About Us
North Shore Country Day Summer Programs
For more than 70 years, the Summer Programs at North Shore continue to
offer premier summer programming for children ages 3 to 13 years.
North Shore Country Day
at a Glance
Since 1919 North Shore Country Day has been providing children in grades K-12 with high-quality independent school education in a beautiful 14-acre campus setting. North Shore provides a wealth of opportunities for all students to excel in its co-educational college-preparatory curriculum. To learn more call the admissions office at 847-441-3313.
Our Summer Programs History
70 summers of fun, friends and adventure
In the late 1940s, North Shore Country Day School offered the use of its facilities during the summer months to the McKinney Camp. Mac McCarty, employed by the School, was also the Director of the McKinney Camp. The experience of operating a camp on the School’s campus led Mr. McCarty to propose the idea of the School having its own day camp. The School could provide use of its facilities to neighborhood families and offer children a safe and fun summer experience.
North Shore Country Day School Summer Programs provide the best summer day camp programs near Chicago, IL such as boating, swimming lessons, tennis, outdoor activities and gymnastics. We have a vast range of programs for ages 3 to13 years old. If you are looking for fun things to do in the summer and provide your children the best summer vacation. Located close to Lake Michigan and beautiful city of Winnetko, IL.
Our Staff
Staff Selection
Staff members are carefully selected for their ability to relate to boys and girls of all ages, and for their expertise and teaching capabilities in their chosen fields. The staff are selected based on personal integrity and experience working with children. Many members of North Shore’s staff have backgrounds in education and are teachers at North Shore Country Day School.
Staff Qualifications
Our staff range from junior counselors (at least 16 years of age), senior counselors (at least 18 years of age) to professional educators and experienced teachers. The heads of each activity have special background training and the appropriate certification for their activity. The selection process allows North Shore to choose experienced and caring individuals who wish to provide a rewarding and enriching summer for each camper.
Staff Employment
Intrested staff complete an online application. After review the Summer Program office will contact to discuss possible employment opportunities.
Meet Our Team
Our Summer Programs leadership team consists of educators and long-time camp people. The summer staff is committed to giving our campers and their families the highest quality of summer camp experiences. Here are just a few of our outstanding summer staff team.
Cindy HooperDirector of Summer Programs
Cindy HooperDirector of Summer Programs
Since the age of 16 Cindy has been working at a summer camp. As North Shore Country Day School’s Director of Operations and Summer Programs, Cindy brings a year-round connection of the School to the summer camp community. For over 25 years Cindy has worked with the summer staff to build the program and ensure that the children have a safe, fun and memorable summer experience.
Carrie SmeyDay Camp Director
Carrie SmeyDay Camp Director
Carrie and her siblings worked as counselors for the summer camp program for many summers. Carrie eventually became one of the Day Camp Directors and now has her two children attending the camp. Carrie is an elementary school teacher at an independent school in the city. Oh and an interesting fact, while as a counselor she met her husband (a fellow counselor) working at camp!
Lucy HayExpedition Camp Director
Lucy HayExpedition Camp Director
Traveling each year from her home in Scotland, Lucy has been serving as the Expedition Camp Director for 20 years. As a science teacher Lucy shares with the campers and staff a wealth of knowledge on Environmental Education as well as outdoor living skills. All of Lucy’s children have attended the North Shore Country Day School camp programs and now her two oldest, Sophie and Charlie, are counselors.
Megan GonzalesDay Camp Director
Megan GonzalesDay Camp Director
For over 25 years Megan has been associated with the North Shore Country Day school camps. Megan’s mom was one of the Day Camp Directors. Megan served as a counselor and instructor before she became one of the Day Camp Directors. Megan’s three daughters attend the camps. During the off-season Megan is an elementary school teacher in Milwaukee.
Anne BishopPool Director
Anne BishopPool Director
A long-time camper, counselor and instructor Anne has been with the camp for more then 15 years. She and her siblings attended the camps and eventually worked at the camps as counselors and instructors. Anne is a science and social studies teacher for the Wilmette school system. Anne is now the pool director and works with both campers and staff every day at the pool.
Jeff HelstadSenior Counselor, Morning
Jeff HelstadSenior Counselor, Morning
One of the longest tenured staff members, Jeff is closing in on 30 years of service as a summer staff member at North Shore. Jeff returns each summer to be a part of the camp community and ensure that his campers have the best experience possible. Jeff’s leadership amongst the staff is valuable. As a physical education teacher for the Libertyville School District Jeff is able to share a wealth of summer games and activities with the staff.