Camp Little Giant, Southern Illinois University camp for children and adults of varying abilities and disabilities: article June 5, 2011

Touch of Nature again hosting 'Camp Little Giant'
BY CHRISTI MATHIS, For The Southern thesouthern.com : June 5, 2011

CARBONDALE - There's still time to sign up for Camp Little Giant, Southern Illinois University Carbondale's popular camp for children and adults of varying abilities and disabilities.

Touch of Nature Environmental Center's therapeutic recreation camp, one of the country's first, has being providing a true camp experience for special populations since 1952. Campers can enjoy swimming, arts and crafts, music, boat rides, talent shows, horseback riding, dances, campfires, nature hikes and so much more with trained staff adapting each activity to various needs and abilities.

The camp has a "can do" philosophy, giving each participant the opportunity to discover in a safe, confidence-boosting and fun way just what's possible. The co-educational camp's setting is the 3,100-acre Touch of Nature, located about eight miles south of Carbondale on Giant City Road, along the shores of Little Grassy Lake. Male and female campers reside in separate lodging but all gather for meals and activities assured to inspire independence, cooperation, awareness and a sense of accomplishment. Camp Little Giant is a place where participants can really belong, a place where relaxation and excitement abound, where all can have a great time.

"We are looking forward to having a fun and rewarding summer camp experience with our campers," said Vicki Lang-Mendenhall, camp director.

There are 11 different camp sessions, ranging from six to 13 days, with each focusing on participants of various ages and abilities.

The 2011 Camp Little Giant schedule, along with the special population for which each is designed, includes:

• June 5-10: Camp Olympia I, for adults 21 and older with high care needs, low mobility or using wheelchairs.

• June 5-17: Camp Olympia II, for adults 21 and older with high care needs, low mobility or using wheelchairs.

• June 12-17: Camp Olympia III, for young adults and adults with high care needs, low mobility or using wheelchairs.

• June 19-24: Camp Traditions I, for adults ages 21 and older with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.

• June 19-July 1: Camp Traditions II, for adults ages 21 and older with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.

• June 26-July 1: Camp Traditions III, for adults ages 21 and older with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.

• July 10-15: Camp Traditions IV, for adults ages 21 and older with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.

• July 17-22: Camp Shawnee I, for youths ages 8-21 with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.

• July 17-29: Camp Shawnee II, for youths ages 8-21 with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.

• July 24-29: Camp Shawnee III, for youths ages 8-21 with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.

• July 31-Aug. 6: Dyna Camp, for youths ages 8-16 with attention deficit, hyperactive disorder.

The cost for the six-day camp session is $950 or $2,000 for the 13-day session if the camper requires one-on-one care and supervision, or $500 for the shorter session and $1,100 for the 13-day session for campers needing less care and supervision. The seven-day Dyna Camp is $1,100 for those needing one-on-one care and supervision or $600 for those requiring less care and supervision.

Some campers may qualify for scholarship assistance. In addition, those who live nearby may attend campus during the day for an adjusted rate.

Camp registration forms are online at www.ton.siu.edu but you can register campers by calling 618/453-1121, ext. 231. You can also inquire about the camp by emailing vickil@siu.edu.

Christi Mathis is a staff writer with University Communications at SIUC