camp, and JCYS Camp Red Leaf (CRL), which offers year-round programming for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

And, since 1997, TEAMcorps (formerly Adventure Education) has offered vital outreach programming to at-risk freshman attending Chicago's public high schools.

Parents tell us time and time again that their children become more confident, self-aware, eager to learn, and compassionate after a JCYS experience. We are proud to create environments where children and youth thrive everyday.