Special to the Tribune-Star
INDIANAPOLIS —
Camp Riley for Youth with Physical Disabilities has provided new experiences, new friends and new achievements to kids for 55 years.
Camp Riley takes place at Bradford Woods, Indiana University’s outdoor recreation center, 20 miles southwest of Indianapolis. Camp Riley gives youth with physical disabilities the opportunity to experience traditional camping activities in a setting tailored to their individual needs. Campers are empowered to develop independent living skills so they may return home with new confidence.
In 2009, nearly 225 children attended six different Camp Riley sessions during a five-week span. Each session focuses on a different theme, but all include traditional camping activities such as horseback riding, arts and crafts, canoeing, swimming and outdoor games. One-week sessions begin June 13, July 11 and July 18 for campers ages 8 to 18. Two-week sessions start June 20.
Riley Children’s Foundation supports Camp Riley through donations from individuals, businesses, organizations and foundations.
Individuals interested in helping provide the Camp Riley experience to Indiana children with the gift of a campership should call (317) 634-4474. In-kind contributions, such as blankets, fans, portable CD players, flashlights, arts and crafts supplies and sleeping bags are also welcome.
April 15 is the application deadline of sessions. Applications received after April 15 will be accepted only if space is available. New families can apply to attend Newcomer’s Day on May 22 to learn more about Camp Riley.
Applicants interested in attending Camp Riley in 2010 should visit RileyKids.org/Camp to complete an online application and secure a spot in your camper’s favorite session. The online application is a secure, password-protected system allowing families to quickly complete and update camper information as well as reduce the processing time for submissions. Those who do not have access to the Internet may contact Becky Phillips, assistant manager of Camp Riley, at 1-877-867-4539 or e-mail CampRiley@RileyKids.org.
2010 Camp Riley Sessions
• Cartoon Network (Riley 1) — June 13-18, 2010; ages 8 – 18
From Tom and Jerry to Scooby-Doo, a world of fun and entertainment is waiting for you. This one-week session will be packed full of characters, games and activities like swimming, horseback riding (special release form required), arts and campouts that will leave you wanting more. You will also enjoy working with your cabin group to accomplish goals. This session is for campers who benefit from a 1-to-1 staff-to-camper ratio.
• Fear Factor (Riley 3) — June 20 to July 2, 2010; ages 8 to 18
Test your taste buds, challenge your fears and come away victorious in the series premier of Fear Factor: Camp Riley. Campers will participate in traditional camp activities like swimming, archery, horseback riding (special release form required), arts and waterfront fun while focusing on cooperating with others, working together and making friends. Cabin groups and individuals will also test their courage in daily challenges. Visits from representatives of the Indiana Four Wheel Drive Association and the Adaptive Sports Program at the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana (basketball, tennis and soccer) will fill the days with excitement. This two-week session is specifically designed for campers who are ready for a longer camp experience and thrive in a 1-to-3 staff-to-camper ratio.
• Guinness Book of Riley Records (Venture) — June 20 to July 2, 2010; ages 14 to 18
Venture campers may hear “Congrats, you just set a new Camp Riley record” this summer as they challenge themselves to do something that no other camper or cabin group has done before. As a reward, their names will be carved into the Riley record books. Campers will focus on developing leadership and independent life skills through service, traditional camp activities and a 24-hour campout. They will also participate in “Pursuits of Excellence,” an intensive 36-hour experience devoted to personal challenge and service to others. These experiences occur on or off-site and can include backpacking, camping and raft-building. Representatives from the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana will present an adaptive sports clinic with water skiing, basketball, tennis and soccer while the Indiana Four Wheel Drive Association will again host the annual 4xKids Day. Additionally, campers will dance the night away during Venture Prom. This two-week session is for older campers who are ready for a longer camp experience and thrive in a 1-to-3 staff-to-camper ratio.
• Road Trip Indiana (Top It Off) — June 20 to July 2, 2010; ages 17 to 18
This two-week session is for older, veteran campers seeking new challenges. As a team, campers spend their first few days planning and preparing for a road trip across Indiana. Using fully accessible transportation, campers and their counselors will hit the road, camping at state and public campgrounds. While en route they’ll participate in activities like rafting, tubing, visiting amusement parks and college campuses. This trip will broaden each camper’s view of independence, self-advocacy and public accessibility. This session is for veteran campers who are ready for a longer camp experience and thrive in a 1-to-3 staff-to-camper ratio.
• Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? (Riley 2) — July 11-16, 2010; ages 8 to 18
Get out your magnifying glasses and use your detective skills for a week of mystery, fun games and trying to find Carmen Sandiego. Each day offers a new adventure from trying to crack the case to participating in traditional camp activities like swimming, sports, games, horseback riding (special release form required) and campouts. This one-week session is for campers who benefit from a 1-to-2 staff-to-camper ratio.
• Animal Planet (Kan-Du) — July 18-23, 2010; ages 8 to 18
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Well, maybe not those animals, but there will be plenty of wildlife as Kan-Du campers experience their own version of Animal Planet. Smell and touch all that nature has to offer in this award-winning, one-week session that gives campers who need one-on-one attention and medical care a chance to experience the great adventures of camp.
Campers will explore the environment using their five senses with stimulating activities involving the outdoors, pool, barn, art and the one-of-a-kind “Sensory Cave.” This session is specifically designed for youth with cognitive and physical functioning levels assessed between 0 and 48 months and who thrive in a 1-to-1 staff-to-camper ratio.
