January 24, 2020
Sign-up is underway for 2020 Camp Little Giant
CARBONDALE, Ill. — For nearly 70 years, Camp Little Giant at Southern Illinois University Carbondale has been bringing smiles to people of varying abilities and disabilities. Registration is now open for the 2020 summer camp season.
The co-educational therapeutic recreation camp debuted in 1952, one of the nation’s first camps specifically for people with disabilities. Since then, countless people ages 8-88 have discovered each year what they “can do” at a place where summer camp activities are adapted just for them.
A true camp experience
Campers truly get a typical camp experience, complete with swimming, boat rides, horseback riding, dancing and campfires. They also enjoy nature hikes, hayrides, fishing, arts and crafts, theater, music, talent shows and so much more.
Specially trained camp staff members adapt activities to the needs and abilities of individual campers. It all takes place in the beautiful, modern 3,100-acre Touch of Nature facility, complete with all the amenities. The camp is on the shores of Little Grassy Lake, adjacent to the Shawnee National Forest.
Many camp options
There are nine different camp sessions, ranging from six to 13 days. Each is designed to serve a specific population.
The schedule includes:
- June 7-12 – Camp Olympia I, for adults 21 and older with high care needs, low mobility or using wheelchairs.
- June 7-19 – Camp Olympia II, for adults 21 and older with high care needs, low mobility or using wheelchairs.
- June 14-26 – Camp Traditions II, for adults ages 21 and older with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.
- June 21-26 – Camp Traditions III, for adults ages 21 and older with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.
- June 28-July 3 – Camp Traditions IV, for adults ages 21 and older with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.
- July 12-27– Camp Shawnee I, for youths ages 8-21 with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.
- July 12-24 – Camp Shawnee II, for youths ages 8-21 with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.
- July 19-24 – Camp Shawnee III, for youths ages 8-21 with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.
- July 26-Aug. 1 – Dyna Camp, for youths ages 8-19 with attention deficit, hyperactive disorder.
Registration now open
The camp cost is $550 for the six-day session for people who require less intensive or individualized care or $1,200 for a 13-day session. For campers who need one-on-one care and supervision, the cost is $1,000 for a six-day session or $2,100 for a 13-day session.
The seven-day Dyna Camp is $1,200 if individual care is needed or $650 if not.
A $100 deposit is required at the time of application. Some campers may qualify for scholarship assistance. Scholarships and registration are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Find the complete camp schedule, registration forms and additional details online or contact Vicki Lang at 618/453-3950 or vickl@siu.edu for more information.
Employment and volunteer opportunities
Camp Little Giant also offers a wide variety of opportunities for summer employment, fieldwork and practicums for students, and volunteers. The camp, which is accredited by the American Camping Association, employs counselors, lifeguards, nurses, and specialists to assist with nature and outdoor activities, arts and crafts, sports and games and other components of the camp. Dependable volunteers are also welcome to assist with the experiential residential summer camp for people with various cognitive, physical or developmental disabilities.
To learn more about employment, practicum or volunteer options, contact Vicki Lang, camp director, at vickil@siu.edu or 618/453-3950.