special needs camps in 2026
ages 18 +
Please read the FAQ to learn more about the Enrollment Process and social and daily living skills that Skyline campers have.
Staff : Camper Ratio 1:2 or 3
Camp Joy + CAMP SASSAFRASS
Ages 18+ June 14-19
A Week of Belonging for Everyone
In 2026, we're combining our beloved Camp Joy (ages 30+) and Camp Sassafras (ages 18-29) into one powerful week of community, growth, and joy. This special week welcomes adults across the age spectrum with developmental and intellectual disabilities for five days and nights of authentic camp experiences.
What to Expect
A joy-filled week of fun, friends, and food. Spend time with people new and familiar, visiting farm animals, practicing archery skills, singing, dancing, drumming, swimming, and fishing. Enjoy making choices to join in sports & games, gardening, cooking, boating, crafts, puzzles, hayrides, therapeutic horseback riding, and campfires.
Look forward to being in a welcoming community to celebrate each other at Open Mic night and our unforgettable dances. Campers who wish to share a song or a skit or a skill can sign up for "Taking Turns Teaching", leading their own moments within camp, especially at our nightly campfires and daily activities!
Optional small group work experiences are available with our Kitchen and Garden Staff for campers interested in these areas.
Staffing & Safety
Our caring and well-trained staff welcomes each camper to this joyful week. This camp operates with a 1:2 or 1:3 counselor-to-camper ratio, ensuring personalized attention and support.
Camp Joy camper lodging is in Focus Hall, our accessible conference center building.
Camp Sassafrass campers will lodge in our rustic cabins.
Important Note for 2026: All of our on-site summer staff – whether they continue on for day camp, overnight camp, kitchen, or program roles – work together during this special week. This creates an unusually strong staff team and ensures excellent support for all campers.
In 2026, we're hoping to welcome approximately 60 campers for this combined session.
ALL campers for these sessions start on the waitlist. There is an annual Camper Information Form for families to fill out during the registration process. This form asks general information and questions regarding your camper’s personal needs. It will ensure that we have all the information we need so we can verify our ability to keep your campers safe and provide a positive camp experience. Please give detailed answers, we love to hear updates on your campers’ progress. For details on who we can safely serve, see our updated FAQ.
Pricing
$1300
Agency Payment: If you have agency assistance paying for camp, you must have complete information (Agency, worker, contact details, amount covered) ready before registering. We cannot hold a place unless we're certain of covering the cost. We reserve the right to unregister campers if necessary paperwork isn't available by May 31st.
ENROLLMENT-PLEASE READ
All of our campers with special needs start on the waitlist. To get on the waitlist, families or caseworkers must register their campers. We need time to look over the forms and information before enrolling campers. This will take us a week or two, so please don’t worry as we take time to make sure it is a good fit for the campers and the staff. In some cases we may need to schedule a phone call to go over the forms first before registering your camper.
If we are unable to safely serve your camper, we will let you know.
If we are able to proceed we will enroll your camper and contact you via email. If you are paying for camp you will need to pay the deposit after we confirm their enrollment.