2016

Summer Camp Guide for Children, Adults And Families with Special Needs in Western North Carolina

11 Vanderbilt Park Drive Asheville, North Carolina 28803 (828) 213-0033 or (888) 810-2800, option 2 This resource is also available online at: http://www.missionchildrens.org/family-support-network.php

2

Table of Contents Buncombe and surrounding area

3

Regional Camps for All Ages

10

National Camp Listing Websites

15

Financial Aid

15

Selecting a Camp

16

3

Buncombe Co. and surrounding counties Camp Name:

Adventure Amputee Camp

Location: Bryson City, North Carolina Mailing Address: Adventure Amputee Camp, Inc. 176 Saddleback Lane Winchester, VA 22602 Phone Number: 540-545-7238 [email protected] Website: www.adventureamputeecamp.org Ages Served: Ages 8-17 Special Needs Any boy or girl who is missing one or more limbs or has a difference in one or more Camp Dates: Length of Stay: Description:

They offer winter and summer camp dates. Please check their website for details. 4 nights Encourages children with amputations or limb differences to stretch potential and imagination, and explore all that is possible. Activities may include river rafting, high ropes and water skiing. All activities are modified as necessary to meet the ability and interest level of each camper. Other activities such as bowling, crafts, games, swimming, and horseback riding may be less physically stressful, yet provide many campers an experience that was previously untried, unobtainable, or unimaginable.

Camp Name:

Asheville YMCA Summer Camp

Location: Mailing Address:

Asheville, North Carolina 30 Woodfin Street Asheville, North Carolina 28801 (828) 659-9622 www.ymcawnc.org/summer-camp-information Camp Discovery: Rising K - Rising 5th Graders LIT (Leaders in Training): Rising 6th - Rising 8th Graders CIT (Counselors in Training): Rising 9th - 12th Graders

Phone Number: Website: Ages Served:

Special Needs Focus: Camp Dates: Length of Stay: Description:

Inclusive Offers numerous day camps posted on their website Day Camp - One week per session Nature hikes, camp songs, group games, arts & crafts, swimming, outdoor exploration, water play, drama and music, sports and games, and weekly field trips. Camp Name:

Camp Ability of WNC

Location: Lake Junaluska, North Carolina Mailing Address: PO Box 1249 Waynesville, North Carolina 28786 Phone Number:

828-235-8853 cell 828-226-5572 Diane Gayer

Website:

www.campabilityofwnc.com

Ages Served: Special Needs Focus: Camp Dates: Length of Stay: Description:

Ages 6 to 18 Any June 27– July 1, July 5—8, July 11—15 2016 Enrollment opens in May Day Camp, 8:30am till 3:30pm Goal is to provide children with disabilities a camp experience under the supervision of trained and experienced staff that will encourage the development of selfconcept, self-confidence, and social skills in a safe, caring Christian setting. Activities include puppetry, drama, music, games and more. Each campers will have a one-onone support staff assigned.

4 Camp Name:

Camp Funshine Day Camp

Location: Mailing Address: Phone Number: Website:

Burnsville, North Carolina 225 Patience Park Road Burnsville, North Carolina 28714 (828) 385-0211, Lucy Wilson (Call for brochure and application) www.toerivercampground.com/Upcoming_Events.php

Ages Served:

All ages

Special Needs Focus: All special needs Camp Dates:

June 20 — June 23, 2016

Length of Stay:

4 days of Day Camp,

Description:

An annual camp held at Toe River Campground that includes activities such as water sports, crafts, games, song & dance and more. Also includes an final event for parents and campers on last night.

Camp Name:

Camp Heart Songs

Location:

Held at Camp Tekoa, Hendersonville, North Carolina

Mailing Address:

United Methodist Camp Tekoa 211 Thomas Rd. Hendersonville, North Carolina 28793

Phone Number:

828-233-0334

Website:

www.fourseasonscfl.org/what-we-offer/heart-songs-program-for-children/

Ages Served:

Ages 6 to 12 (grades 1 through 8)

Special Needs Focus: Children grieving the loss of a loved one Camp Dates:

Please go to website for camp dates

Length of Stay:

Weekend

Description:

Offers a safe, supportive experience in which children can explore and express their feelings of grief while learning through the empathy of grief counselors and peer groups that they are not alone. Some of the activities for camp include rock wall climbing, hiking, canoeing, swimming, pet therapy, crafts, games and a camp fire with s’mores, luminaries and more.

