TWIG Day Camp (Together We Influence Growth) was founded in the mid-1960s after a young family man, Mr. David James, had heard Martin Luther King speak on Winnetka's Village Green. Encouraged by many local residents, Mr. James, his wife Mary, and their six children subsequently moved to the North Shore. Inspired by Dr. King's message of equality, and as the first African-American man to own a home in Winnetka, The Jameses thought they could do something to help integrate the area. Children from their old Hyde Park neighborhood came to play in the James family's back yard, and TWIG Day Camp was born.
TWIG continues to bring children from the same south side neighborhoods to Winnetka for a summer of fun and learning for all children involved. TWIG is a non-profit day camp that provides quality programming for children from both the suburbs and the city, where they are able to interact in a multi-cultural atmosphere of fun and learning. Approximately 110 campers, ages 6-11, participate in a variety of activities that are enjoyable, as well as educational. Each week, we explore a different theme, ranging from important issues such as the environment and cultural diversity, to just plain fun like International Day and the Talent Show.
While themes change from summer to summer, we always have Olympic Week, which is a camp favorite. Activities such as flag making, cultural presentations, and opening and closing ceremonies, help make this week a special one. Our six weeks of camp culminate in a picnic at nearby Indian Hill Park. All campers and their families are invited. Together we spend the morning and lunch celebrating a wonderful summer!
Greeley School, at 275 Fairview Avenue, Winnetka, will once again house TWIG this summer. Greeley, situated a block from Lake Michigan, provides us with classrooms, a gymnasium, an auditorium, large playground and green spaces. We are close to New Trier's swimming facilities, as well as parks and beaches. Campers provide their own lunch, a water bottle to be refilled throughout the day, swimsuit and towel. Gym shoes are required. Each camper will receive one TWIG tee shirt and is encouraged to wear it daily. Extra tee shirts may be purchased.
More information about TWIG’s history can be found on our “TWIG in the Media” page.