06/12/2025
Information Memo
Summary:
- Children's summer camp fees can be paid for eligible TANF customers through a contract with the American Camp Association, Illinois (ACA Illinois).
- Downstate TANF cases were mailed Send Your Child to Summer Camp flyer to children and young people, ages 5-17.
- TANF customers can call toll-free 1-866-543-2267 or 1-312-332-0833 beginning Monday, April 14, 2025 to find out about camping possibilities for their children.
- TANF customers can apply online at www.acail.org/idhs.
Contract with American Camp Association, Illinois
Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) has a contract with the American Camp Association, Illinois. Under this contract, the camp fee for eligible TANF customers can be paid this summer to send children & young people ages 5-17 (as of June 1, 2025) to camp.
Camping Notice
Downstate:
The American Camp Association, Illinois provides a notice to inform TANF customers who reside outside of Cook County about this opportunity. Downstate TANF cases with children were mailed Send Your Child to Summer Camp flyer to children and young people, ages 5-17.
Information about this flyer can be viewed at: http://www.acail.org/idhs.
Cook County:
Although camping slots in Cook County exist, those slots tend to fill quickly even without the benefit of a notice to customers. To avoid raising the hopes of a large number of TANF parents and their children for whom a camping spot may not be available, Send Your Child to Summer Camp flyer is not being sent to customers who reside in Cook County.
Although Cook County residents do not receive a notice, they may call the phone numbers listed below to inquire about camping opportunities in their area.
Phone Numbers to Inquire about Camping Opportunities
TANF customers may call Toll Free 1-866-543-2267 (1-866-KID-CAMP) or 1-312-332-0833 beginning Monday, April 14, 2025.
Online Referrals
TANF customers may visit online at www.acail.org/idhs to complete an online form to request a referral. This method requires the TANF customer to have an email address. The TANF customer will receive notification on their referral status within 3 business days by email. The online referral form may be completed from a computer or mobile device.
[signed copy on file]
Dulce M. Quintero
Secretary, Illinois Department of Human Services
