03/22/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/22/2024 16:17
Participants enjoy a previous session of Camp Little Giant. Photo provided.
March 22, 2024
by Christi Mathis
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Camp Little Giant, one of America's first camps specifically for people with disabilities, is open for registration now at Southern Illinois University Carbondale's Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center for summer 2024.
The inclusive recreation camp, which launched in 1952, features adaptive equipment and programming to provide an authentic and memorable "can do" summer camp experience for people of varying abilities. The camper to staff ratio is just 4-to-1 for the series of day camp sessions that runs from June 10 to July 26. Participants will enjoy activities such as boating, outdoor cooking, swimming, outdoor recreation and education, swimming, arts and crafts, sports, games, horseback riding, fishing, team building activities and much more. Touch of Nature even has adaptive equipment and modified setups allowing campers to participate in zip lining, the high ropes course, rock climbing, archery and water sports such as paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing. It all happens at Touch of Nature's 3,100 acres, complete with all the amenities.
To ensure campers are safe and successful at Camp Little Giant, they must either meet the essential eligibility criteria or provide their own one-on-one caregiver to assure their care needs are met. Additional information is available online or by calling Touch of Nature at 618-453-1121.
Each session runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Diverse sessions for different groups
The schedule includes:
Sign up early
Registration for all camps is on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited to assure the low camper-to-staff ratio is maintained, so early registration is encouraged. Sign up online.
Some campers may qualify for scholarship assistance.
When registering, participants can also sign up for optional transportation from the Banterra Center parking lot to Touch of Nature each day before and after camp for $20. Overnight lodging at the camp is also available for an additional charge Monday through Thursday.
Find the complete camp schedule, registration forms and additional details online or contact Sydney Pogue, associate director of programs, at [email protected] or 618-453-3950. Discover details about all of the SIU summer camps at camps.siu.edu.
Employment and volunteer opportunities
Camp Little Giant also offers a wide variety of opportunities for summer employment, fieldwork and practicums for students and volunteers. The camp, which is accredited by the American Camping Association, employs counselors, lifeguards, nurses, specialists and others to assist with nature and outdoor activities, arts and crafts, sports and games, to serve as "buddies" and help with other components of the camp.
For more information about employment, practicum or volunteer options, contact Pogue at [email protected] or 618-453-3950.