May 19, 2010
Registration under way for Camp Little Giant
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Long anticipated by children and adults with disabilities, the time for the nationally recognized Camp Little Giant residential summer camps hosted by Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Touch of Nature Environmental Center is almost here.
Registration is under way for the therapeutic recreation camp that offers swimming, arts and crafts, music, boat rides, talent shows, horseback riding, dances, campfires, nature hikes and much more. Each activity is adapted to meet the needs of each camper. The camp’s philosophy is one of “can do,” allowing each of the participants to discover what they are capable of. It’s a chance to explore possibilities while increasing confidence and independence.
The setting for the co-educational camp is the 3,100-acre Touch of Nature, located along the shores of Little Grassy Lake. SIUC has a long-standing heritage, dating to 1952, of providing therapeutic recreation for special populations. In fact, it is the first university-affiliated residential camping program in the country for those with disabilities. There is plenty of trained staff on hand to assure a safe, enjoyable, outdoor adventure experience.
The location is about eight miles south of Carbondale on Giant City Road. Male and female campers reside in separate quarters but everyone gathers for meals. There are 11 different camp sessions, ranging from six to 13 days, each geared toward various ages and needs.
The 2010 Camp Little Giant schedule session, along with the special population for which each is designed, includes:
• June 6-11 -- Camp Olympia I: For adults 21 and older with high care needs, low mobility, or using wheelchairs.
• June 6-18 -- Camp Olympia II: For adults 21 and older with high care needs, low mobility or using wheelchairs.
• June 13-18 -- Camp Olympia III: For young adults and adults with high care needs, low mobility or using wheelchairs.
• June 20-25 -- Camp Traditions I: For adults 21 and older with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.
• June 20-July 2 -- Camp Traditions II: For adults ages 21 and older with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.
• June 27-July 2 -- Camp Traditions III: For adults ages 21 and older with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.
• July 11-16 -- Camp Traditions IV: For adults age 21 and older with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.
• July 18-23 -- Camp Shawnee I: For youths ages 8-21 with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.
• July 18-30 -- Camp Shawnee II: For youths ages 8-21 with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.
• July 25-30 -- Camp Shawnee III: For youths ages 8-21 with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.
• Aug. 1-7 -- Dyna Camp: For youths ages 8-16 with attention deficit, hyperactive disorder.
The cost for six-day camp sessions is $950 while the cost is $2,000 for a 13-day session if the camper requires one-on-one care and supervision. Those who require less care and supervision pay $500 for the shorter session or $1,100 for the longer session. The seven-day Dyna Camp cost is $1,100 for those in need of one-on-one care and supervision or $600 for those requiring less care and supervision.
Some campers may qualify for camp scholarships. In addition, those living nearby may attend camps during the day at an adjusted rate.
You can find camp and camper scholarship applications online at https://www.ton.siu.edu/forms.php or by calling the 618/453-1121.
Helpers and donations toward camperships/scholarships are also welcome at the camp. You can find out more about opportunities by calling 618/453-1121.