My only regret about Oasis, which launched three years ago, is that it did not exist when my son, 18, was the right age for camp. Fortunately, my younger two kids have been able to attend, and it has been wonderful for them. I originally learned of it because one of the owners was my 11-yr-old daughter's 2d grade teacher, one of the best teachers any of my kids has ever had. He and his wife, a school psychologist, genuinely love being around children, and have a profound appreciation for kids' abilities to learn, adapt, grow, and find kindness within themselves. The counselors they hire are either educators or educators-in-training who are committed to working with children. One of the qualities I most value about Oasis is that Brooke and James have created a safe and happy environment in which even kids who may have had antagonistic relationships toward each other during the school year can and do make positive connections. My own kids have been able to make friends of kids with whom they had formerly had a somewhat hostile relationship. The activities are chosen for a maximum fun factor. Perhaps the highlight for my daughters (11 and 8) this year was the exotic petting zoo that came to the camp site, featuring a Fennec fox, a Canadian lynx, a python, and other wonders. But it would be hard to top the visits to water parks far and wide. I had never heard of Wheeling Aquatic Center and certainly would never have gone if my older daughter hadn't spoken of it so fondly. Now we make it a point to take the girls there ourselves, and we have as much fun as they do. Recently, there was a trip to a rink that included laser tag as well as ice-skating and they found that exhilarating. My son liked laser tag at this age, but I wouldn't have thought to try it on my daughters. I'm glad Oasis did. They also enjoyed the open gym time in the afternoon because they got to hang with their friends, polish their skills in various things like jump-rope and gymnastics, and learn new games and songs. There have been days when I would show up to pick up my girls and they would drag their feet coming to the car because they'd been having so much fun. My girls have specifically asked to attend Oasis and no other camp from now on -- and they've tried three other day camps in our area prior to Oasis. And I appreciate the multiple photos (I haven't even reviewed them all yet) from each week of camp, plus the videos of special events that are posted. We have sat down a couple of times to watch them in the off-season, while we wait for summer to come around again. read more

My sons (9&12) have a recurrent discussion that runs along these lines: Remember camp before Oasis? It was horrible. Mom why did you send us those places? (These places were some of the best known camp 'brands' on the North Shore, which I will NOT name to avoid getting sued.) At one, my then 5 year-old spent the day with his hand in the air desperate to pee while the so-called teachers ignored him for those creating behavioral outbursts. I had to withdraw him and hire a sitter he was so terrified of returning. I left my older son at the same program but ran from work early each day to collect him fearful that he would succumb to heat stroke in unairconditioned rooms and buses. At another, my then 6 year-old was pushed around & teased as was one of my then 9 year-old's friends. Neither child's counselor noticed nor could the other mother or I contact then with ease. Then came Oasis. James and Brooke are available by Facebook, Twitter, and email should I have any concerns. When I do (now smaller things like forgotten sunscreen), they respond immediately. Apart from the week after their baby was born, James is at drop-off each morning. They only rent air-conditioned buses. My boys adore the trips to beaches, water parks, museums, fairs, & farms. The field day games are generally non-competitive so that my gregarious, athletic 9 year-old (the one bullied age 5) gets as much from participation as my scholarly, introverted 12 year-old, and I have never heard a complaint about on-bus boredom or bullying. Any camp that brings in Mad Science, magicians, musicians, and more makes if difficult for boredom to take hold. While Oasis comes at a high price, it costs FAR LESS than the other camps my children attended, and I am getting FAR MORE for my money. When my small, shy 12 year-old's godfather watched him jump into a sea kayak and paddle with strength & confidence in Lake Michigan, he asked in amazement, "how did you learn to do that?" The answer? "At Oasis," or as my boys call it, "the BEST camp on the planet & the BEST part of the year!" read more

Oasis is a truly wonderful camp that my children have loved for the last two summers. In fact, my two girls have begged to attend this camp for the entire summer, and last summer debated whether they wanted to go away on a family vacation or attend more weeks of camp. (the vacation won out because parents need summer camp, too). The activities at this camp are fun and engaging for all of the kids. My girls eagerly looked forward to their field trips to water parks, farms, museums, baseball games, etc. They have never complained about the bus rides, and the need to ride a bus to get somewhere was overshadowed by the fun to be had once they arrived. I really appreciated that they came home every day raving about some new place they'd been or activity they had done, and frankly was delighted that they got to go to so many fun places, safely supervised and with a nice group of kids. At first I would pick them up at 3:30 but they begged me to let them stay longer. They both really enjoyed the games in the gym or on the playground when they came back from a field trip, and often I would have to wait for them to finish up some activity before I could pry them away. I have nothing but good things to say about this camp. Yes, the owners did have a baby during the camp session this summer so they weren't around as often, but the kids had a great time nonetheless and the other counselors were engaged and involved when I observed them. I never felt like things weren't running smoothly in their absence, and there were experienced teachers who were acting as counselors. They kept everything under control. Both of my girls want to go back next summer, and my older daughter is already talking about being a junior counselor in a couple of years. They love the camp and are very happy there. I believe that it's a wonderful place for the kids to spend the summer days. read more

