YMCA Camp Benson is a beautiful, rustic camp located in Mt. Carroll, Illinois.  During the summer, programs are offered for children ages 5–18 and include week-long resident camps, shorter 4 day sessions for first-time campers, adventure trips for teens and a staff development program for future staff members.  Located on 101 wooded acres, Camp Benson offers a huge variety of activities, such as target sports, crafts, high ropes activities, tubing and kayaking on the Wakarusa River, hiking, and rappelling on the natural rock bluffs.The Camp Benson Difference….Selecting a summer camp for your child is an important decision.  Here are four reasons why Camp Benson is the right choice;

1.    Professional Role Models-Staff members are carefully selected based on their experience, education and desire to have a positive influence in the lives of children.

2.    Programs With Purpose- Our activities are designed to help children grow in confidence, improve self-esteem, try new things and HAVE FUN!  All activities are closely supervised by trained staff members.

3.    The “101 Acre Woods”- The cave, the river, the cliffs, the trails, the tree bridges, the forest, the grottos, the athletic field… Camp Benson has it all!  Please, come visit this awe-inspiring site and see the true beauty for yourself!

4.    The Spirit of Camp Benson-Truly, this is what sets us apart.  An intangible force that binds campers and staff together year after year.  Ancient ceremonies, die-hard traditions and an atmosphere of fun, create a culture unlike anything else in your child’s life, the paramount of which takes place at Friday night’s sacred Compass Ceremony.

Additional Opportunities to Experience Camp-Camp Benson also offers Outdoor Education programs to school groups and Weekend Rentals for group outings.