Special Camps

At Shriners Hospitals for Children® we believe in treating not only the child’s medical condition, but also their spirit. Helping our patients socialize and share experiences with other children like themselves is an important part of building their confidence and independence. One of the ways we do this is through a wide variety of special camps.

Your child must be a patient of Shriners Hospitals® for Children to attend most camps, although some are facilitated by an outside organization and will have attendees from other healthcare systems. The goal of every camp is for the children to have a fun, inspiring and maybe even adventurous experience with kids their own age and who have similar health issues.

Camps may differ by region and by hospital, so speak to your care coordinator to find out what camps are available near you. Here are a few examples of the types of special camps available through Shriners Hospitals for Children®.

  • Camp Care “A” Lot – this camp is for children with a physical disability that may limit their ability to participate in other community summer programs. The camp is set at a wooded lakefront campground. Children spend a week sleeping in cabins, storytelling by the campfire and doing all the camp activities that “regular” kids would experience, including archery, swimming, arts and crafts, fishing, canoeing and much more.
  • Glam Camp – this camp is for disabled girls and is designed to build self-esteem during a day of fun, girl-focused activities, including shopping for a dressy outfit, a trip to a salon for manicures and pedicures, a make-up lesson and dinner at a fancy restaurant.
  • Camp Ytiliba – this camp is for children who have survived a burn injury, allowing them to experience the same fun camp activities as “regular” kids in an environment where having scars is totally normal. During their week-long stay campers go fishing, horseback riding, canoeing, swimming, and – most important – make new friends and renew ongoing friendships with other burn survivors.
  • Future Fest – this camp is for disabled children between the ages of 14 and 18 who are independent in mobility. During the five-day camp children will experience what it is like to live more independently, learn skills essential for success as adults, socialize with their peers, explore leisure activities and find ways to overcome challenges in a safe, supportive environment.
  • Un-Limb_ited Amputee Camp – this camp is just for kids who are missing a limb, either from a congenital birth defect or amputation. There are summer and winter sessions, giving children an opportunity to experience things like skiing and snowboarding, or whitewater rafting.

Other camps and excursions include:

  • scuba diving adventure trips
  • rock climbing trips
  • white water rafting trips
  • ski trips

It’s important to note that not all camps are available at all hospitals. Contact your care coordinator to find out what camps are available in your area and to find out how to register your child.