Oasis Summer Day Camp continues to exceed all my expectations. My two boys had an unbelievable camp experience (their third) and many thanks go to the talented staff (which this season was comprised of school psychologists, a teacher, teachers-to-be, and students from Northwestern and the University of Chicago). K. and C. loved each weekly theme, especially wild west week, the varied day trips were exciting, and the overall programming was educational and so much fun. I love that reading during the summer is no longer a struggle as The Tree Fort Challenge has turned what typically is viewed as work into a fun part of our summer. It's also nice knowing I get to take a break from making lunches as healthy catered lunches occur weekly. However, I would recommend that Oasis provide better guidelines when it comes to sending campers with spending money. At times I was unsure if my kids needed to bring their own money or if Oasis was providing the fun. Oasis is a regular topic in our house and my sons can't wait until camp begins again next summer. This season is over and we are still talking about the dunk tank and, new this year, the 36 foot slip-n-slide! The individual attention and great care my boys received is unlike any camp I was a part of as a kid. I highly recommend Oasis Day Camp! read more

My son loves this camp and will be back at Oasis next season! He raved about the exotic zoo and Mad Science during on-site days and was crazy about the humongous slip-n-slide and the trip to Wrigley Field. I appreciate the owners greeting my son by name as we arrived at camp in the morning and their hands-on approach. I also liked Oasis' organization. By the time I pulled up to their doors at the end of a long day my son had said his goodbyes, had everything packed and in his bag, and was skipping to the car. I didn't have to get out of my car if I didn't want to but often did when a staff member had a fun story to tell me about the day's adventures! My son just felt very comfortable at Oasis and their staff always made him feel appreciated and valued. By the way the camp's tee shirts were totally cool. The tye dye was very hip! The drop-off and pick-up flexibility are great as I don't work in the area and I love the fun educational themes. Children who love water parks, trips, and activities that are not highly competitive should check out this camp. Oasis is not cheap, but from the look on my son's face everyday, it's worth it. Summer camps are supposed to be fun and an opportunity to make new friends and meet up with old ones. Oasis did just that! read more

LOVE this camp and will never send my kids elsewhere! Run by a teacher (the best we've ever had) and his wife (who loves the kids just as much), you can't ask for more. The kids get one on one attention, care and love. The field trips that are set up are second to none but the "on-site days" are spectacular too with education a hidden focus in everything they do. My 9-year old has come home teaching me science and not just showing me the *tricks* but giving me the *why* behind it. He's waking himself up early each day and pushing me out the door because he wants to be the first to arrive each day and the last to leave. Every night he is exhausted (not in a bad way, but the good, fall asleep with a smile on you face kind of way). They have even incorporated a "Tree Fort Challenge" which will keep the kids engaged in reading this summer. I believe they still have openings this, so if your kids have a few weeks free or you were late in the game and want your kids to have something great (or need a break yourself)...check these guys out. They are great...the camp is great! Thanks Brooke and James (or Mr. and Mrs Schamber as i still call them). ;-) read more

Oasis has provided our family with excellent service for the third summer in a row. Overall the experience has been exceptional; the daily activities, the staff and even their website goes above and beyond our expectations. The activities are educational and fun, the web site is easy to use and provides all of the information I need, and the staff is friendly and always highly qualified. To top it off one of the owners is always there and they are both amazing! I can always count on a quick response to any question or concern I may have...along with them following up to assure our happiness. My son has Celiac Disease and it is very difficult to find a place that I feel confident in my child's safety, coupled with him being able to have a great time. I couldn't speak more highly of this camp. Thank you Oasis, you've made our summer more enjoyable, yet again! read more

I have to say that Camp Oasis has been my childrens most favorite summer camp by far! They have been to other camps and were never too thrilled about waking up going in the next day. Since they've been to Camp Oasis, they've literally woken up with no complaints, ready to begin their daily adventures. They love that they are not confined to one place because each day there is a new adventure in each trip that they take. The counselors/ staff are supportive and very communicative with parents via email as well as face to face if needed. I can honestly say that my children are EXTREMELY happy at Oasis, and are upset that they didn't choose this camp sooner! read more

