Rite of Summer: the Daily News annual guide to summer camp fun

SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPS

KEY TO ACCREDITATION AND LICENSING

ACA: Accredited by the American Camping Association

AEE: Accredited by the Association of Experiential Education

CCI: Accredited by Christian Camping International

CHA: Accredited by Camp Horsemanship Association

NAECP: Accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs

NAEYC: Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children

ASYSA: Accredited by the Alaska State Youth Soccer Association

MOA: Licensed by the Municipality of Anchorage

SOA: Licensed by the state of Alaska

MSB: Licensed by the Matanuska-Susitna Borough

DOE: Certified by the Department of Education

ALASKA HEMOPHILIA FAMILY CAMP

Sponsor: Alaska Hemophilia Association
Ages: All ages
Goals and activities: This camp is open to everyone with inherited bleeding disorders and their families, including extended family members. Spend five days camping, canoeing, hiking and making crafts.
When: Aug. 23-27
Where: Meier Lake Camp, Wasilla
How much: Free
Licensed or accredited: No
Contact: Wayne Cobb, 243-5406 or e-mail wac@alaska.net

ALPINE ALTERNATIVES

Sponsor: Alpine Alternatives Inc. and Municipality of Anchorage
Ages: 7 and up
Goals and activities: Alpine Alternatives offers a variety of camping opportunities for people with disabilities. Activities can include hiking, fishing, swimming, canoeing, arts and crafts, field trips, theme nights, barbecues, dances, talent show and games. Non-members of Alpine Alternatives will pay a $25-$30 membership fee in addition to the camp fee.
Where: Meier Lake Camp, Wasilla
Licensed or accredited: No
Contact: Margaret Webber, 561-6655 or alpine@arctic.net

Session I

This session is for people experiencing developmental disabilities, behavior or mental challenges, or those who need partial assistance with daily needs.

When: June 25-29
How much: $200

Session II

This camp is for people who require one-on-one attention and assistance with daily needs. Activities are structured to meet the needs of this camp's population.

When: July 7-11
How much: $200

Session III

This camp session is for individuals who are independent and ambulatory and have a learning disability, attention deficit disorder or any other comparatively mild disability. Children will enjoy plenty of physical activities such as outings, boating, swimming, outdoor games and nature excursions.

When: July 21-26
How much: $250

Session IV

This inclusion camp is for those who experience physical challenges, moderate mental challenges or sensory impairments or are nonambulatory.

When: Aug. 12-17
How much: $250

Day camp

This Anchorage-based day camp takes campers to where the fun is. Outings include visits to the Reindeer Farm, Pyrah’s Pioneer Peak Farm, Portage Glacier cruise, sled dog rides (on wheels), horseback riding and more. Campers meet each morning at the offices of Alpine Alternatives, 2518 E. Tudor Road.

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays, June-August
How much: $25 per day; horseback riding is extra

CAMP AURORA FOR THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING

Sponsor: Alaska Deaf Council
Ages: 5-22
Goals and activities: Fun indoor and outdoor activities are planned, plus leadership and team-building exercises, field trips, weekend camping trips and workshops. Most of the staff is deaf or hard of hearing.
When: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, June 8-18
Where: Arc of Anchorage
How much: Call for details
Licensed or accredited: No
Contact: Carrie Fisher, 276-3456 or e-mail campaurora@aol.com

CAMP HOPE

Sponsor: Volunteers of America
Ages: 7-11
Goals and activities: This prevention camp is for children whose lives have been affected by substance abuse in the family. Camp Hope helps make some sense of addiction and alcoholism and teaches healthy coping skills for living around a family member who drinks or does drugs. Kids also learn of their own high risk for addiction. The camp provides essential prevention education in concert with traditional fun camp activities.
When: July 8-13
Where: LaVerne Griffin Youth Recreation Camp, near Wasilla
How much: $345, with partial and full scholarships available
Licensed or accredited: No
Contact: Pat, 279-9646

CHAMP CAMP FOR KIDS WITH ASTHMA

Sponsor: American Lung Association
Ages: 7-13
Goals and activities: Fun activities like canoeing, swimming and hiking are coupled with daily education to help kids learn to manage their asthma properly. Organizers wrote that this is a camp where kids get to be kids, ‘‘running, playing and enjoying the Alaskan summer.’’ A team of physicians and nurses provides 24-hour medical care. Transportation to and from this residential camp is provided.
When: July 9-14
Where: Camp Kushtaka, on the shores of Kenai Lake near Cooper Landing
How much: $225, with scholarships available
Licensed or accredited: ACA
Contact: 276-5864 or e-mail shanwne@aklung.org

DIABETES CAMP 2000

Sponsor: American Diabetes Association
Ages: 7-13 and 14-17 (leader in training)
Goals and activities: This residential camp is for children with diabetes. It combines all the excitement of outdoor activities, including swimming, canoeing, hiking and playing games, with learning how to control diabetes.
When: June 24-29
Where: Camp Kushtaka, Cooper Landing
How much: $225
Licensed or accredited: ACA
Contact: Regina, 272-1424

KACHEMAK QUEST

Sponsor: Community Mental Health Center, Homer
Goals and activities: These camps are for young people with behavioral or emotional issues, family issues or who generally are at-risk. Goals include increasing participants’ sense of personal confidence and cooperation, respect and support within a group or family through therapeutic services, experiencing new outdoor skills and problem-solving with a diversity of people. Activities vary depending on location but can include hiking, backpacking, kayaking, canoeing and fishing. Some private insurance and Medicaid may cover part or all of the costs for these counseling camps. Four types of camps are offered.
Licensed or accredited: No
Contact: Jenny Martin, 907-235-7701

Adventure Camp

Ages: 8-12 and 12-15
When and Where: June 11-25 at Kenai National Wildlife Refuge for ages 12-15; July 30-Aug. 6 at Kachemak Bay State Park for ages 8-12; family involvement on last two days of both camps.
How much: $2,100 for ages 8-12; $3,300 for ages 12-15; cost includes family participation

Sibling Camp

Ages: 8-13
When and Where: July 16-23 at Kenai National Wildlife Refuge; family involvement last three days of camp.
How much: $3,000 per family

Family Camp

Ages: Suggested age 7-13; at least one parent must attend
When and Where: July 6-9 at Kachemak Bay State Park
How much: $1,500 per family

Youth Expedition

Ages: 14-18; youth must have previously attended at least one KQ camp or have special permission
When and Where: Aug. 13-20 at Kachemak Bay State Park
How much: $2,100 per youth

MDA SUMMER CAMP

Sponsor: Muscular Dystrophy Association
Ages: 6-21
Goals and activities: For youngsters throughout the state with neuromuscular diseases, this camp is a magical place that offers a wide range of activities specially designed for young people who have limited mobility or who use wheelchairs. Volunteer counselors work one-on-one with campers around the clock, providing care and close supervision.
When: Aug. 6-11
Where: Birchwood Camp
How much: Free
Licensed or accredited: No
Contact: 276-2131