June 08, 2005

Also seeking counselors Camp Little Giant still has openings for campers

by Paula Davenport

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- A residential summer camp for youngsters and adults with disabilities has a few remaining openings for campers and is seeking a few more camp counselors.

Camp Little Giant is located at Touch of Nature Environmental Center, a wooded area on a lake about seven miles south of Carbondale.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale operates the center and prides itself on its expertise and experience in providing therapeutic recreation to special populations. The residential camp is co-educational.

Campers' favorite activities include swimming, fishing, paddleboats, horseback riding, talent shows, hayrides, carnivals and nature hikes. Males and females bunk in separate, rustic cabins overseen by adult counselors and gather for meals in the dining hall.

Some campers may qualify for financial assistance.

Meanwhile, counselors must be at least 16 years old and receive free room and board as well as their salaries. The camping program opens June 12 and runs through July 22.

For camp or counselor applications and camper scholarship information call Camp Little Giant, Touch of Nature Environmental Center, SIUC, 618/453-1121 and ask for camp Director Vicki Lang. Additional information and downloadable applications are available at www.pso.siu.edu/tonec/?littlegiant.

A complete list of sessions with openings for camp and the special populations for which they're designed:

  • Camp Traditions II: For adults 21 and over with physical or developmental disabilities.

Sign-up for one week or two, June 26-July 8.

  • Camp Shawnee II: For youths ages 8-21 with physical or developmental disabilities. Sign-up for one week or two, July 10-22.

Camp costs are as follows: If campers need one-on-one assistance, six-day sessions are $840 and 12-day sessions are $1,755; campers who require less care and supervision pay $450 for six-day sessions and $975 for 12-day sessions.

Serving others is one of the goals of Southern @ 150: Building Excellence Through Commitment, the long-range plan the University is following as it approaches its 150th anniversary in 2019.