Holiday Home Camp was founded in 1887, in the spirit of the Fresh Air Movement. The objective was to provide an opportunity for fresh air and relaxation for the less fortunate, working poor children and youth of industrialized, urban communities.

It is told that a group of women, while cruising the lake, developed a plan to start a camp that would cater to the youth that worked in the factories in Chicago. It started with the construction of our main building, Founders Hall, which still stands strong today. Over the years, we have expanded and now have a total of 26 buildings, including 10 cabins.

Holiday Home Camp has consistently enriched the lives of economically disadvantaged youth ever since it’s beginning. Holiday Home Camp is one of the oldest accredited camps in the country, still in its original location. While the environment and problems of cities have changed over the last century, the less fortunate children of urban Chicago and Milwaukee, and rural Walworth County are still granted the opportunity to experience a new and educational setting on the shore of Geneva Lake.

Society’s concerns regarding the health and welfare of the children in urban and economically stressed communities, reinforce the importance that the programs at Holiday Home Camp are more important today more than ever.

Campers are referred, specifically, from agencies such as Cook County Juvenile Court, Department of Children and Family Services, Juvenile Protective Association, Mercy Home For Boys and Girls, Families First Kenosha, Walworth County Social Services and OMNI Youth Services to name a few. Campers are also referred from the Milwaukee “Camp For Kids” program. This effort is modeled after the Fresh Air Movement of the late 1800’s, also the foundation for Holiday Home Camp.

In addition to caseworkers -- foster parents, teachers, pastors, and parents recognize the importance of a program that reinforces educational values and the development of life skills and therefore refer them to Holiday Home Camp.

About 40% of our campers each summer are returning campers. Many look forward to camp all school year. We welcome new agencies and campers each year and continue to offer services to any child that is in need.