Camp Summit, Inc.

As a dedicated volunteer and hopeful future counselor, I can say that Camp Summit is honestly the best organization that I have ever gotten involved with. I love the weeks that I get to volunteer there and I leave only wanting to go back for more. The staff are so welcoming towards volunteers, and you can truly see that the people that work there are like their own little camp family. The campers are some of the most amazing people that I have ever met. Every day getting to work with them is a gift. The smiles that light up on the campers' faces during all of the activities fill your heart with so much joy, I just can't get enough of it! Camp Summit is a place where anyone, camper or counselor, can just be themselves and be weird and have fun! Camp Summit is amazing, and the work that the staff do to keep the campers smiling 24/7 is equally as amazing.

Camp Summit has truly changed my life. I think of it, and the positivity I get from it, everyday. It's a place where you can be yourself and be totally comfortable. You feel free and happy, together with everyone. It's such an amazing experience. I truly feel at home here, and for a busy grad student, that means more than anything. I tell everyone I know about Camp Summit and get back as often as I'm able.

Camp Summit is truly a remarkable place for remarkable people. I've been at Camp Summit since I was 15, and to get to witness the amazing things that it has to offer to those individuals with special needs is a gift in and of it itself. Parents and others always talk about how we impact their campers lives, but honestly the campers are the ones who are truly impacting our lives.

Camp Summit is truly a remarkable place! I am currently a volunteer in the camp’s office. I also worked several summers ago for the camp as a counselor and wrangler. Camp Summit’s uniquely designed camp means that every camper, regardless of the type or severity of his or her disability, gets to experience a “typical” camp experience, complete with horseback riding, swimming, fishing, and a ropes course. There’s even a giant (wheel-chair accessible) tree house.

What makes Camp Summit really special, though, is the dedication of the staff and volunteers. When I am at camp, I am always impressed by the level of enthusiasm and commitment – staff and volunteers go above and beyond to make sure that each and every camper has a great time while at camp. The campers are so excited when they arrive and camp and many come back year after year after year.

Camp Summit is a special place for special people! As a volunteer and donor, I've seen the benefits that Camp Summit delivers to campers and their families/caregivers. In addition to experiencing a full week of camp and all that entails, campers get a chance to check their disability and the gate and spend a week being just like everyone else. The families and caregivers enjoy the respite and always comment about the positive impact that Camp Summit has one their lives. The best thing about Camp Summit is that there is no upper age limit and campers are never turned away due to an inability to pay.

My role at Camp Summit has been many and varied over the years. I am a family member, agency professional, Board Member, and donor. I became affiliated with Camp Summit in 1996 as an agency professional. I had several ladies with developmental disabiltiies that I was responsible for who attended camp. Upon learning of Camp Summit through my job, I began volunteering weekends there. I have 3 persons with DD that live with us in our home and they all attend camp. I also own a day program and a large majority of my clients attend camp. I am able to see first hand how much Camp Summit impacts the lives of those with DD as well as their families. Whether it is a weekend at camp or a full week, everyone has an amazing time. From the nature studies classes to horseback riding to arts and crafts to the so looked forward to DANCE and the many other activities, camp offers something for everyone. Camp Summit and all offered activities are completely accessible to all who attend and that is pretty amazing. Our high rate of returning staff each session is also to be bragged upon. As a professional and more importantly, as a family member, I HIGHLY recommend Camp Summit as the camping destination for your loved one.

After working with several charities benefitting children with special needs I have found Camp Summit to be incredibly accomodating. They also make every dollar count, as evidenced by their commitment to welcome everyone regardless of ability to pay. I highly recommend this charity.

Camp Summit is an organization that benefits developmentally disabled children and adults. Because of the positive feedback from campers and parents and the expertly run organization, I decided to become involved at the board level. My experience has been nothing but satisfying. Watching the number of campers and sessions expand to accommodate increasing needs has been exciting. Board members are totally engaged both with their time and with their financial support and it is gratifying to work with such dedicated and interested professionals.

My son Bradley will be going for his 3rd summer camp this year. Camp Summit staff has been awesome, facilities are great. He was born with Hydrocephalus, and is wheelchair bound. They assign a volunteer to be with him daily, they do lots of activities that we would not be normally available to him. We are planning for him to go to the spring and fall camps as well.