Doctor appointments, medication schedules, and strict routines often continue uninterrupted, making it harder for them to enjoy the freedom their siblings and friends experience.
Can you imagine a summer getaway where every child, no matter what their disability or diagnosis is, can just be a kid? That’s where medically inclusive camps like The Center for Courageous Kids (CCK) come in. These unique programs are designed to provide safe, yet memorable experiences for children with serious medical needs and physical or intellectual disabilities. Featuring medical staff, medical facilities, trained volunteers, and adaptive programming, they offer much more than just a fun getaway. These camps create space for connection, growth, and lifelong memories for kids.
A Break from the Routine
Life with a disability or illness can be overwhelming and often leaves kids feeling left out or different. At the same time, parents and caregivers carry a heavy emotional load. All they want for their kids is for them to feel "normal" and have fun like other children.
Specialty summer camps provide a safe and enjoyable break from the pressures of everyday life. These camps often welcome children with similar conditions during the same week of camp, helping them feel understood and part of a larger community. Parents and caregivers also have the week to rest, recharge, and regroup, knowing their child is having fun and being cared for in a secure environment.
What Makes These Camps Special
The secret of medically inclusive camps is rooted in their thoughtful design. Many feature walkways wide enough for wheelchairs, and dining facilities that cater to various needs. Every camp activity, from swimming to arts and crafts, to horseback riding and miniature golf, is adjusted and carefully monitored so every child who wants to, can participate. Counselors and support staff, including nurses, doctors, and specially trained volunteers, are on-site 24/7, giving parents peace of mind while their child is away.
While at camp, kids feel connected. They meet others and are surrounded by new friends who are going through similar experiences, which helps them feel accepted and less alone.
Camp for the Whole Family
Some specialty camps like The Center for Courageous Kids invite siblings to join and have fun, while bonding in a stress-free setting. Brothers and sisters often take a back seat with their sibling's illness or condition, because it frequently occupies the focus in the family. At the same time, they want to connect with their siblings in a meaningful way, highlighting their similarities rather than their differences. At camp, they can relax together in a fun, safe environment, while creating memories and strengthening family ties.
Another unique aspect of The Center for Courageous Kids is fall and spring family retreats, giving parents, siblings and kids with medical needs the chance to spend time together away from the pressures of everyday life. These retreats also provide an opportunity to connect with other families, share stories, build a support network, and, most importantly, feel less isolated. This sense of community, support, and understanding from other families is priceless.
After Camp: The Long-Term Impact
The good vibes and fun times don't have to end after camp. Friendships made and confidences built at camp often last long after summer ends. Siblings return home with a better understanding of each other, and with memories to last a lifetime. The experience gives parents and caregivers a break, a renewed focus for the future, and a general optimism about their child's long-term well-being.
Testimonials
From camper Sam Ablard, diagnosed with Narcolepsy: “Arriving at camp with the hope of connecting with others who truly understood felt like standing at the edge of a long-awaited moment. A world with narcolepsy is incomparable to anyone unless they truly know it. I fight my every waking moment before my next sleep attack takes over my body and consumes me entirely. The misconceptions, isolation, and exhaustion are only understood by someone experiencing it. But camp changed that. For me, camp was more than just meeting people. It gave me the opportunity to finally not have to explain. I was surrounded by people who nodded and said, ‘I get it.’ My peer connections reminded me that my experiences are real, valid, and shared with others. At CCK, I was able to meet others with narcolepsy who genuinely understood, and I felt I belonged.”
From parent Amanda Kallaher: “I genuinely cannot put a rating or give a number high enough to show our appreciation for the experiences that my kids have had at CCK. Both of my kids have a level of confidence and a sense of belonging that I genuinely do not think would have been possible if they had not had the opportunity to attend CCK summer sessions. CCK has lifted some of the weight off of my and many parents’ shoulders by creating an atmosphere where the child is cared for at a level that is beyond any expectations that I could have imagined. It’s like a several day long respite care, where you know people that genuinely care are providing for your child both medically, physically and emotionally. Over the years, both of my kids have made so many friends (mostly in other states) who they still talk to today. The staff and volunteers at CCK had everything taken care of. They made sure that my daughter took her meds, was ready for bed, had rest time if needed, and had help if she had any accidents or any medical needs.”
Choosing the Right Camp
Finding the right camp for a child with a disability or requiring special medical support takes careful planning. Parents and caregivers should evaluate each camp carefully, focusing on their child's specific needs. It’s important to ask if medical support is available, the staff-to-camper ratio, how emergencies are handled, and what facilities are available.
Many camps specialize in certain conditions and disabilities. Some focus purely on summer fun, while others incorporate therapy or educational opportunities into the overall experience.
More good news is that some medically inclusive camps are entirely free of cost to families, thanks to the generosity of donors and supporters. It is important to note that selecting the right summer camp takes time, and parents should start early as slots fill quickly.
A Life-Changing Experience
Every child deserves a summer full of joy and laughter, making memories that last a lifetime. Camps for kids with disabilities or illnesses can be the answer, helping kids grow, connect and feel like they truly belong. Families benefit too, as kids return home with new confidence, and caregivers rest and recharge while the kids are away.
Summer camps for children with disabilities and lifelong illnesses offer much more than fun. They offer hope, possibility, and the chance for kids to be kids.
References
* UCLA Health News Release, March 2025 https://www.uclahealth.org/news/release/pediatric-chronic-disease-prevalence-has-risen-nearly-30
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Darren Dannelly is the President and CEO of The Center for Courageous Kids, a 168-acre camp in Scottsville, KY, offering children with disabilities and lifelong illnesses the chance to experience the joys of summer camp. He graduated from East Tennessee State University in 2002 with a BS in Human Development and Learning and was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon and Reformed University Fellowship.
Read the article here.