In the 1940's there were little or no services available for people with disabilities. Seeing this, a group of dedicated parents of children with Cerebral Palsy came together to form The Parents Association for Cerebral Palsy Children Inc. The Association purchased 30+ acres of land in Homer Township, Illinois in the hopes of building a summer camp which specifically served people with C. P. and similar disabilities. In 1947 this dream came to light with the opening of Shady Oaks Camp for Individuals with Cerebral Palsy. For the past 62 years, the dream of a few caring parents  has survived through Shady Oaks.

The Parents Association is a not for profit organization which is dedicated to the welfare of  individuals with Cerebral Palsy and similar disabilities. It is a inter-racial, non-denominational, charitable organization chartered by the State of Illinois.

The first priority of the Parents Association is the operation of Shady Oaks Camp. They have also been instrumental in securing two residential group homes, located on camp grounds, for individuals with disabilities.

The operation of Shady Oaks ranges from $280,000 to $300,000 per year, with most of the expenses incurred during the eight week camp period. This cost does not include improvements and  maintenance to the buildings, electrical and plumbing, and septic fields. The cost of these repairs varies from year to year.

Because the Association is a not for profit, private organization the money to run camp must be raised by the parents. Many fundraisers are conducted throughout the year to help bring in money. These fundraisers include raffles, bingos, tag day, and candy sales. Beside fundraisers the parents receive cash donations from various supporting organizations.

To be a member of the Parents Association, dues of $75.00 must be paid between September 1st and December 31st. After December 31st, dues are increased to $100.00. Dues must be paid in order to hold an office, serve on the Board of Directors, or to obtain camp time for your child. The cost of sending a child to camp depends on the number of weeks requested and the amount of fundraising done.