I'm bummed to read the previous reviews of Oasis. Our daughter attended Oasis in Highland Park the first time last summer as a 1st grader and she had a blast. All she talked about was how awesome the counselors were (Jeremey) and the amount of engagement each counselor took to make sure campers were having an awesome and safe time. As working parents, the hours of operation were fantastic and fit our schedule very well. Our now 2nd grader will be attending another year of Oasis because she asked if she could on her last day of camp. Choosing the right camp for our kids is tough. I hope parents find the right camp for their kids' needs. read more

We had a fabulous camp experience here, so I wanted to yelp about it. My young kids were in such great hands with the caring counselors. They did many different activities that wove in concepts such as confidence building, sharing and empathy. My children were on the younger side and were shown such great respect from all of the campers. The children led by example of the counselors. The owners of the camp are educators who really care about the development of each of the kids and take the time to understand and motivate them. It is a safe, fun and educational environment for kids to have the best camp and summer experience ever. read more

This was my son's third year at Oasis. He loves this camp more than any other he's been to and won't consider going anywhere else. He especially likes the trips to water parks, special guests, playing with his friends from school and past summers at Oasis, and "free gym." He found the counselors to be nice, funny, and attentive. He didn't mind the bus trips because he spent the time playing games with his friends. I appreciated the flexible hours, the reading challenge, and my son being happy all summer. This year he missed the climbing wall and "bounce house" in the yard. read more

My daughter loves this camp! She enjoys the many field trips and I appreciate the fact that the camp takes her to many water parks and other places that, frankly, I would not likely take her myself, since they are not so convenient for me to get to. She likes the counselors and I appreciate the regular communications, via e-mail reminders of what activities are coming up to weekly photo albums posted on the web site, from the camp directors. The drop-off and pick-up flexibility is also a big bonus. My daughter has already asked to do Oasis again next summer! read more

O.k. I'm very upset that I never had a camp like this. When my child came home and told me all the wonderful activities that he did, I wanted to join in on the fun. Rock climbing, swimming, field trips to farms, the wild wild west, baseball games, etc etc. I want a camp like this for adults! My child established many friendships and has many fond memories for years to come! The staff is excellent and treat the children like one of their own. It safe, it's fun, it's educatational what else could you ask for? read more

This was my son's first summer at Oasis, but not his last. We have found the perfect camp. I am so appreciative of Brooke & James Schamber. They have made summer camp what it is supposed to be, fun. Our son gets up in the morning excited, energized and ready to go. The field trips are fantastic as is Mad Science, Cooking Club and all the rest. Oasis is also uniquely accommodating for parents with its flexible drop off and pick up as well as its ability to incorporate all ages. This camp is unmatched. read more

Simply an OUTSTANDING camp. My boys attended this summer for 6 weeks and already have asked to go all next summer. The activities on site as well as the field trips completely engage the kids -- body, mind and soul. From cooking club, science experiments, sports, crafts, and music to amazing field trips to the beach, pools, zoo, museums, a farm, and even a Cubs game. Something new and exciting each day. They've had a great time with the counselors and friends. We look forward to coming back next year. read more

During this summer, I had 5 young guests from my home country, South Korea. I let them join this Oasis camp with my friends's sugestion. She said that her son and daughter enjoyed thier summer In OASIS in the last summer. My kids joined the camp week 4 and week 5. Oasis has well -balanced and educational program for kids. Even though my kids had difficulitiies to communicate in English, they had great time with all other kids. They went back home with hope to come back for the next summer. read more

Both of my children love this camp, and although there is a lot of time spent on the bus, there have been no complaints! James and Brooke are attuned to the campers, and even with the arrival of their first child, there was plenty of staff to cover in their (very short) absence. This is a very intimate camp exoerience where children of all ages interact and really form relationships. Our kids are already asking about spending more time at Oaiss next summer! Thanks for another great summer! read more

I've sent five of my kids over 20 years to North Shore camps, but this is my favorite because of the philosophy of the owners/directors, who are tremendously hands-on. They put their educational philosophy as a teacher (him) and school psychologist (her) to work to create a safe and exciting atmosphere for kids. Lots of swimming and cool fun things that other camps do not have (optional reading program). My kids matured in camp and made good friends. Unequivocal thumbs up! read more

I was very impressed by the quality of this camp. My son went for 4 wks this summer and had a blast. On my visits to the camp, I saw happy kids and energetic/attentive counselors. The activities scheduled made me want to go to camp. But the real proof of its greatness comes from my son. He has now gone to several camps, but this one he LOVED. He never once asked to stay home instead of going to camp. He has already asked to go back next summer. I highly recommend Oasis! read more