A Week in the Forest for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

How is the program geared toward the developmentally disabled?

We encourage our campers to learn more about themselves, build self-esteem, and enjoy God’s love for them by participating in a number of daily activities including bible lessons, singing, swimming, crafts, games, dancing, a talent show, and many other exciting opportunities centered around Jesus Christ and the message of love and peace that He offers. We tailor our activities to the needs and individual abilities of our guests so that every camper has an opportunity to participate in every activity despite their physical, or mental challenges.

Campers must be:

• at least 16 years old.
• level 2 or above. (With few exceptions, level 4A behavioral problems are not admissible.) Call to discuss camper’s abilities.
• able to communicate his/her needs clearly without having to be asked. (Especially bathroom needs.)
• ambulatory and able to move about without physical assistance on uneven terrain such as hills, slopes, and steep walks.
• able to walk ¼ mile.
• continent without need of adult incontinence products (adult diapers.)

A Coordinator and an Activities Director team up to provide a safe yet challenging week and oversee A Week in the Forest. A full-time nurse and first-aider provide quality medical care including dispersal of medications and 24 hour-a-day care. We have an on-call physician who works with our nurse who provides care as well. Lead Counselors work with our volunteer cabin counselors to support and lead our guests through the daily schedule. A craft director, life guards, and “Jacks-of-All-Trades” provide program support and assistance in running the daily activities. Robin Hood and Maid Marian themselves are known to make an appearance or two during the week as well!

We rely on a wonderful group of volunteer counselors who return year after year to supervise and assist our campers with whatever their needs may be. We provide at least a 3 camper to 1 counselor ratio so that our guests have adequate support.