Meeting the needs of a broad spectrum of campers with different abilities.

Camp For All programs are universal in that each program can be accomplished in multiple ways to meet the needs of a broad spectrum of campers with different abilities. Each was designed in collaboration with Partner groups and are implemented by the Camp For All professionally trained and certified staff, many of whom have worked in the medical and special needs fields. When creating the schedule for each visiting group, varying physical skill levels, mental capabilities, mobility requirements, age and interest differences are considered so that all campers can participate and are challenged to reach their individual potential.

Aquatics

Campers swim and float in a specially designed pool that features a sloping entrance and special lift to accommodate those in wheelchairs or who have limited mobility. Sports equipment for a variety of therapeutic and recreational water games engages several campers at once in water activity.

Archery

Camp For All has two archery ranges including compound and recurve bows. Each range accommodates several campers at once and features special equipment for customizing the program to meet varying abilities. Camp For All staff has developed archery stands that facilitate the use of this program. If you are interested in finding out more, contact Kurt Podeszwa, kpodeszwa@campforall.org.

Arts and Crafts

Arts and crafts activities take place indoors as well as on the large porch of the arts and crafts barn. Projects are planned according to age and interest, with access to a kiln for firing ceramics.

Camper Kitchen

Campers are exposed to varying levels of the culinary arts in the camper kitchen from cupcakes to Fettuccine Alfredo. Totally accessible, this area also provides life skills training for individuals in wheelchairs.

Biking

Campers explore the site on bicycles that include accessible hand bikes and tandem bikes. Wide sidewalks and limiting cars to specific areas results in long, safe rides throughout the camp.

Challenge Course

The state of the art challenge course is designed to enhance self-confidence, self-esteem and to teach campers to work together as a team. Its elements allow for the varying interest and ability of campers including individuals in wheelchairs.

The challenge course includes low ropes, a climbing tower, high ropes, and giant swing. Coming down one of the zip lines is the grand finale.

In the spring of 2011, Camp For All completed the third phase of the high ropes challenge course. This is the only universally designed challenge course in the country. It is a collaboration between Camp For All, the National Recreation Foundation and Ropes Works Inc. Camp For All would like to share this design with other camps. For information, contact Kurt Podeszwa, kpodeszwa@campforall.org.

Equestrian Program

The equestrian program provides recreational, educational and therapeutic benefits to people of all abilities by encouraging them to mount, ride and care for horses, thus promoting independence, self-esteem and improved physical ability. The Camp For All Equestrian Center includes a covered, lighted riding arena, stables, obstacle course and tack areas. A paint horse by the name of Spot is a camper favorite. Although he is blind, deaf, and no longer able to carry campers, he welcomes the warm hearts of every boy and girl.

Small Animal Farm

The Small Animal Farm allows campers to learn about and enjoy their favorite barnyard animals. It features donkeys, horses, chickens, geese, rabbits, a pot bellied pig, goats and host of other animal friends.

The Nature Program

The nature program includes a Nature Center for the study of snakes and reptiles. It is also the home of Forest, the Camp For All African Tortoise, beloved by campers of all ages.

The barrier free nature trail winds through the woods to the primitive camping site. Campers can spend the night in tents and cook s’ mores over the camp fire. Nearby feeding plots for deer and other wildlife and teaching stations along the trails offer campers opportunities to explore the outdoors independently. Campers also enjoy seeing and learning about many varieties of exotic birds which are housed in several aviaries along the natural trails.

Team Sports and Pavilion Activities

Sports

Basketball, softball, volleyball, soccer and kickball are just a few of the team sports offered at camp. During summer months, a covered pavilion with height-adjustable basketball goals and a regulation volleyball court enable groups to customize activities in a cooler environment.

Wheelchair Sports for Everyone

The Pavilion also houses wheelchair sports, a favorite for those that need a wheelchair and those who don’t.

Parties, Carnivals, Special Events

The structure is equipped with lighting for evening activities and a sound system for camp parties, carnivals and special events.

Tom Metz Field

Softball, kick ball, and more games are played at the Camp For All Tom Metz Ball Field, donated in honor of a former camp volunteer who succumbed to cancer as a young adult.

Lakefront Activities

Beautiful cypress trees surround an eight-acre lake with a shaded canoe dock, shaded fishing pier and gazebo. A smaller, bass stocked lake provides the opportunity for campers to learn cast fishing techniques.

Tree House

The totally accessible Camp For All Tree House, mounted atop a huge oak tree, is a favorite gathering spot for campers who congregate there to visit with friends, hold group activities and to star gaze at night. The tree house overlooks a scenic ravine and can accommodate up to 10 campers in wheel chairs.

Paint Ball

Nestled in the woods is the Camp For All paint ball range. This is a target range where multiple campers can shoot at targets and moving objects, not people.

Disc Golf

An activity that flows throughout the main part of the campus, disc golf involves throwing a Frisbee at various “holes”. Located next to the sidewalks, the activity is accessible by campers in wheelchairs.

Gold Panning

Gold Panning is great fun for campers of all ages. Water sluicing down wooden shafts invites campers to try their skills at panning for gems and treasures that they can take home with them and remember their time at Camp For All.

It's a cool way to go back in time and learn a little history, gemology, geology in a new adventure.

Cast Fishing

Located at the bass lake, this program enables campers to learn a whole new fishing skill that they won't want to miss. For those anglers that are "old pros", the fish are biting!

Other Activities

Other activities are custom created for specific groups. The Camp For All professional program team creates specialized programming for the Partners based on camper need and the theme of the individual camp.

Camp For All lifeguards are certified by the American Red Cross and trained by a lifeguard instructor who is a member of the full time program team.

Full time camp staff are also annually re-certified by an outside agency on challenge course procedures. That staff annually trains the seasonal staff.

Camp For All Programs