Latest Posts

  1. 2019 Camp Announcement

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    • SPECIAL CAMPS

    JUNE 9 –14 CHILDREN AGES 8 –20

    JUNE 16 –21 FOR ADULTS AGES 21+

    Special Camps provides opportunities for kids and adults with intellectual disabilities to experience new activities, form friendships, increase independence and build self-esteem in week long, overnight camps.

    Camp encourages the development of social skills through interactive activities alongside a teen volunteer in a structured setting, under adult supervision. Parties every evening include hayrides, bingo, campfire songs, dancing and more.

    Special Camps provides training for its volunteers. At camp, volunteers develop leadership skills while gaining insight into the lives of special needs individuals. Volunteers have unique opportunities to learn from the campers they play, and live along side, that can lead to personal and professional growth.

    Special Camps provides weeklong respite to families and caregivers. Raising a child with special needs can be a very rewarding experience, but also requires life-long care and often financial challenges. That’s why Special Camps provides scholarships for any camper in need. Campers who are able, pay $350 for their one week stay at camp. Those in need should inquire, as a few scholarships may be available.

     

    https://specialcamps.s3.amazonaws.com/artwork/camp%20flyer%202019.pdf

  2. Merry Christmas!

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    Special Camps has brought such joy to my family… We wish you and your families an abundance of joy over the Christmas holidays. Hope to see each of you when Special Camps returns for our 25th year, June 9th, (just 172 days from today)!!!

    Much Special Camps Love,

    Miss Colleen + her father Mr Reed

    n

  3. GIVING TUESDAY [happy birthday Special Camps!]

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    Dear Special Camps friends,

    We have a day for giving thanks. We have two for getting deals. Now, we have #Giving Tuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back. Following Thanksgiving, comes Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday. On Tuesday, November 27th, charities around the world will come together for one common purpose, to celebrate generosity and to give.

    In honor of Special Camps 25th Anniversary, we will for the first time, participate in #Giving Tuesday. Continue Reading

  4. 41st Annual Christmas Party

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    Join the SPECIAL CAMPS family along with Knights of Columbus groups from Wheaton, Winfield, and West Chicago for a special CHRISTMAS PARTY to bring joy to children and young adults with physical and intellectual disabilities. Continue Reading

  6. My Week at Special Camps

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    My Week at Special Camps
    By Joshua Money

    Special Camps was established by Colleen McDonald in 1994. She wanted a place where children and adults with intellectual disabilities are not judged by how they look or what their disability is. Special Camps runs 2 weeks a year (adult week and kids week). All the activities are the same for both weeks. Some of the activities provided are: Continue Reading

  7. New Website Contributors

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    Volunteering at camp this summer was so much fun! I had the opportunity to meet all kinds of great new friends that I hope to keep in touch with. Miss Colleen and I are currently looking for Staff Members, Counselors, and Campers that would like to participate in the growth of the Special Camps website! Continue Reading

  9. THE FIRST DAY OF CAMP 2018!

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    The first day of camp was a HUGE success thanks to the wonderful volunteers and staff! Stay tuned to the website for updated content and SEND SUN SCREEN!