CAMP I AM SPECIAL

CARING FOR PERSONS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DIFFERENCES & PHYSICAL DISABILITIES

For the last 38 years, Catholic Charities’ Camp I Am Special – an American Camp Association (ACA) accredited facility – has fostered and celebrated the quality of life for children, teenagers, and adults with intellectual and developmental differences (IDDs) and other disabilities.

A typical in-person summer program – which we plan to offer again in 2022 – gives individuals with IDDs opportunities to grow in independence. The programming offered at Camp I Am Special gives the choice to participate in numerous daily activities that allow them to take risks, stretch their abilities and enjoy the company of others. Some of those activities include hayrides, crafts, adaptive sports and yoga, and spending time with friends at The Rotary Club of Deerwood Abigail’s Joy Camp I Am Special Aquatic Center.

The newly-constructed pool and shaded pavilion provide approximately 2,450 square feet of sensory stimuli including, bubblers and fountains, an ADA-compliant gradual pool entrance, and floats of all shapes and sizes. Campers are free to enter the water at their own pace, and water walkers and water wheelchairs are always available for those needing assistance.  

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In addition to the pool, the recently added Chartrand Family Camp I Am Special Playground offers a multiple wheelchair-accessible rocker, multi-person swings, and an intergenerational swing that helps children and adults develop connections.

Who Qualifies for Camp I Am Special

Angelman Syndrome

Asperger’s Syndrome

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Autism

Barrett’s Esophagus

Cerebral Palsy

Charcot Marie Tooth Disease

Chromosome Abnormality

Cornelia de Lange Syndrome

Developmentally/Globally Delayed

Down Syndrome

Dysmorphic Syndrome

EMH, PHM, TMH

​Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Muscular Dystrophy

Pervasive Development Disorder

Prader/Willi Syndrome

Secondary Emotional Disorder

Seizure Disorders

Sensory Integration Dysfunction

Small Brain Syndrome

Spina Bifida

Static Encephalopathy

Tourette syndrome

Tuberous Sclerosis

Other developmental and unique abilities

What Are Camp Buddies?

Buddies are volunteer high-school students paired 1:1 with Campers to provide around-the-clock care and companionship. Our Buddies receive training on all aspects of their Camper's differences, including needs and challenges as well as likes and dislikes. Buddies earn 121 service hours for a week of residential camp, 101 service hours for a week of day camp, 12 hours of service for Mini-Camp and 6 hours of service for a Super Saturday. Buddies are expected to be selfless, dedicated, compassionate, energetic and fun. To learn more about becoming a Camp Buddy CLICK HERE.