Register your child now for Camp Riley

MARTINSVILLE, Ind. (WLFI) - This year’s enrollment is now open for a camp that empowers children with physical disabilities by providing experiences in a traditional camping environment tailored to each child’s individual needs.

For almost 60 years at Camp Riley, kids have shattered perceived limitations, met new friends and hit higher achievements, letting them go home with an upped sense of independence and confidence.

The theme for this year’s Camp Riley is “Choose Your Own Adventure.” To secure your child’s spot, you can find an online application here. April 15 is the deadline to apply.

At Camp Riley, the staff-to-camper ratio never exceeds 1-to-3.

Kids can attend one of five sessions offered during a six-week span. Sessions offer camaraderie and fun through swimming, hiking, horseback riding, vertical climbing, canoeing, art projects and other activities.

New families may also attend Newcomer’s Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 25 to learn more about the camp. The day includes a tour, discussions, activities and a question-and-answer session with camp staff.

Or if you can’t make it that Saturday, head to RileyKids.org to see an online photo gallery of camp activities.

The camp is held at Bradford Woods, Indiana University’s outdoor recreation center located in Martinsville, Ind.

Last year, 238 campers enrolled in Camp Riley, representing 53 Indiana counties and five states: Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan and Ohio. Since 1955, Camp Riley has been a “home away from home” to more than 12,000 children.

Riley Children’s Foundation subsidizes the majority of each child’s camper fee. The fee families are asked to pay is determined on a sliding scale related to household income. In 2010, 36 percent of Camp Riley families qualified for a reduced camper fee. Families are also encouraged to raise money to send their child to Camp Riley. Donors interested in providing the Camp Riley experience to Indiana children with the gift of a campership should contact Riley Children’s Foundation.

Questions should be directed to Riley Children’s Foundation at 1-877-867-4539 or campriley@rileykids.org.

Riley Hospital for Children sponsors specialty camps that also take place at Bradford Woods, home of Camp Riley. The specialty camps are supported by Riley Children’s Foundation, but coordinated through their clinics at the hospital.

The specialty camps are listed below:

Camp Hi-Lite
June 2 - 7, 2013
Youth ages 8-22 with Down syndrome
This one-week session is coordinated by the Ann Whitehall Down Syndrome Program, a part of the Developmental Pediatric Clinic. Campers experience traditional camp activities in a fully accessible environment as they increase their social skills and reach new levels of independence. Contact Marsie Harrington at 317.944.4264 for more information.

Camp About Face
June 16 - 21
Youth ages 8-18 with craniofacial anomalies
One of the only summer camps in the country designed for children that have been born with a cleft palate or lip as well as other anomalies of the face and skull. This one-week session, coordinated by the Cranial Facial Clinic, encourages campers to become less self-conscious and more self-confident in a setting that is fun for everyone. Contact Carol Ritter or Trish Severns at 317.274.2489 for more information.

Camp Independence
July 28 – Aug. 2
Youth ages 8-18 with blood diseases (sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, etc.)
During this one-week session coordinated by the Hematology and Oncology Clinic, campers learn how to manage their chronic health condition while maintaining an active outdoor lifestyle. Campers have the opportunity to experience traditional camp activities, such as horseback riding, swimming, sports, arts, and campouts; all while having medical personal available 24-hours a day. Contact Andy Harner at 317.944.0115 for more information.