A therapeutic camp experience like no other.

Overnight campers engage in a 6-day, 5-night sleep-away experience located at a camp in the wilderness adjacent to a scenic freshwater lake. The campers are broken up into cabin groups, based on age and gender, consisting of 6 campers and 2-3 trained counselors. Each day, campers participate in structured camp activities therapeutically designed to enhance the occupational roles of children. There is a strong focus on play, as play is the foundation for the practice and development of a child’s occupational roles. Camp activities include therapeutic horseback riding, high ropes courses, swimming and canoeing, crafts, and field games. In addition, each day campers engage in 45 minutes of individualized SI therapy in a specially designed motor room (called the Wonderlab) equipped with suspended equipment, dynamic surfaces, and climbing structures. Activities in the Wonderlab are designed and facilitated by the staff occupational therapy practitioners, with each camper working 1 on 1 with a therapist. Fun fact: The Wonderlab got its name from a camper who each day “wondered” what the new motor room would look like since each day the lab is transformed to continually challenge campers.  Daily tasks also promote a balance of work and play, as campers are responsible for their own activities of daily living, as well as group tasks including meal preparation and cleanup and cabin cleanliness.     Each cabin is assigned two occupational therapy practitioners who are responsible for the therapeutic programming for each camper in that cabin. The structure of the camp provides around the clock opportunities for intervention, from activities of daily living in the morning to mealtimes to sleep-wake cycles, which maximizes the power of intensity to change the nervous system. Individualized and specialized intervention strategies are infused into the day to support each camper’s successful participation in the camp experience. These strategies include individualized sensory diets incorporating vestibular, proprioceptive, and tactile inputs, the Wilbarger Therapressure protocol, sound therapies, craniosacral therapy,  Kinesio® taping, and oral motor strategies, all provided within the context of connection, relationship, and felt safety. In addition to these tools, all therapists and staff are responsible for providing acceptance of each camper’s unique qualities, acknowledging their strengths and talents, and providing opportunities to set them up for success.     The changes that are made over the course of the week are unique to each camper, as the camp experience meets each child where they are at and supports their individual goals and development. Camp provides an emotionally, physically, and spiritually safe place for campers,  which helps to facilitate self-regulation, optimal attending, and task follow through, in addition to improving development of sensory-motor foundations and motor skills. Increased confidence, developing friendships, independence in daily activities, and willingness to try something new and take risks are common changes seen among campers over the course of the week.