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Down Syndrome Foundation Camps


The Down syndrome foundation offers two camps: the Wingspan Camp for young adults with Down syndrome (ages 18-28) and the Down Syndrome Camp for youth with Down syndrome (ages 12-18)


The Down Syndrome Summer Camp and Wingspan Camp are both held at the wonderful Camp Knutson, an ACA accredited camp on the shores of Trout Lake.  The camp, owned by Lutheran Social Services, is non-denominational and its sole intent has always been to focus on providing summer camp experiences for people with medical and special needs.  For more about Camp Knutson, go to http://www.lssmn.org/camp/

Next summer's Down Syndrome Camp for youth with Down syndrome, ages 12-18, will be held from June 8-12, 2008 at Camp Knutson.  Youth have a great five day, four night experience guided by wonderful staff who are there to see that they are in a safe environment while taking part in all the fun camp activities. 

Wingspan Camp for young adults with Down syndrome, ages 18-28 will be held June 15 - 19, 2008 at Camp Knutson.
Wingspan Camp offers a five day, four night experience of traditional camp activities for young adults with Down syndrome ages 18 - 28  and provides opportunities for self advocacy, socialization, productivity and community involvement. 

Educational Opportunities:
The camp motto, "unlock the magic"  stands for five important ideas imbedded in all our activities.
We use every chance we can to practice these skills while having a great time at camp!

  • Make good choices
  • Advocate for yourself
  • Give back to community
  • Involve yourself
  • Communicate

    The way we act and relate to one another at camp is called the "Wingspan Way" and is adapted from the book, Parenting on Purpose: Red Yellow Green Framework for Purposeful Discipline by Dr. Ada Alden. 

     

The Down Syndrome Camp and Wingspan Camp were created and are directed by governing committees of parents and educators concerned with providing an exceptional experience for young people with Down syndrome.  The Down Syndrome Foundation has supported the Down Syndrome Camp and Wingspan Camp from the beginning with scholarships, underwriting basic costs, materials, equipment, camper supplies and stipends for staff.

 

The Mission of the camps is to provide a

  • safe and welcoming environment
  • educationally sound activities that encourage independence, socialization, cooperation and personal rewards
  • opportunities for increased physical fitness and health benefits
  • experiences commonly shared by the larger community
     
             

Summer Camp Info:  Pictures show how much fun it is to be at camp!  Take a look at Photos for pics of past summer camp fun.  

For more information about the Down Syndrome Camp or Wingspan Camp, contact: camp@downsyndromefoundation.org
                                
 



Packing List for Camp! 


If you have someone going to camp this summer, here is a list of items to bring:

sleeping bag
twin fitted sheet
pillow
long pants/jeans or sweat pants
long sleeve shirts
shorts
pajamas
socks
undergarments
tennis shoes (a must to go horseback riding)
water shoes/beach shoes
sweatshirt/light jacket/fleece wear
rain gear/poncho
swim suit (no bikinis)
towel/washcloth/beach towel
toothpaste/toothbrush
comb/brush
soap
shampoo
feminine products
water bottle
large black bag for dirty clothes

Do not bring: candy, gum or pop,CD/tape players, hand held games, money, jewelry,valuables

Packing Tip #1: (Thank you to the parents who thought up this one!)

To keep clothes organized, some campers have come with complete outfits put into a zip lock or see through plastic bag for each day at camp.

Packing Tip #2: Pre-address and stamp envelopes or cards to people you would like your camper to write to.

Packing Tip #3: Including a flashlight is not required, but campers often like to have one with them.

Down Syndrome Foundation


10750 Old County Road 15
Plymouth, MN 55441
Phone 763-545-4000
Fax 763-544-0354
info@downsyndromefoundation.org