May 15, 2013
Camp Little Giant registration is under way
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Camp Little Giant is a special place where children and adults of varying abilities and disabilities can enjoy a true summer camp experience regardless of their circumstances -- and a place where there is no “impossible.”
Registration is under way for Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s summer 2013 therapeutic recreation camps at Touch of Nature Environmental Center. One of the first programs of its kind in the U.S., Camp Little Giant has provided people an opportunity to have fun and see what they are capable of each year since 1952.
Campers experience swimming, fishing, arts and crafts, music, dancing, boat rides, talent shows, horseback riding, games and sports, dances, campfires, nature hikes and much more. The camp’s trained staff members adapt each activity to the various needs and abilities of participants. And the camp’s philosophy will enable each person attending to explore in a safe, confidence-boosting way and realize just what they can accomplish.
The coeducational camp is at the 3,100-acre Touch of Nature Environmental Center, 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 congregate for meals and activities that bring independence, cooperation, awareness, and a sense of accomplishment and belonging. In addition to structured activities there is also time for relaxing and socializing.
Many participants return annually due to the camp’s popularity. There are 11 different camp sessions, ranging from six to 13 days. Each session focuses on a specific population of participants with varying ages and abilities.
The 2013 Camp Little Giant schedule, along with the special population each session is designed for, includes:
- June 9-14: Camp Olympia I, for adults 21 and older with high care needs, low mobility or who use wheelchairs.
- June 9-21: Camp Olympia II, for adults 21 and older with high care needs, low mobility or who use wheelchairs.
- June 16-21: Camp Olympia III, for young adults and adults with high care needs, low mobility or who use wheelchairs.
- June 16-21: Camp Traditions I, for adults ages 21 and older with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.
- June 16-28: Camp Traditions II, for adults ages 21 and older with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.
- June 23-28: Camp Traditions III, for adults ages 21 and older with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.
- July 7-12: Camp Traditions IV, for adults ages 21 and older with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.
- July 14-19: Camp Shawnee I, for youths ages 8-21 with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.
- July 14-26: Camp Shawnee II, for youths ages 8-21 with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.
- July 21-26: Camp Shawnee III, for youths ages 8-21 with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.
- July 28-Aug. 3: Dyna Camp, for youths ages 8-19 with attention deficit, hyperactive disorder.
If a camper requires one-on-one care and supervision, the cost for each six-day camp session is $1,000 while the 13-day sessions cost $2,100. Those who do not need that level of individual care and supervision pay $550 for a six-day session or $1,200 for the 13-day session. The camper-to-staff ratio is no more than one staff member to four campers at any time.
The seven-day Dyna Camp is $1,200 for those who need one-on-one care and supervision or $650 for those requiring less care and supervision.
Some campers qualify for scholarship assistance. Scholarships and reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Campers residing in the area may attend camps during the day only for an adjusted rate.
Registration forms for Camp Little Giant are online at www.ton.siu.edu, or registration is also available by calling 618/453-1121, ext. 231. For more information, call the camp or email vickil@siu.edu.