Camp Name:

Camp Lakey Gap

Location:

Black Mountain, North Carolina

Mailing Address:

222 Fern Way Black Mountain, North Carolina 28711

Phone Number:

(828) 669-8977

Website:

www.christmount.org/camplakeygap/index.htm

Ages Served:

Ages 4 to 17 as well as one week for ages 18 and over

Special Needs Focus:

Autism Spectrum

Camp Dates:

June 12—July 29, 2016

Length of Stay:

Six different 1 week sessions

Description:

During a week at Camp Lakey Gap with 1:1 and 1:2 staff support, people with autism develop strong social skills and self esteem by experiencing success with peers, being empowered to take leadership roles, successfully trying new things, and being supported in a positive and loving environment.

5 Camp Name:

Camp Pisgah Girl Scout Camp

Location:

Brevard, North Carolina

Mailing Address: Phone Number:

570 Girl Scout Camp Road Brevard, North Carolina 28712 (828) 862-4435

Website:

www.camppisgah.org

Ages Served:

Ages 5 through 17 and check out their Family weekends!

Special Needs Focus: Camp Dates:

Inclusive of special needs including physical, medical, developmental, dietary, behavioral or communicative needs. Various dates throughout the summer, based on age, etc.

Length of Stay:

Three, six or twelve days

Description:

Offers a wide variety of programs for girls ages 5 through 17. Girls do not have to be members of the Girl Scouts in order to participate but may have to pay a small additional fee.

Camp Name:

Camp Say

Location:

Hendersonville, North Carolina

Mailing Address:

55 West 39th St. Suite 1001, New York, New York 10036

Phone Number:

828-393-4244

Website:

www.campsay.org

Ages Served:

Ages 8 to 18

Special Needs Focus: Stuttering Camp Dates:

August 2—August 16, 2016

Length of Stay:

2 weeks

Description:

Helps campers communicate effectively, engage socially, and succeed at school and in their everyday lives. Also open to young family members and friends of children who stutter who learn how to offer better support year round to their siblings or friends who stutter.

Camp Name:

Camp Spring Creek

Location:

Bakersville, North Carolina

Mailing Address:

44 Walnut Ave. Spruce Pine, NC 28777

Phone Number:

828-766-5032

Website:

www.campspringcreek.org

Ages Served:

Ages 7 to 15

[email protected]

Special Needs Focus: Children with dyslexia Camp Dates:

June 12 thru August 6th, 2016

Length of Stay: Description:

4 to 8 week sessions Offers a series of multi-week sessions. They create an environment where dyslexic children become better readers, spellers and writers, discover their creative talents, and gain self confidence & independence. Activities include creative arts, swimming, wood shop, water skiing & outdoor education.

Camp Name:

Camp Sunshine

Location:

Black Mountain, North Carolina

Mailing Address: Phone Number: Website:

222 Fern Way Black Mountain, North Carolina 28711 (828) 669-8977 www.christmount.org/campsunshine.html

Ages Served:

Ages 18 and over

Special Needs Focus: High-functioning, cognitively challenged adults Camp Dates:

June 6—10, 2016 and June 27—July 1, 2016

Length of Stay:

(2) one week sessions

Description:

A week of fun, fellowship, recreation, crafts, singing, swimming, hiking and worship. Campers will live in cabins with a least one counselor for every four campers. Staff are a caring group who will supervise campers at all times and insure they have a great time at camp.

Cost $190 per week.

Camp Name:

Camp Tekoa—Special Elementary Kids and Barnabas Camp

Location:

Hendersonville, North Carolina

Mailing Address:

United Methodist Camp Tekoa

Phone Number:

(828) 692-6516

Website:

www.camptekoa.org/summer-camps/summer-camps/special-needs

Ages Served:

Ages 8 to 12 years old Special Needs Day Camp 8:30 to 4:30 June 20—24 and July 4—8, 2016 Ages 18 and older Barnabas Camp (overnight) June 27—July 2, 2016

211 Thomas Rd. Hendersonville, North Carolina 28793

[email protected]

Special Needs Focus: Developmental Disabilities Camp Dates:

See ages served section

Description:

Campers are to be ambulatory and able to feed, bathe and clothe themselves. They will enjoy activities such as boating, hiking, zip line, arts and crafts, devotions and talent show performances. Each camper is partnered with a special friend throughout the week.

Camp Name:

Camp Tikvah (Hope)

Location:

Asheville, North Carolina

Mailing Address:

Asheville JCC

Phone Number:

(828) 253-0701, x107

Website: Ages Served:

www.jcc-asheville.org/youth/camp-ruach/camp-tikvah-for-children-with-autism/ Rising 1st through 5th grade children

236 Charlotte Street ,

Asheville, North Carolina 28801

Special Needs Focus: Autism Spectrum Camp Dates: June 7—August 12, 2016 (9:00 to 3:30pm) Length of Stay:

Nine different one week camp sessions

Description:

Specially-trained counselors continuously monitor each camper’s sensory environment to help facilitate communication, socialization, and of course, community and fun. All Camp Tikvah staff complete an intensive training with Camp Tikvah Program Director, Jennifer Lingle, M.Ed., who is also the Director of Autism Consulting and Training, Inc..

7

Camp Name:

Eliada Homes Summer Child Development

Location:

Asheville, North Carolina

Mailing Address:

Asheville, North Carolina 28801

Phone Number:

(828) 254-5356 Tonya Reed ext. 349

Website: Ages Served:

www.eliada.org/What we do/afterschool ages birth to 6

Special Needs Focus: Kids with developmental delays Camp Dates: June 7 to August 11, 2016 Length of Stay:

Day camp and afterschool programs

Description:

Program focuses on peer relations and conflict resolution, character building and promoting a positive self-esteem in our youth through organized activities and games that promote teambuilding skills.

Camp Name:

First Shine Camp

Location:

Asheville, North Carolina

Mailing Address:

First Baptist Church 5 Oak Street Asheville, North Carolina 28801

Phone Number:

(828) 252-4781 [email protected]

Ages Served:

Ages 13 to 25

(each year the targeted age group will rotate between kids and youth/adults)

Special Needs Focus: Developmental disabilities, multi-handicapped

Camp Name:

Camp Dates:

June 7—10, 2016, Dates may change due to the # of snow days during the school year.

Description:

First Shine is a residential overnight camp that begins on Monday afternoon, June 15 and continues until Thursday afternoon, June 18, 2015 and is held in the resident halls on the beautiful campus at Warren Wilson College located in the Swannanoa Valley in Asheville, NC. Because of our commitment to children with special needs, the entire expense of this camp will be covered by First Baptist Church of Asheville’s 2015 budget.

SOAR (Success Oriented Achievement Realized)

Location and mailing: PO Box 388 Balsam, North Carolina 28707 Phone Number:

(828) 456-3435

Website: www.soarnc.org

Ages Served:

Ages 8 to 18

Special Needs Focus:

Learning disabilities and Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)

Camp Dates:

They have a variety of dates and time frames, please see website for details.

Length of Stay:

Three to 26 day sessions are scheduled

Description:

Features success-oriented, high adventure programs for preteens, teens and adults with Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). Emphasis is placed on developing self-confidence, social skills, problem-solving techniques, a willingness to attempt new challenges and the motivation which comes through successful goal orientation.

8 Camp Name:

Summer Enrichment Camp

Location:

970 Haywood Rd., Asheville, North Carolina

Mailing Address:

Asheville Parks and Recreation PO Box 7148 Asheville, North Carolina 28802

Phone Number:

(828) 259-5483

Website:

www.ashevillenc.gov/Departments/ParksRecreation/Recreation/ TherapeuticPrograms.aspx Ages 6 to 13

Ages Served:

[email protected]

Special Needs Focus: Inclusive, with or without mild to moderate cognitive or developmental delays Camp Dates:

June 20—August 19, 2016 At W. Asheville Community Center

9:00am-6:00pm

Length of Stay:

day camp with 9-week long sessions

Description:

An inclusive recreation program at the West Asheville Center. Daily activities include group games, arts and crafts, nature exploration, special events and field trips.

Camp Name:

Summer Theater Camp—sponsored by D.E.F.T.

Location: Phone Number: Ages Served: Special Needs Focus:

Wesley Grant Community Center Livingston St. Asheville, NC (828)476-4231 [email protected] Ages youth, teen and adults with and without disabilities All folks welcomed

Camp Dates:

The 2016 schedule varies and is growing please call Starr T. for details. at contact info above Day Camp This is a theater-art camp for youth, teems and adults with disabilities & without who want to experience acting and Theatre-Arts. Activities include: theatre games, singing & dancing, creating props, sets, & costumes, as well as exploring ASL - sign language. Building skills & confidence, teamwork & creativity, while having Fun and delivering a message of Inclusion.

Length of Stay: Description:

Camp Name:

Summershine

Location: Mailing Address:

Arden, North Carolina 28 Spruce Drive Arden, North Carolina 28704

Phone Number: Website: Ages Served: Special Needs Focus:

(828) 209-6307 www.novusway.com/our-programs/summer-camp/summershine.aspx Ages 15 and over Developmental Delays

Camp Dates:

June 5—11, July 24-30 or July 31– August 6 2016

Length of Stay: Description:

One week Campers enjoy crafts, games, swimming, campfires, singing and other camp activities as part of the larger camp community. Focus is on building faith while having fun! Campers are challenged to make new friends and experience new adventures. All three weeks are designed for campers who are independent in personal hygiene (no diapers), non-aggressive and generally compliant. Living space is VERY communal, and group participation is stressed, so campers needing lots of personal space or time alone would not enjoy this program.

9 Camp Name:

Talisman Programs Summer Camps

Location: Mailing Address:

Zirconia, North Carolina 64 Gap Creek Road Zirconia, North Carolina 28790

Phone Number: Website: Ages Served: Special Needs Focus:

(828)588-8254 www.talismancamps.com Ages 6 to 22 ADHD, Asperger's syndrome and high-functioning autism

Camp Dates:

Sessions start June 11th thru August 7th, 2016 See website for open house dates on 4/16 and 5/28/16 and webinar details. Sessions vary from 5 to 21 days, depending on age

Length of Stay: Description:

Designed to provide a fun, safe atmosphere where campers can develop increased self-esteem, trust in self and others, and the basics of good decision making. Includes backpacking, rock & tree climbing, whitewater rafting, high rope course, swimming, nature studies, and arts and crafts. They also hold a number of full-camp special events, such as 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s Dances, Carnival, Olympics, Backwards Day, Grand Council campfires, and Final Banquet.

Camp Name:

Transylvania Parks and Recreation

Location:

1078 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, North Carolina 28712

Phone Number:

(828) 884-3156

Camp Dates: Description:

Summer Day Camp schedule online as it gets closer to summer. Offers a variety of summer day camps including camps for art, volleyball, wrestling, basketball and others.

Camp Name:

Boys and Girls Club of Transylvania Co.

Location: Phone Number:

Street Address: 11 Gallimore Road Brevard, NC 28712 | Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1360 Brevard, NC 28712 828-885-7800 Website: http://www.bgctransylvania.org

Camp Dates:

Summer Day Camp schedule online as it gets closer to summer

Description:

Offers a summer program centered on fun and learning that includes topics such as health, math, reading, art, manners, volunteerism, etc. for kids ages 5 to 18 years old.

Website: http://rec.transylvaniacounty.org

10

Other Regional Camps for All Ages Camp Name:

Aerie Experiences

Location:

Dahlonega, Georgia

Mailing Address: 969 Golden Avenue Dahlonega, Georgia 30533 Phone Number:

(404) 285-0467

[email protected]

Website:

www.aerieexperiences.com

Ages Served:

Ages 8-14+ and Check out the Family events they have scheduled

Special Needs Focus:

Asperger's, ADHD, high-functioning Autism, learning disabilities or other neurobiological disorders.

Camp Dates:

Dates dependent on type of session chosen, check out their website

Length of Stay:

One week

Description:

Offers wilderness & outdoor camp experiences to the “nontraditional” camper. Includes canoeing, hiking, rock climbing, rappelling, archery, crafts, wilderness navigation & more.

Camp Name:

Camp Abilities NC (CANC)

Location: Mailing Address:

Boomer, North Carolina (Lenoir County)

Phone Number: Website: Ages Served: Special Needs Focus:

(828) 478-2755

Camp Dates: Length of Stay: Description:

Exact dates will be posted in March.

Camp Abilities at Camp Dogwood 7062 Camp Dogwood Dr. Sherrils Ford, NC 28573 www.raisingcane.org

Kids 10 to 17 years old Visual impairment/blindness 5 days, 4 nights

Camp Abilities is a week-long sports camp designed to meet the unique needs of children with visual impairments. Campers explore and learn individual and group sports to optimize their potential to improve and sustain health and well-being throughout their lives.

Camp Name:

Camp Blue Skies

Location: Mailing Address:

Boomer, North Carolina (Lenoir County) Camp Blue Skies Foundation 1101 Queens Road West Charlotte, North Carolina 28207 (704) 266-2267 [email protected] www.campblueskies.org Adults aged 21 and over Down Syndrome and mild to moderate autism

Phone Number: Website: Ages Served: Special Needs Focus: Camp Dates: Length of Stay: Description:

North Carolina camp dates to be announced on line Georgia camp is March 14—18, 2016 5 days, 4 nights

A residential camp for adults with cognitive and DD, including mild to moderate Down syndrome and Autism. Many recreational and outdoor activities available to campers, that offer learning activities to address individual independence. Campers have opportunities to challenge themselves in a safe environment in order to enhance their interests and abilities while further developing social skills.

11 Camp Name:

Camp Burnt Gin

Location:

Camp Address 1980 Burnt Gin Road, Wedgefield, SC, 29168

Mailing Address: Winter Address DHEC/CSHCN, Box 101106, Columbia, SC, 29211 803-494-3145 (tel.) Phone Number: 803-898-0455 (tel.) Website:

www.scdhec.gov/campburntgin

Ages Served:

Ages 7—25

Special Needs Focus: Camp Dates:

For children, youth and young adults with physical disabilities and chronic illnesses

Length of Stay:

(4) six day sessions for 7-15 year olds (2) six day sessions for 16-20 year olds (1) four day camp for 21-25 year olds.

Description:

Counselors, in a ratio of one counselor for every three campers, live with the children and assist them with their daily needs and adjustment to camp life. Two registered nurses staff the infirmary and a nearby Pediatric Practice serves as our doctors on call. Enrollment is limited to children from South Carolina.

June 8 – August 4, 2016

Camp Name:

Camp Carefree

Location:

Stokesdale, North Carolina

Mailing Address: 275 Carefree Lane Stokesdale, North Carolina 27357 Phone Number: (336) 427-0966

[email protected]

Website:

www.campcarefree.org

Ages Served:

Ages 6-16 (or 6-18 for Neuro & Spina Bifida weeks)

Special Needs Focus: Camp Dates:

Neurological disorders, cancer, Spina Bifida, hemophilia, sickle cell, muscular dystrophy. Also weeks for siblings of children with a chronic illness or children with a chronically ill parent.

Length of Stay:

One week

Description:

A free, overnight summer camp for children with special needs, as well as for children whose parents or siblings have special needs. Kids come out to Camp on Sunday afternoon and stay until the following Saturday morning. Campers ride horses, canoe, go fishing, climb a rock wall and go down a zip line, play in the pool, do arts & crafts, and play many outdoor games. Campers are aged 6-16, with the exception of Neuro & Spina Bifida weeks where campers are 6-18.

June 19 - June 25 for Siblings; June 26 - July 2 for Neuro; July 3 - July 9 for Cancer; July 10 - July 16 for Spina Bifida; July 17 - July 23 for children w/ a chronically ill parent; July 24 - July 30 for Hemophilia & blood disorders; For Brain Injury call 919-833-9634

Camp Name:

Camp Carolina Trails

Location: Mailing Address:

King, North Carolina

Phone Number:

(919) 743-5400 x3217

Website:

www.campcarolinatrails.org

Ages Served:

Ages 7 - 17, Grades 4 thru 11

2418 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 206 Raleigh, North Carolina 27607 [email protected]

Special Needs Focus: Diabetes Camp Dates:

June 14-20. 2015

Length of Stay: Description:

One week The American Diabetes Association Camp Carolina Trails is an exciting week of summer fun for boys and girls entering grades 3 through 11. Camp includes many sports and activities such as swimming, hiking, canoeing and arts and crafts. It will be held at YMCA Camp Hanes on 400 acres next to Hanging Rock State Park.

12 Camp Name:

Camp Dogwood

Location:

Lake Norman, North Carolina

Mailing Address: Phone Number:

7050 Camp Dogwood Drive, PO Box 39 Sherrills Ford, North Carolina 28673 (800) 662-7401 ext. 229 or 230 [email protected]

Website:

www.nclionscampdogwood.com

Ages Served:

18 years and up

Special Needs Focus: Blindness or visual impairment Camp Dates:

June 5 - August 13, 2016

Length of Stay:

One week sessions

Description:

A recreational program consisting of 10 one week overnight sessions for blind and visually impaired adults. This recreational/vacation experience includes but is not limited to boating, fishing, swimming, waterskiing, tubing, art, crafts, PuttPutt golf, and off camps trips for shopping and bowling.

Camp Name:

Camp Luck

Camp Cherokee at Kings Mtn. State Park, (near Charlotte) Location: Phone Number: (910) 663-5825 [email protected] www.campluck.com Website:

Ages Served: Special Focus:

Ages 7 to 14 Kids with cardiac defects

Family Camp May 20 - May 22, 2016 Kids Camp August 7 thru 12, 2016 Camp Dates: Length of Stay: Week long overnight camp Kids get to have the camp experience with kids just like them in a safe camp environment. No fees. Description:

Camp Name:

Camp Royall, Autism Society of North Carolina

Location: Mailing Address:

Moncure, North Carolina (just outside of Pittsboro, North Carolina)

Phone Number: Website: Ages Served:

(919) 542-1033

Special Focus:

Autism Spectrum

Camp Dates:

June 5 - August 12, 2016 (See website for specific dates for children, teens or adults) Offer a variety of Family Camps, Week long overnights, mini camp weekends and adult retreats Includes typical summer camp activities, just in a very specialized way. They provide 1:1 or 1:2 counselor/camper care so that campers are able to get the most out of their week at camp. Offers both residential and day camp.

Length of Stay: Description:

250 Bill Ash Road Moncure, North Carolina 27559 [email protected]

www.camproyall.org Ages 4 to adult

13

Camp Name:

Camp Spearhead

Mailing Address:

4806 Old Spartanburg Road, Taylors, South Carolina 29687

Phone Number:

(864) 288-6470, ext. 164

Website:

www.campspearhead.org

Ages Served:

Ages 8 to adult with special needs/disabilities

Camp Dates:

May 30 - July 29, 2016

Description:

A special needs camp providing an environment of unconditional acceptance for children/adults with disabilities. The counselor/camper ratio is 1:3. Staff certified in CPR & First Aid. Lots of camp activities! Through the positive role modeling of the staff, campers are encouraged to participate fully and improve socialization and self-help skills.

(8) one week sessions

Camp Name:

Clemson University Outdoor Lab

Location:

Clemson University Outdoor Lab located on Lake Hartwell in Pendleton, South Carolina

Mailing Address:

263 Lehotsky Hall Clemson, South Carolina 29634

Phone Number:

(864) 646-7502

Website:

www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/outdoor-lab/camps/camp-hope.html

[email protected]

Camp Sunshine Ages Served:

Ages 6 to 40

Special Needs Focus: severe/profound DD H Camp Dates: March 4-6, 2016 April 1-3, 2016 Length of Stay: Weekend camps thru year Description:

Jaycee Camp Hope

Ages 6 and up.

Camp Sertoma

Camp Lions Den

Ages 7 to adults

Developmental disabilities June 12—July 22 (4) week long sessions

underprivileged/speech/ hearing impairment June 12—July 23

Ages 7 to 17 visual impairment/blindness

(6) week long sessions

July 3—9, 2016 One week

Camp takes place at the Clemson University Outdoor Lab on Lake Hartwell in Pendleton, SC. Activities include swimming, canoeing, fishing, drama, archery, crafts, pontoon boat rides, nature activities, overnight campouts and more. Campers develop greater independence through daily camp activities as they learn to do things for themselves.

