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.

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.

Camp Summit has developed and delivered outdoor camping experiences for children, adults and seniors with disabilities for over 70 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.

Our program provides a fun recreational experience. Additionally, we measures outcomes to monitor the effectiveness of our program. Camping provides opportunities for personal development that increase social skills and independent living skills. Outcomes measure whether a camper makes positive social interactions while at camp and demonstrates willingness to engage in personal care activities. Measured by direct care staff, our program outcome goal is: 85% of campers, who are able to, will have at least one positive social interaction with others at least three of the six days; and, 85% of campers, who are able to, will demonstrate willingness to engage in personal care activities for 75% of the days. Past responses indicate the quality of the program was rated above average by 98% of families/caregivers responding. Based on our previous outcomes, 85% of campers, who were able, had at least 1 positive social interaction with others at least 3 of the 6 days of camp. 85% of campers, who were able, demonstrated a willingness to engage in personal care activities for 75% of the days at camp. Additionally, we received very positive feedback from parents/caregivers through our session surveys confirming the importance of the respite they received due to camp. Overall our data suggested the targeted goals developed for our population were appropriate for campers to achieve within the camp week.

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. And as we enter our 73rd year of camping, 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!