Parent info
Here at YMCA Camp Benson campers have been given the opportunity to create a very special community focused on friendship, acceptance, self-discovery and independence since 1928.
Overnight summer camp gives children the chance to step away from the familiar parts of their daily routine and venture outside their comfort zones. They make new friends, lifelong memories and learn new skills in a safe, well-supervised, and “unplugged” environment. Whether you’re looking for a week-long overnight camp, an overnight summer camp for younger campers or a teen leadership program, YMCA Camp Benson has a program that’s right for you.
JOIN US TODAY
Every child deserves an overnight summer camp experience. Just one summer at camp can positively influence a child’s life forever. As a non-profit dedicated to youth development, YMCA Camp Benson wants the overnight summer camp experience to be available to everyone. Below are some ways that can help make camp fit any budget.
CAMP INFORMATION
Check-in And checkout procedures
CHECK-IN
*When: Sundays from 3-4PM for Adventure & Mega Campers.
Where: The Merrill Benson Pavilion (Located right next to the parking lot)
Notes: Please bring all campers medications with you to the Pavilion. They will be checked in with the Camp Nurse then.
CHECK-OUT
*When: Saturdays at 9AM for Adventure & Mega Campers
Where: The Merrill Benson Pavilion (located right next to the parking lot)
Notes: Do not forget to pick up your campers medication from the Camp Nurse.
*Campers attending Mini Week A will check-in Sunday 3-4PM and check-out Wednesday 9-10AM
*Campers attending Mini Week B will check-in Wednesday 3-4PM and check-out Saturday 9-10AM
WHAT TO DO DURING & AFTER CAMP
We want all of our parents and guardians to feel connected with their camper while they are at YMCA Camp Benson. The Communications Dashboard in your Camp-In-Touch account allows you to do just that. Through the Communications Dashboard you are able to send one way emails to your camper. The one-way emails are printed daily and delivered to the cabins every afternoon.
*Packages and letters can now be dropped off at check-in, for easy delivery to your child during the week.
If you wish to mail anything to your camper, please use the address below:
YMCA Camp Benson
16355 Scenic Palisades Rd.
Mount Carroll, IL 61053
VISITORS POLICY
We understand that you may wish to visit your camper during their time at camp (especially if it is their first time), but we have a strict no visitor policy during the week. Visits can be disruptive to not only your camper’s schedule, but also to the schedule of other campers at camp. Check-in and check-out days are specifically designed to give you the opportunity to tour camp, meet your camper’s counselor and the rest of the staff. There are no other visiting days during the week. If there are extenuating circumstances regarding this issue, please notify the Camp Manager. They can be reached at 815-244-8722
LOST & FOUND
We highly recommend that you label all of your camper’s items that they bring to camp. On check-out day check the lost and found tables under the pavilion if you find your camper is missing items. If you do leave something at camp please contact us immediately and we will do our best to locate it and get it back to you. Note that YMCA Camp Benson is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
Dining Information
YMCA Camp Benson’s Dining Hall is a peanut free facility offering vegetarian and gluten free meals for campers with dietary restrictions. We have fresh fruits and other snacks available throughout the day for our campers and staff. Please remember to complete the necessary camper medical form which will list all dietary restrictions for camp to be aware of prior to your camper’s arrival.
For further information or clarification on the food menus, please contact our Camp Manager, Marissa Larson, mlarson@srfymca.org.
CAMP CABINS
Campers will be required to bring their own bedding for overnight camps. Click here to see our 2026 Packing List.
Providing a safe, fun and healthy camp experience
The physical and emotional safety of our campers is our number one priority at YMCA Camp Benson Our camper’s safety and well-being is at the forefront of our minds at all times at camp, from hiring staff to designing new programs to planning Staff Training.
Our summer camp staff are hired based on their strong character and high ideals. Summer camp staff are carefully selected to ensure that we have a diverse group of skilled and responsible staff who care about children. Before campers arrive, all of our summer camp staff are trained in safety, counseling techniques, conflict resolution, child development, bullying prevention and camp policies and procedures. Our staff understand that their job is to not just lead activities, but also to help campers develop life skills while always looking out for their well-being.
Our summer camp staff undergo extensive background and reference checks before being hired. All staff are Red Cross First Aid and CPR certified.
One of the first things that we do during a session of camp is gather all of the campers and staff together for an orientation on camp rules and expectations. During this orientation we discuss importance of safety at camp and explain how our camp rules and expectations are in place to keep us all safe. All campers are taught that they should never wander around camp alone and that they must travel in a TRUDDIE (aka a group of three). Here we also talk about how it is each camper’s responsibility to look out for the emotional and physical safety of one another.
HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS
YMCA Camp Benson has a Wellness Center that is staffed by our Camp Health Supervisor 24 hours a day. Our Camp Health Supervisor takes care of all camper medical needs, including medication management. All camper medication must be checked in with our medical staff during Check-in. The camper Health History Form must be completed two weeks prior to the start of your camper’s session.
TESTIMONIALS