This research uses contact theory to examine the impact of a service learning class on college students' attitudes toward people with disabilities. Students were involved in both lecture material and working directly with people with disabilities in a therapeutic camp environment. Eighty-four students responded to the questionnaires at three time…

Growing up as a young girl, summer camp was a typical affair. Packed lunches kept cold with frozen freezer packs, seemingly endless slip n' slides, activities, games, contests. Every morning, the author was eager to wake up and head off to hours and hours of fun with friends and counselors. However, one may think the camping experience could not…

Camp provides an opportunity for a child to have fun, learn and grow in a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment. Tucked away in the picturesque Catoctin Mountain Park in Western Maryland, The League for People with Disabilities has run a summer camp program for over 70 years. Camp Greentop, the campground, is part of the national park, built…

This article profiles Camp Barnabas, a non-denominational Christian camp for people with special needs located in southwest Missouri. For one week, campers have every opportunity possible to be a participant in the world around them, not just an observer. The camp's goal is to provide a typical camp experience--bugs, chants, cheers and incredible…

This article is the eighth part of a 12-part series that chronicles the life of a fictional family--Amita and Samir, and their daughter with special needs, Anjali. This article describes the transition process experienced by Anjali as she learns to become independent despite her disabilities. In this article, Anjali's experiences as an employee at…

Summer camps provide opportunities for children to experience play, pleasurable activities, and social interaction with other children of similar ages and interests and are an integral part of the modern-day American cultural landscape. The authors discuss the emergence of summer camps for children with special needs, the types of play activities…

A father recounts experiences in selecting and sending a handicapped eight-year-old child to a summer camp. Stressed are the family reactions to the child's camping experience. (DB)

Briefly described are four award winning summer programs including a Massachusetts Girl Scout camp which mainstreams girls with disabilities; a New York camp serving siblings of children with disabilities; a Texas camp which utilizes volunteers to serve disabled children who may have serious medical conditions; and a California camp offering…

A day-by-day account describes Camp Greentop's first 5-day adventure camping trip, which was attended by five individuals with disabilities and their counselors. The first day was spent in games and initiatives designed to develop communication, teamwork, and dependability. Other days were devoted to hiking, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting.…

Over a 3-year period, the National Inclusive Camp Practices (NICP) project examined camp practices and youth outcomes at 14 resident camps and outdoor schools that fully integrate youth with disabilities into their programs. These outdoor programs were predominantly 1 week long. Data on camp practices and on 742 participating youth with and…

Reported results of questionnaire study of 75 summer camp staff members serving disabled children. Identified eight staff experiencing burnout caused primarily by emotional exhaustion and eight others experiencing burnbright. Discussed awareness of burnout/burnbright, phases of burnout, strategies for dealing with stress, and arranging work…

Described are the development, evolution, and creative art activities of a summer camp for handicapped, learning disabled children--Learning through Creative Arts With Handicapped Children--in Ashville, New York. (KC)

ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-SEVEN RESIDENT CAMPS IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA AND 77 DAY CAMPS IN THE UNITED STATES WHICH SERVE CHILDREN OR ADULTS WITH PHYSICAL, MENTAL, SOCIAL, AND EMOTIONAL HANDICAPS ARE LISTED ALPHABETICALLY BY STATE. FOR EACH CAMP, INFORMATION ON TYPES OF THE HANDICAPPED WHO ARE ACCEPTED, SPECIFIC EXCLUSIONS, AGE RANGE, NUMBER…

When choosing a summer camp program for a disabled child, parents should look for programs and activities that present the child with a maximum challenge that can be met successfully. After checking agencies with information on various camps, parents should consider the camp's facilities, philosophy, resources, and staff. (CB)

Factors involved in assistive technology use by young children with disabilities were explored through case studies of five families who had received intensive training at Camp Gizmo, an assistive technology camp for young children. Families, service providers, and preservice students in special education and speech language pathology engaged in a…