Camp Summit, Inc.
A Remarkable Place. For Remarkable People.
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Individuals with disabilities, of all ages, continue to be an under-served population and often face isolated lives where opportunities for inclusive socialization, sports and nature programs that foster their maximum personal potential don't exist. Often physical and societal barriers prohibit their participation in programs that their non-disabled peers take for granted.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Camp Summit, Residential Camping
Our week-long and weekend camping programs focus on abilities rather than disabilities providing a comprehensive camping experience regardless of the type or severity of a camper’s disability.
Campers enjoy traditional camp activities which are modified to each individual’s physical or cognitive ability and are provided in our fully adapted facilities by trained, caring staff. Core offerings include swimming, horseback riding, creative time, drama, sports and ropes course and nature programs – all adapted for every disability.
Our program goal is to provide a fun camping experience for campers regardless of the type or severity of their disability or their ability to pay. For some, the chance to interact with peers, experience new adventures and achieve new skills is a highlight in a far too routine and isolated life.
Where we work
External reviews

Photos
Videos
Our results
How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.
Evaluation documents
Download evaluation reportsNumber of individuals with disabilities who are served through residential camping programs.
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adults, People with disabilities
Related Program
Camp Summit, Residential Camping
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Due to lasting effects of COVID we operated virtual and limited capacity in-person programs in 2021.
Our Sustainable Development Goals
Learn more about Sustainable Development Goals.
Goals & Strategy
Reports and documents
Download strategic planLearn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
Camp Summit strives to eliminate barriers faced by those with a disability ensuring participation in critical recreational and social programs. These barriers may include: fewer services available; accessibility to safe sites; financial constraints; mobility needs; medical needs; and, the isolation caused by the stigmas sometimes associated with their disability.
At Camp Summit, these issues are never a concern. In addition to eliminating financial barriers by offering camperships and financial assistance - we eliminate many of the common barriers faced by our campers through an open registration process, by providing medical care so even the most medically fragile camper can attend safely, and by offering programs designed to be adapted for every possible need. Through barrier-free programs we focus on Abilities rather than disAbilities.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
Because of Camp Summit individuals who often can only dream of participating in camp and outdoor adventures can enjoy this unique camp program. There are no other camps in our region and only a handful of camps in the United States that offer a camping program comparable to Camp Summit. We are unique because:
• Our goal is to accept campers without regard to the severity of their disability;
• We have no upper age limit for adult campers;
• Campers apply to and are accepted directly by us without an intermediary agency;
• We offer a 2-to-1 ratio of campers-to-counselors, with special 1-1 assistance when needed;
• We provide on-site medical personnel, including RN's, and have a Physician on-call to ensure the safety and well-being of our campers; and
• Financial assistance programs are available to low-income families including a sliding scale fee structure and camp scholarship program.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
Camp Summit has developed and delivered outdoor camping experiences for children, adults and seniors with disabilities for over 74 years. Motivated by the fact campers and families have few, if any, options for overnight recreational experiences that improves independence, confidence and social skills, Camp Summit offers programs to develop these skills and freedoms for campers. Our services are offered in a community-based setting allowing campers a unique, sometimes sole opportunity to interact and socialize with peers in a free, “Yes – You Can!" environment.
Our unique camp program provides many benefits: campers have the opportunity to fully participate in an overnight camping experience; families/caregivers enjoy a much needed respite from providing 24/7 care; and, because we offer financial assistance no one is excluded due to an inability to pay, for many families this is the first time they can give a fun and life-changing adventure to their child with special needs.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
Since the very first camp session in 1947, Camp Summit has designed and delivered programs with attention to a myriad of details that allow campers with disabilities to enjoy camp with no fear that their disability will be a burden to others or a barrier to their ability to participate fully in the activities of camp. We are very proud to announce we completed our capital campaign and made the final payment on our camp in Paradise, Texas in late 2019. As wonderful as it is to have fulfilled our financial obligation, we are even more gratified we have secured a “Forever Home” for campers with disabilities and will have the space and capacity to serve the growing needs of this special population and their loving families for many generations to come!
How we listen
Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.
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Who are the people you serve with your mission?
Our campers are a very diverse group of individuals with disabilities. They represent a wide variety of disabilities from mild to severe, and also represent all races, ethnicities, genders, and socioeconomic statuses. They range in age from 6 – 99 years, and may have intellectual disabilities, developmental delays, physical challenges, be deaf blind multi-handicapped or have multiple disabilities ranging from mild to severe (Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, paralysis, etc.). While English is the most predominant language spoken, some campers use American Sign Language, while others use non-verbal language to communicate. Campers are grouped by age, providing opportunities to make friends with peers, while having fun and trying new adventures.
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How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?
To identify and remedy poor client service experiences, To identify bright spots and enhance positive service experiences, To make fundamental changes to our programs and/or operations, To inform the development of new programs/projects, To strengthen relationships with the people we serve, To understand people's needs and how we can help them achieve their goals
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What significant change resulted from feedback?
During the pandemic in 2020, we added Zoom programs to our schedule to stay connected with our campers. Based on feedback from participants and caregivers, we decided to continue this very popular program, even when we re-opened for in-person camps in 2021, because it provided another outlet for our campers to connect with friends and enjoy an often rare social opportunity.
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Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?
We collect feedback from the people we serve at least annually, We take steps to get feedback from marginalized or under-represented people, We aim to collect feedback from as many people we serve as possible, We take steps to ensure people feel comfortable being honest with us, We engage the people who provide feedback in looking for ways we can improve in response, We act on the feedback we receive, We tell the people who gave us feedback how we acted on their feedback
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What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?
It is difficult to get the people we serve to respond to requests for feedback
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Camp Summit, Inc.
Board of directorsas of 03/10/2022
Mr. Alec Vincent
Community Advocate
Alec Vincent
retired
Devetta James
Amerisource Bergen
Meg Frainey
AT&T
Emily Buxton Taylor
Wondr Health
Mark Anthony
Turnberry Partners, LLC
Van Carmean
JPMorgan Chase
Claire Darr
Community Volunteer
Munsoor Hussain
BNSF Railway
Christopher Williams
PWC
Annette Winingham
JPM Chase
Jay Young
Spirit Realty Capital
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
Gender identity
Sexual orientation
No data
Disability
Equity strategies
Last updated: 03/10/2022GuideStar partnered with Equity in the Center - an organization that works to shift mindsets, practices, and systems to increase racial equity - to create this section. Learn more
- We ask team members to identify racial disparities in their programs and / or portfolios.
- We disaggregate data to adjust programming goals to keep pace with changing needs of the communities we support.
- We seek individuals from various race backgrounds for board and executive director/CEO positions within our organization.
- We have community representation at the board level, either on the board itself or through a community advisory board.
- We help senior leadership understand how to be inclusive leaders with learning approaches that emphasize reflection, iteration, and adaptability.
- We engage everyone, from the board to staff levels of the organization, in race equity work and ensure that individuals understand their roles in creating culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization.