It’s That Time of Year Again … Information on Summer Camps

Compiled by Barb Dorn

Summer camp can be a fun‑filled, exciting time for both youth and adults with PWS. Knowing what camp and at what age is best for your child is a decision that each parent/care provider needs to make.

Over the years, PWSA of WI, Inc. has compiled a list of some of the camps that parents of children and adults who have PWS have attended. You can call the state office Toll Free at 1-866-797-2947 if you have questions or contact the camp directly with your questions or concerns.  Everyone has different opinions and views. You need to make the final decision...but don't delay.

If your decision to attend camp is based on finances (or lack of), please don't hesitate to apply for PWSA of WI. Inc.’s Camp Scholarship. This year, we have once again set aside funds to help a child or adult attend camp. Any person with PWS, living in Wisconsin, young or old, is eligible.  You must be a member of our organization to be a recipient.  Membership scholarships are also available. DEADLINE IS MAY 1, 2009.  Click Here for a General Assistance application form.

Camp can offer a week filled with activities, adventures, and social opportunities. It can also be a week where families (especially siblings) get a break from the monitoring and challenges that we all face.

The following are the names, addresses and phone numbers of camps our office has heard of  (if you know of more...please let us know). Some do not have staffing and support for special needs children but others do. We may be able to help. BUT don't delay.  Many deadlines for camp registrations are approaching soon or may have already passed.  Please note some internet links and email addresses may have changed.

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Easter Seals Camp

 

- Wisconsin Elks/Easter Seals Respite Camp –  Respite camp for persons with cognitive disabilities

 

- Camp Wawbeek – for persons with physical disabilities

- Trailblazers sessions at Camp Wawbeek:  open to youth and teens (ages 7-18) and adults (ages 19-40) with a mild to moderate cognitive disability and no physical disability.

Camp Address:

1550 Waubeek Road
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965

 

Easter Seals Business Address:

101 Nob Hill Road, Suite 301, Madison, WI 53713

 

Phone:  608-277-8288 or Toll Free: 800-422-2324

Website: http://camp.eastersealswisconsin.com/

Email: respite1@wi-easterseals.org

Email: wawbeek@wi-easterseals.org

Easter Seals Wisconsin has a respite program as well as various summer camp sessions.  The camp is located on a wooded 400‑acre site near Wisconsin Dells. This camp provides a variety of experiences for children and adults with disabilities. They do have experience in serving persons with PWS. They also offer respite weeks and weekends. They have a low counselor to camper ratio so they are able to handle some higher need campers.  Their rates are on the high side.

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Wisconsin United Methodist Camps

Camping Office

750 Windsor St., P.O. Box 620

Sun Prairie, WI 53590

 

Phone: 608-837-3388 or Toll Free 877-947-2267 (ask for their Special Needs Camps)

Email:  ByroCtr@thesurf.com

Website: http://www.wiumcamps.org/downloads/camps/2009-SN-Programs.pdf

Wisconsin United Methodist Camp has 3 locations.  Byron Center is located southwest of Fond du Lac on County F near Brownsville, WI.  Pine Lake is located northwest of Westfield near Hwy 51 between Portage and Stevens Point.  Whispering Pines is located in the northwest part of the state about 75 miles from the Twin Cities near Frederic, WI.  All three have weeks that serve three age level programs.  Their Children’s Program serves children ages 8-14; their Youth Program serves youth 15-21; and their Adult Program serves adults 22 and up.  All campers must be able to care for their own basic daily needs and have a diagnosis of mild to moderate mental retardation.  They do not serve individuals with severe mental retardation or mental illness.  We have received a positive report from one camper who attended this camp last summer.

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Lion's Camp

3834 County Rd. A

Rosholt, WI 54473

 

Phone:  715‑677‑4761

Email:  info@wisconsinlionscamp.com

Website:  http://www.wisconsinlionscamp.com/

Lion’s Camp is located in central Wisconsin, 2 miles east of Rosholt, and 16 miles northeast of Stevens Point. This camp serves the needs of mild/borderline cognitively disabled youth, and young adults. They have designated weeks for youth (ages 9 –17). They do not feel comfortable handling persons with moderate to severe (behavior) problems or those who are moderate to severe cognitively disabled. They have served children with PWS and their diet is managed by "portion control". THERE IS NO COST FOR THIS CAMP.

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Camp Albrecht Acres of the Midwest

14775 Sherrill Rd.

Sherrill, IA 52073

 

Phone:  319‑552‑1771

Email:  General Information:  info@albrechtacres.org;

Email:  Sheila Vandermillen, Camp Assistant:  svandermillen@albrechtacres.org

Website:  http://www.albrechtacres.org/

 

Camp Albrecht Acres is located 8 miles north of Dubuque on the Sherrill blacktop road.  This camp may be accessible for those living in southwestern Wisconsin. It is designed for all who are disabled. They have a 24 ‑ hour nursing staff. They have some experience in working with children and young adults with PWS.  It is “family style” eating but staff will monitor for portion control.