Inclusive Camp Opportunities for Children and Adults with Disabilities
Camp Easterseals Virginia is more than just summer fun. It’s a place where individuals with disabilities can experience independence, confidence and lifelong memories. In celebration of National Camping Month, we’re sharing DJ’s Camp journey.
DJ, Camper at Camp Easterseals Virginia
DJ has attended Camp Easterseals Virginia since 2018. Over the years he has discovered a love for activities like basketball, singing, dancing and building meaningful friendships with fellow campers and camp team members. “It’s tough to pick a favorite experience,” his mom shares. “Because of his mobility, activities like the zipline or big swing wouldn’t be possible anywhere else but at Camp Easterseals Virginia. He absolutely loves the feeling of flying through the air! But I think his favorite part might be when everyone is together, happy and celebrated. (And Mom and Dad aren’t there. LOL!)”
For many families searching for inclusive camps for children or adults with disabilities, access and support can be challenging to find. Camp Easterseals Virginia creates an environment where individuals with disabilities can safely participate in activities that may be difficult or unavailable in traditional camp settings.
Through adaptive recreation equipment, campers gain opportunities to explore while receiving personalized support tailored to their needs. “Going to Camp Easterseals Virginia has made him feel more independent,” DJ’s parents explain. “It was hard to let go at first, but his experience at camp has shown us that we can trust he’ll be okay without us.” For parents and caregivers, this independence brings a valuable peace of mind knowing their child is not only safe, but thriving in a welcoming and supportive community.
What makes Camp Easterseals Virginia truly special is its dedicated team and commitment to creating a world built around inclusion and accessibility. The camp team provides compassionate, professional care while bringing energy and fun to every camper’s experience. “The team at Camp Easterseals Virginia is amazing!” DJ’s family shares. “It’s inspiring to see young people, who could be doing anything else during the summer, genuinely care for and understand our children. Amber, who is the Director of Camp Easterseals Virginia, helps ensure every camper feels supported and empowered.”
For families considering accessible camps for individuals with disabilities, DJ’s parents offer this advice: “The world we live in is created for people without disabilities. Small parts of that world are adapted for people with disabilities. While we’re grateful for those adaptations, it can still create environments of exclusion and isolation for our children and families. Camp Easterseals Virginia is different. It’s a world intentionally created for people with disabilities. That creates true community between campers, families and the camp team. It’s really like a kind of paradise and it’s hard to believe until you experience it firsthand.”
Thank you to DJ and his family for sharing their experience and for being a valuable part of the Camp family! Learn more about Camp Easterseals Virginia at eastersealsPORT.com/camp-easterseals.
ABOUT US
Easterseals PORT Health is a trustworthy, compassionate partner providing exceptional disability, mental health and substance use services to help our neighbors live their best lives. Purpose, dedication and empathy drive our in-person and telehealth service delivery. Our diverse and inclusive 2,600 member team provides more than 10.2 million hours of meaningful support to 40,200 kids, adults and families in 11,000 home, facility and community locations across North Carolina and Virginia. Learn more at eastersealsPORT.com.
