Resource Directory /

Recreation and Inclusion Resources

  • Beautiful Lives Project

    Beautiful Lives Project gives people with disabilities the opportunity to actively participate in activities and events that may not have been available to them previously due to physical or facility limitations.

    The project creates immersive events to combat isolation within the disabled community and spark deeper conversations about the value of integrating individuals with disabilities into the workforce. The organization works with companies, sports teams and community organizations to host free community events for individuals with disabilities of all ages throughout Illinois and beyond.

    These events aim to help defeat isolation today, break down social biases tomorrow and generate long-term actions that will create a better quality of life for people with disabilities and special needs in the future. Each unique event provides the opportunity to experience sports, performing arts, visual arts, nature or wellness in an inclusive environment.

    For questions, email the Beautiful Lives Project at admin@beautifullives.org.

  • Best Buddies in Illinois

    Best Buddies in Illinois offers one-to-one friendship, integrated employment and leadership development programs for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

    Best Buddies offers chapters throughout Illinois. Programs and opportunities include:

    For contact information, visit the Best Buddies in Illinois staff directory page.

  • Boyton Street Community Center

    Boyton Street Community Center in Marion provides children and their families opportunities for fun, learning, development and building self-esteem. The Center collaborates with local social service agencies to provide a variety of programs and services year-round. Programs at the Boyton Street Community Center include:

    • Nutritious meals built around keeping kids fit and healthy
    • An after-school program for children and youth in K-12
    • Summer art, recreation, reading and tutoring programs
    • Special events

    For more information or to learn how to enroll in a program, contact the Boyton Street Community Center at (618) 997-1113.

  • BRIC Foundation

    BRIC Foundation (Break, Reinvent, Impact, and Change) is a non-profit company focused on increasing representation in entertainment, gaming, media and tech. BRIC works with leaders across these industries and with government and education partners to create inclusive opportunities for women and underrepresented people to succeed. BRIC Foundation’s student programming includes:

    • Summer Internships
    • Creative academies
    • BRIC Student Communities providing virtual Art Jams and industry speakers

    For questions or more information, contact the BRIC Foundation.

  • C.I.T.Y. of Support

    Children in Therapy and You (C.I.T.Y.) of Support is an online and in-person community that supports all families navigating the needs of their child in therapy, regardless of diagnosis, age, therapeutic needs or overall situation. Information, resources and events are available online.

    C.I.T.Y. of Support includes members from all across Chicagoland. Local leaders help coordinate on-site events and opportunities within specific geographic regions. C.I.T.Y. programs include:

    • In-person and online events and classes
    • Celebrations and inclusive playgroups
    • NICU welcome kits
    • GENERO-C.I.T.Y. Toy Shop
    • Sensory-friendly photo shoots

    C.I.T.Y. of Support also sponsored the creation of the Accessibility Support Collection at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library. Children in therapy and their caregivers may borrow therapeutic toys/tools/print materials from the library to explore at home.

  • Camp Big Sky in West Central Illinois

    Camp Big Sky provides accessible cabins and recreational opportunities for children and adults with developmental, physical, cognitive, sensory, and age-related disabilities. Located in northern Fulton County, Camp Big Sky offers three distinct and totally accessible activity areas with two lakes and a campground.

    Daytime activities are free for people of all ages with a disability and their families, friends and caregivers. Overnight camping in cabins and tents is available for a nominal fee. Groups of campers are also welcome. Reservations are required for all visits.

    See the Camp Big Sky fact sheet for more details.

    For questions, please contact exec@campbigsky.org or call (309) 258-6002.

  • Camp Erin Overnight Grief Camp

    Camp Erin Chicago is part of a national bereavement program for youth grieving the death of a significant person in their lives.  Free for all families, Camp Erin combines traditional, fun camp activities with grief education and emotional support for children and teens ages 6 to 17 years old.

    ​Camp Erin Chicago takes place in Delavan, Wisc., in July. Registration usually opens in December for the following summer. ​If you are interested in enrolling your child or family in Camp Erin, please email Camp Director Bryan Heidel at bheidel@nush.org, or call (773) 569.9553.

  • Camp Hope Illinois in Lake Forest

    Camp Hope is an overnight summer camp for Chicago-area teenagers and young adults with developmental disabilities. Campers ages 15 to 30 have a one-on-one buddy providing care and participate in activities adapted to their unique needs. Campers experience five fun days filled with friendships and activities, including swimming, dancing, arts and crafts, adaptive sports, cookouts and more. Camp registration typically opens in December of each year. Space is limited.

    Check out Camp Hope’s Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more. You can also contact camphopeillinois@gmail.com for more details.

  • Camp New Hope

    Camp New Hope offers year-round recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities ages 8 and older. Camp New Hope is accessible to all and located on 41 rolling acres overlooking Lake Mattoon. Year-round programming includes summer camp, respite weekends, bowling and parties.

    For more information or to take a tour, call (217) 895-2341 or email officemanager@campnewhopeillinois.org.

  • Camp Sunshine for Children with Life-Threatening Illnesses and Their Families in Maine

    Camp Sunshine helps children with life-threatening illnesses and their families find hope, community and a safe space for recharging together. Located in Maine, the camp offers medical support and free, year-round camping sessions for children ages 21 and under, their siblings, parents and caregivers. Campers come from all over the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world. Bereavement sessions are also available for families who have experienced the death of a child from a supported illness.

    Camp Sunshine offers sessions of varying lengths throughout the year. Supported conditions and diagnoses include:

    • A brain tumor, cancer and retinoblastoma
    • Kidney disease
    • Sickle cell disease
    • Hematologic conditions
    • Phenylketonuria (PKU) and more