Camp Name:

Sparrowwood

Location:

Dahlonega, Georgia

Mailing Address:

Camp Glisson

Phone Number:

(706) 864-6181

Ages Served:

Ages 4th grade to adult

690 Camp Glisson Road

Dahlonega, Georgia 30533

www.glisson.org/sparrowwood

Special Needs Focus: Mild to Moderate Developmental Disabilities Camp Dates: May 31—July 31, 2015 Six days, Sunday through Thursday Description:

A vital and cherished part of the camp ministry designed specifically for campers with mild to moderate developmental disabilities. Campers are cared for by trained counselors with a 1:2 counselor-to-camper ratio.

14 Camp Name:

YMCA Camp Greenville a) Pretty Place Stargazers b) Spectrum Family Camp

Location:

Cleveland, SC (1 hour south of Asheville)

Mailing Address:

100 YMCA Camp Road Cleveland, South Carolina 29635

Phone Number:

(864) 836-3291

Website:

A) www.campgreenville.org/pretty-place-stargazers.php b) www.campgreenville.org/spectrum-family-camp.php All ages— a camp for the whole family to attend.

Ages Served:

[email protected]

Special Needs Focus:

A) Families who have children with Down syndrome b) Families who have children on the Autism Spectrum

Camp Dates:

A) September 9-11, 2016 b) May 6—8, October 28—30 2016

Length of Stay:

Weekends for the whole family

Description:

Spend a weekend at camp with a family camp atmosphere. It will be a time for reflection, connections and fun for the whole family. Activities include arts & crafts, archery, riflery, nature center, canoeing, zip line, and more.

Camp Name:

Victory Junction

Location:

Randleman, North Carolina

Mailing Address:

4500 Adam's Way Randleman, North Carolina 27317

Phone Number:

(336) 498-9055 [email protected]

Website:

www.victoryjunction.org

Ages Served:

Ages 6 to 16 and Family Weekend Camps

Special Needs Focus: Heart/lung/kidney disease; physical disabilities; burns/skin disease/craniofacial anomalies/sickle cell; siblings; neurological/genetic disorders; rheumatologic/bleeding/ gastrointestinal disorders; cerebral palsy; cancer/diabetes/immunology; Spina Bifida Camp Dates:

Check out the website for camp week dates and Family camp weekends

Length of Stay:

5 days for most camps and weekend sessions

Description:

The mission of Victory Junction is to enrich the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, in a safe and medically-sound environment.

15

National Camp Listing Websites   

American Camp Association’s Find-A-Camp Resource find.acacamps.org Special Needs Camp Resources listed at Kidscamps.com www.kidscamps.com/specialneeds-camps.camp Very Special Camps listing www.veryspecialcamps.com

Financial Aid  

Arc of Buncombe County (828) 253-1255 Offers a limited number of scholarships. Call for questions and application. Baker Summer Camp Program www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/grants/baker-summer-camp-program This program, sponsored by Autism Speaks, selects eligible camps in the United States to identify qualified campers and offer scholarship funds for financially disadvantaged children with Autism Spectrum Disorder to attend a summer camp. Visit the website for more information.



WNC Down Syndrome Alliance offers financial support for year round enrichment and recreation activities for children with Down Syndrome ages 2 to 18. Contact Alice Miller, 828-777-2514 www.wncdsa.org



FIFNC Lifeline Project Various types of support are available through this program and may include assistance in attending summer camps for families meeting eligibility requirements. See www.fifnc.org for more info. Civic Organizations Many civic organizations assist with specific financial needs. Contact your local branch of the following organizations for more information. * Lions Club * Knights of Columbus * Elks Club * Kiwanis Club *Rotary Club Remember that many camps offer in-house scholarships to a certain number of campers. Contact the camp(s) that you’re interested in for more information.





