Camp Freedom: The Partnership Colorado Discover Ability has partnered with local health care providers from Grand Junction to create two unique and exciting, 3-day camp experiences for children 6-13 years old. Each camp is designed to accommodate kids with differing disabilities and medical needs. Our dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers include physical, occupational, speech, and recreation therapists as well as physicians and nurses to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Other Camp Details Each camp will include meals, lodging, activities, and transportation. Scholarships are available upon request. This year Camp Freedom will be held at the Camp Hope near Powderhorn Ski Area on Grand Mesa. Given the special and diverse needs of our campers the ratio of camper to counselor will generally be 1:1 or 2:1. The camp is staffed with volunteers who have a wide range of outdoor expertise and experience working with children who have disabilities. However, parents will be asked to accompany or provide a caretaker for their child if he/she is with severe physical or behavioral needs. A physician and nurse will be present at each camp to handle any medical needs and assist with medications.

The volunteer "staff" still consists of several therapists, nurses, and physicians from St. Mary's Hospital. In addition, stellar "regular" CDA volunteers return every year bringing their enthusiasm and adaptive recreation skills. An exciting array of accessible activities continue to be offered including horseback riding, fishing, and rafting as well as more recent additions such as a ropes course and canoeing.

The setting, Camp Hope (originally Camp Kiwanis), continues to provide a beautiful facility on the Grand Mesa and seems to be further upgraded yearly. Combining the adaptive recreation experience of CDA with the expertise of St. Mary's staff allows accommodation of kids with more severe disability. The two original camps are divided so as to better meet the individual abilities of children, age 6-13, with cognitive or physical impairment.

CAMP RUSTLERS		CAMP OUTLAWS
Camp Rustlers will provide children with developmental delay, physical and cognitive disabilities, an opportunity to explore the outdoors with activities designed to facilitate success and wilderness enjoyment. The focus for these campers is teamwork and adventure through exposure to new experiences and peer interaction. When: 2013 Dates & Cost To Be Determined		Camp Outlaws will provide children with primarily physical disabilities an outdoor camp experience. Activities are designed to build self-esteem and friendships. The goal is to find commonalities and support others who have physical challenges. When: 2013 Dates & Cost To Be Determined

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Is Camp Freedom right for your child?

We know leaving your child with a disability in the care of others is a big step. You are the ultimate expert of the needs of your child and our skilled volunteers will take just about any step necessary to assure that excellent care is continued while at camp. We are experienced with children who are at risk to wander or those that require assistance with personal hygiene. We accommodate kids dependent on alternate nutrition including those fed with a gastrostomy tube. We have nursing and medical staff who are able to maintain medication regimens and recognize side effects. If you're child is completely dependent for feeding, mobility, and hygiene, you may be asked to attend or provide a caregiver who can assure those needs are met with the help of our team.