The Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) is proud to announce the launch* of its Camps Gift Catalog. The catalog is designed to support children and teens with special needs right here in DuPage County. WDSRA camps are more than just a summer activity—they are a lifeline for many families and a cornerstone of developmental support for campers. View the catalog in its entirety at https://www.wdsra.com/camp-gift-catalog-2023/
Transformative Summer Camps at WDSRA
Camps offer a fun yet structured environment to bridge school breaks for children and teens ages 3-21, and our camps are no exception. At WDSRA, our dedicated staff are specially trained to work with individuals with special needs, ensuring that every camper receives the support they need. For some of these campers, WDSRA camps are their only opportunity to experience the joy and camaraderie of camp.
Our camp days are brimming with excitement, featuring a wide range of activities such as sports, games, crafts, swimming, and more. Each day is designed to be an adventure, ensuring every camper has a summer filled with fun. But it's not just about having fun; our camps are a vital space for developing essential social skills and providing new, enriching experiences. Campers practice following directions, making good decisions, and building friendships, which are crucial for their growth and development. These skills, practiced throughout the summer, help campers retain their progress and continue to thrive.
Moreover, our camps provide much-needed respite for parents and caregivers during the long summer days. They can rest assured knowing their child is in a safe, nurturing environment with staff who are committed to helping them grow and succeed.
Camps are an exceptionally busy time at WDSRA:
Our commitment is to ensure that every child, regardless of their needs, can benefit from camp. Families cannot be charged for 1-1 support through WDSRA. But the costs associated with hiring and training specialized staff, as well as providing the necessary materials and supplies, are significant. Passing these costs onto families would make camp unaffordable for those who need it the most.
This is where the Camps Gift Catalog comes in. By contributing to the catalog, individual and corporate donors can make a real difference in the lives of young campers. With various giving levels available, everyone has the opportunity to support these valuable programs. Donations help cover the costs of staffing, training, materials, and supplies, ensuring that all children can enjoy a transformative camp experience.
The wide range of giving levels includes
Story Support
*The Camps Gift Catalog had a soft launch in June of 2023. May 2024 marks the official launch of the program.
###
WDSRA
Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) provides engaging, community-based recreational programs and inclusion services for children, teens, and adults with special needs. WDSRA offers Special Olympics, adapted sports, dance and art programs, camps, trips, special events, and more. WDSRA’s mission, the development of individuals through recreation, makes it possible for individuals to grow personally, connect with their community and discover their potential.
WDSRA is an award-winning organization and a cooperative extension of nine park districts serving the communities of Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Roselle, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton, and Winfield.