The magic of accessible and inclusive summer camps

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My 13-year-old daughter, Lila, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, recently returned from an inclusive overnight summer camp in Illinois. This camp hosts one session for young people with or without disabilities, alongside its other sessions specifically for children with disabilities. Among her stories about singing at the talent show and receiving the camp spirit award, she also shared with me how when she was exhausted from keeping herself upright in her life jacket while swimming, she asked a friend, who does not have a disability, to help. “She and another camper took turns supporting me,” Lila said. “I felt really grateful for that.”

That moment will stay with Lila forever. Perhaps more important, it will likely stay with the friend who helped her, too. This is the kind of magic that happens at an inclusive summer camp, where campers of all abilities come together, make memories, learn from one another and support each other. Fundamentally different from camps that are exclusively for children with disabilities or those that exclude them, a truly inclusive camp goes beyond merely allowing children with disabilities to attend; it’s a powerful tool for breaking down stereotypes and reducing the stigma associated with disabilities. When children with and without disabilities interact and form friendships, they challenge and change preconceived notions about what it means to live with a disability.

Minnesota’s summer camps have long drawn children from around the world, offering beautiful summers, new friendships, increased independence, self-advocacy and freedom from parents. Many of these camps have made significant strides in financial accessibility by offering grants and accepting disability waiver funds. They also provide specialized experiences for children with learning differences, skin conditions, autism, cancer, Down syndrome, mental health diagnoses and spina bifida. However, these camps often remain exclusive to specific groups, falling short of true inclusivity.

The benefits of inclusion are profound for both children with and without disabilities, as well as for society as a whole. Inclusive camps offer full participation for children with disabilities, promoting independence and self-confidence, and challenge societal prejudices by showing the meaningful contributions of disabled individuals. For non-disabled children, they foster empathy and understanding, essential skills in a diverse world. Additionally, inclusive camps can be a powerful tool for breaking down stereotypes and reducing the stigma associated with disabilities. When children with and without disabilities form friendships, they reshape preconceived notions about living with a disability. These interactions create a ripple effect, influencing parents, communities and societal attitudes, ultimately leading to more compassionate and inclusive communities in the future.

In 2021, our family’s search for an inclusive camp experience for Lila led us seven hours from our home in Plymouth to Timber Pointe Outdoor Center in Hudson, Ill. We tried to find something closer, but a search on the American Camp Association’s website turned up only three “inclusive” camp options for kids with mobility limitations. However, one of those camps closed in 2017, and another camp’s inclusive sibling camp option is no longer listed in current camp programming. This means that less than 2% of 168 ACA-accredited summer camps in Minnesota and Wisconsin are truly inclusive for campers with mobility limitations.

Now that Disability Pride Month has come to a close, I find myself reflecting on the immense strides we’ve made since the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law 34 years ago. This groundbreaking legislation was intended to ensure that people with disabilities enjoy the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. While I am grateful for what has been achieved, it is painfully clear that we still have a long way to go.

By championing inclusive summer camps in Minnesota, we take a significant step to ensure that every child, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy the magic of summer camp, together. Take it from Lila, who took to social media to reflect on her camp experience and express her gratitude for the friend who helped her in the swimming pool:

“Once a year, I get to spend five days at Timber Pointe Outdoor Center … . During my first year, I met my friend Mya. She is so, so, so sweet and kind. She really understands what it’s like to have a friend in a wheelchair. And I know that I can always lean on her when I need it, literally and figuratively. It’s not easy having a friend who lives so far away, but I am so grateful that my parents are willing to drive me seven hours once a year so I can see my friends.”

Aimée Jordan works in public relations for a local health system. She is a disability rights advocate, a writer and a former Star Tribune reporter. She lives in Plymouth with her husband and three children.