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Registration for SPECIAL CAMPS  2026 is now Full!

Please reach out if yo’d like to be added to next year’s registration list.

 

Volunteer Registration link below.

https://specialcamps.campintouch.com/ui/forms/application/staff/App

Colleen

Special Camps CEO + Camp Director

cell: (630) 690-0944

colleen.scamps@icloud.com

WELCOME TO SPECIAL CAMPS!

Special Camps provides opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to experience new activities, form friendships, increase independence and self-esteem in 2-week long, loving, all volunteer run summer camps. With proper supervision by trained staff and 24-hour nursing, Special Camps is a safe overnight camp for both children and adults with intellectual disabilities, who could not otherwise attend a similar camp due to physical, medical or intellectual limitations.

Campers play alongside a teen volunteer, who introduces them to swimming, archery, sports, fishing, canoes and paddle boats, crafts, yoga, water sports, drum line lessons, field games, talent shows, woodworking, zip lining, hayrides, and singing and dancing in a structured setting, under trained adult supervision. Evening entertainment encourages social skills and interaction through play which includes bingo, games, competitions, campfire songs with s’mores, dances and more.

Volunteers gain personal and professional growth, living side by side with our amazing campers.

Special Camps provides week-long respite to families and caregivers. Raising a child with special needs can be an enriching experience, but can also provide life-long care and financial challenges. That’s why Special Camps provides financial scholarships to campers in need.

CAMP DATES 

June   7 – 12  for campers ages 23 +

June  14 – 19  for campers ages 9 – 22

Cost: $1200 for the week.  Please ask as we do have some partial scholarships available.

Contact: (630)690-0944

Camp Starts in:

-459Days -23Hours -24Minutes -14Seconds

YOUTH CAMPS

This camp is especially designed For Campers ages 9 – 23, with campers grouped by dorm room and activity group by age. Campers must have an intellectual disability to participate, capable of communicate needs and desires, be independent in toileting and not have behaviors that would prove challenging for their teen camp counselor. We do make exceptions to the camp ages to keep good friends together.

ADULT CAMPS

For Campers ages 23 and over. Campers must have an intellectual disability to participate, capable of communicate needs and desires, be independent in toileting and not have behaviors that would prove challenging for their teen camp counselor.

GET INVOLVED

Camper Registration
Special Camps is specially designed for the needs and desires of campers with intellectual disabilities. Campers + their volunteers look forward to Special Camps all year. The friendships we build, the compassion we show, and the great times we share last a lifetime.
Camper Registration will begin the first week in February!

MORE INFO

Counselor Registration
High school and college-age volunteers are needed. You’ll participate in all the activities alongside your campers, have a great time and learn a lot from the campers you serve.
Counselor Volunteer Registration will begin the first week in February.

MORE INFO

Adult Staff
Adult staff needed (ages 21 and older), to lead small groups to scheduled activities and supervise life in the dorm. As Staff, you will work hard to ensure a great experience by each camper and in return, you will receive all of their love and gratitude.

MORE INFO

Nurse  Applications
Join Us!
Are you an RN nurse looking to have a great time while serving others? We are in need of additional nurses to dispense medications, tend to minor injuries, and play alongside our wonderful campers. You’d be working and playing alongside with experienced camp nurses. Three camp nurses are needed per session.

MORE INFO