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 3-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 intellectually disabled kids and adults who could otherwise not attend similar camp programs due to physical, medical or intellectual limitations.
Campers play alongside a teen volunteer, who introduces them to swimming, archery, sports, horseback riding, grooming and painting activities, crafts, yoga, water sports, field games, talent shows, and singing and dancing in a structured setting, under trained adult supervision. Evening entertainment encourages social skills and interaction through play which includes hayrides, bingo, campfire songs, and dancing.
Volunteers living side by side with our amazing campers leads to personal and professional growth.
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.
2023 CAMP DATES
June 4 – 9 for adult campers ages 23 +
June 11 – 16 for campers ages 8 – 22
June 18 – 23 for adult campers ages 23 +
Camp Starts in:
02Days
17Hours
31Minutes
01Seconds
YOUTH CAMPS
Youth Camp equals 2 camps in one. Campers 8 – 13 and campers 14 – 22. Campers must have an intellectual disability to participate, be able to communicate their needs and desires, and be independent in toileting. Must not have behavioral issues that would prove challenging for a teen camp counselor.
ADULT CAMPS
(OUR TWO ADULT CAMPS HAVE NOW BEEN FILLED FOR 2023)
For Campers ages 23 and over. Campers must have an intellectual disability to participate, able to communicate your needs and desires, and be independent in toileting. Must not have significant behavioral issues that would prove challenging for a teen camp counselor.
GET INVOLVED
Camper Registration
Special Camps is specially designed for the needs and desires of campers with intellectual disabilities and autism. 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!
Counselor Registration
High school and college-age volunteers are needed. You’ll participate in all the activities alongside your campers, and learn a lot from the campers you serve.
Counselor Volunteer Registration will begin the first week in February.
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.
Nurse Applications
Join Us!
Are you an RN nurse? We are in need of additional nurses to dispense medications, tend to minor injuries, and play alongside our wonderful campers. You’d be working side-by-side with experienced camp nurses. Three camp nurses are needed per session.