16

Selecting a Camp What to Look for in a Camp Program If you are considering sending your child to a camp program, you will need to make some decisions concerning the type of camp experience that is most appropriate for your child. You can use this guide to gather some basic information about some camps which might be appropriate for children with special needs in North Carolina. There are camps specifically for children with special needs and camps where children with special needs are included. You can choose a camp that best suits your child's abilities and interests. You may begin by considering whether you are looking for a day camp or a residential (overnight) camp. Day Camps Day camps usually offer a variety of recreational activities designed to promote your child's physical and mental well-being. Programs may run full days or half days, five days a week or several days a week, all summer or only a few weeks. Advance registration and a physical exam with complete medical history are usually required. Day camp activities typically include music, swimming, a variety of sports, arts and crafts, hobby clubs, and trips. Most camps accept children 5 years of age and older. If a program is offered by your local community or municipal recreation department, a fee is often charged. Most private camps typically charge higher fees, although they may offer scholarships or fee reductions based on financial need. Residential Camps Residential camps are those in which your child may spend two days, two weeks, or an entire summer away from home. These programs provide a unique living experience for children. In addition to offering some of the same activities available at day camps, “sleep away” camps enable children to live together in cabins or tents under the supervision of qualified staff. A major emphasis of these programs is increasing the independence and self-help skills of each child. Most children are between the ages of 5 and 16. Advance registration and a complete physical examination are usually required. Fees are generally charged; however, a scholarship program may be available. Religious Affiliation Some camps are religiously affiliated. Most of these welcome campers of all faiths. Camp staff can provide more information about camp philosophy and practices. Suggested Questions Once you have decided on the type of camp program (day or residential), you may use the list of questions below to help you decide which camp will best meet your child's needs and interests.

        

How do you apply? What is the deadline for submitting applications? What are the camp's opening and closing dates? Are there clothing requirements and clothing checklists? Is transportation to and from the camp provided? Is the program designed for children with specific disabilities? Is the program accessible for children with physical disabilities? Does the American Camping Association (ACA) accredit the camp? Does the camp meet state/local health standards & regulations for the operation of day/residential camps?

17

General Information Some general information can be obtained by visiting the camp's web site, requesting a brochure, calling the camp organization directly, or visiting the camp facility to get more specific answers to your questions. Parents can usually make appointments with camp directors in the spring. Staff

     

What are the criteria for selecting a counselor (i.e., what education or experience is required by the camp)? What are the counselors' duties? What is the ratio of counselors to children? Are counselors hired for short periods or for the entire summer? Does the staff include a nurse and a doctor? (For residential camps) How many counselors live in each of the cabins, tents, or bunkhouses?

Facilities

    

What types of facilities are available? What is the overall condition of the facilities? Are the toilet and shower facilities adequate and accessible? (For residential camps) How many children are housed in campers' quarters? Is there a well-equipped infirmary on the premises?

Health Emergencies

   

Is the camp insured? Is your child covered under that insurance policy? Is the doctor/nurse on duty 24 hours a day? Is there a hospital close by?

Activities  What types of activities are offered?  Are activities coordinated and designed according to the age or development of the child?  Is the program flexible or is it highly structured and formal? Fees  Is there a fee? 

 

What is included with this fee? Does it cover transportation, meals, insurance, linens, laundry, special trips, entrance fees, canteen, health services, and use of equipment? Ask the camp director to itemize any services for which an additional fee is required. Is there a membership fee? (Must you join the sponsoring organization in order for your child to participate?) Are scholarships or fee reductions available?

Transportation  What kind of transportation is provided?  Is it door-to-door or group pick-up?  Is a counselor or chaperone available to take care of your child while in transit?  Do the vehicles meet state and local safety regulations for operation of vehicles that transport children?  How long does your child have to travel to and from camp?  For long trips, is there a bathroom on the bus? Meals  Are lunches provided by the day camp?  Are the camp menus prepared by a dietitian?

18  

Are snacks provided during the day? What kind? Are special meals available if needed?

Note: Remember to advise camp personnel of any food allergies or special dietary needs that your child may have. More Things to Remember about Camps  Camp is intended to be fun, so you can expect it to be a bit messy!  Remember the setting and make sure your child is appropriately dressed. Good sneakers are a must!  It is a good idea to label all clothing.  It is a good idea to keep an extra set of clothes at day camp. Some have cubbies or lockers for this purpose.  Talk to your child's counselor about your child's likes and dislikes.  Beware of overstuffing backpacks. They get heavy and can become a nuisance.  Sunscreen!  HAVE FUN! Don't be afraid to ask questions. The more you and your child know, the better the camp experience will be. Sometimes the best references for a camp are previous campers. Camps should be able to provide references.

The preceding section on selecting a camp was adapted from materials prepared by the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.