May 01, 2012
Registration under way for Camp Little Giant
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Camp Little Giant is a place where there’s no such thing as impossible, a place where children and adults of varying abilities and disabilities can enjoy a real summer camp experience.
Registration is now under way for the summer 2012 Touch of Nature Environmental Center’s therapeutic recreation camp. One of the country’s first such programs, the camp has each year since 1952 given people the opportunity to see just what they are capable of doing. Campers enjoy swimming, arts and crafts, music, boat rides, talent shows, horseback riding, dances, campfires, nature hikes and so much more with trained staff adapting each activity to various needs and abilities.
The camp has a “can do” philosophy, helping each participant discover in a safe, confidence-boosting and fun way just what’s possible. The co-educational camp’s setting is the 3,100-acre Touch of Nature, located about eight miles south of Carbondale on Giant City Road, along the shores of Little Grassy Lake. Male and female campers reside in separate lodging but all gather for meals and activities assured to inspire independence, cooperation, awareness and a sense of accomplishment.
“We are looking forward to having a fun and rewarding summer camp experience with our campers. We are still accepting applications for campers for all of the sessions so please don’t hesitate to inquire about Camp Little Giant. This may be the experience of a lifetime for someone,” Vicki Lang, camp director, said.
There are 11 different camp sessions, ranging from six to 13 days. The 2012 Camp Little Giant schedule, along with the special population for which each session is designed, includes:
• June 10-15: Camp Olympia I, for adults 21 and older with high care needs, low mobility or using wheelchairs.
• June 10-22: Camp Olympia II, for adults 21 and older with high care needs, low mobility or using wheelchairs.
• June 17-22: Camp Olympia III, for young adults and adults with high care needs, low mobility or using wheelchairs.
• June 24-29: Camp Traditions I, for adults ages 21 and older with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.
• June 24-July 6: Camp Traditions II, for adults ages 21 and older with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.
• July 1-6: Camp Traditions III, for adults ages 21 and older with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.
• July 8-13: Camp Traditions IV, for adults ages 21 and older with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.
• July 15-20: Camp Shawnee I, for youths ages 8-21 with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.
• July 15-27: Camp Shawnee II, for youths ages 8-21 with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.
• July 22-27: Camp Shawnee III, for youths ages 8-21 with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.
• July 29-Aug. 4: Dyna Camp, for youths ages 8-19 with attention deficit, hyperactive disorder.
The cost for the six-day camp session is $1,000 while the 13-day session is $2,100 if the camper requires one-on-one care and supervision. Those who do not need one-to-one care and supervision pay $550 for a six-day session or $1,200 for the 13-day session.
The seven-day Dyna Camp is $1,200 for those needing one-on-one care and supervision or $650 for those requiring less care and supervision.
Some campers may qualify for scholarship assistance. Scholarships and reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition, those who live nearby may attend camps during the day for an adjusted rate.
Camp registration forms are online at www.ton.siu.edu but you can register campers by calling 618/453-1121, ext. 231. You can also inquire about the camp by emailing vickil@siu.edu.