Camp Aldersgate provides traditional residential camping experiences for children with medical, physical, and developmental challenges. Sessions include week long disability specific and inclusive (for children with and without disabilities) summer camps. There are also weekend Respite sessions year round.
sliding scale fee based on income; camperships available through local health agencies.
Session Lengths
Food/Nutritional Notes:
Less Than 1 Week
1 Week Session
We can accomodate most all special dietary concerns or requirements.
Session Information
Camp Aldersgate provides week long sessions June through mid August as well as weekend sessions year round. All activities are designed so that children of all abilities can participate and suceed. Please call or email the camp for specific dates and fee information. Financial assistance is available.
More About Camp
There are three camping programs available at Camp Aldersgate. The Med Camps program provides six weeks of traditional residential summer camps for children who are challenged by conditions such as muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, diabetes, arthritis, epilepsy, kidney disorders, asthma, and cancer. Campers are able to learn from others who have similar conditions and experiences by living in a group environment. The activities are designed to increase campers' self esteem by creating opportunities for them to meet personal challenges. Participation in personal hygiene and housekeeping chores encourage campers' responsibility and independence. They learn to work in harmony with others, broaden skills and interests, as well as develop initiative and resourcefulness.
Kota Camps are inclusive camps for children with and without disabilities. Families receive a break in caregiving, while children with physical, medical or developmental challenges and their non-disabled siblings and friends, come together to experience the benefits that camp can offer. In addition, the program is designed to enhance socialization skills as well as aid communities develop a better understanding of those with special needs. Through fun and friendship, campers develop better understanding and awareness of each other. The program consists of two week long sessions in the summer and two weekend sessions during the fall and spring.
The Respite Program gives temporary relief to families of children with physical and developmental disabilities. Campers stay overnight Friday through Sunday at Camp Aldersgate and have an opportunity to develop social skills,participate in activities,and take field trips. Parents can use this free time to run errands, have time alone or spend a well deserved weekend with other children. Campers are given complete care while being allowed to explore their individual boundaries.
Camp Aldersgate offers most traditional camp activities such as campfires and singing, canoeing, fishing, arts and crafts, swimming, and nature hikes. Like all kids, our campers want to try new and exciting things. With this in mind, new activities have been developed that focus on creating more of a personal challenge. Activities where campers of all abilities can participate and succeed, and are, of course, fun. Some of these new activities include: an accessible adventure/challenge ropes course, hand and/or foot driven catamarans, adapted archery, and a big hit with older campers, SCUBA diving. A few adaptations are made here and there, but really it's just providing the opportunity for individual accomplishment in a positive and encouraging environment. Parents continually report increased self esteem, independence and social interactions following a week at camp.
Details of the camper's diagnosis and medical needs are completed by the parent/guardian and physician in the Camper Application. Parents or guardians meet with the camp nurses and counselors during camper registration to review the camper's needs. Nurses administer medications and provide health care on a 24-hour basis. The camp physicians visit the camp and are on call throughout each camping week.
Camp Aldersgate is accredited by the American Camping Association.
Activities & Features
Outdoor Activities
Ropes Course Hiking
Performing Arts
Dance Music
Land Sports
Golf Horseback Riding Baseball Football Soccer Softball Volleyball
