CAMP I AM SPECIAL
CARING FOR PERSONS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DIFFERENCES & PHYSICAL DISABILITIES
About Camp I Am Special
For the last 40 years, Catholic Charities’ Camp I Am Special – an American Camp Association (ACA) accredited facility – has fostered and celebrated the quality of life for children, teenagers, and adults with intellectual and developmental differences (IDDs) and other disabilities.
A typical in-person camp program gives individuals with IDDs opportunities to grow in independence. The programming offered at Camp I Am Special gives the choice to participate in numerous daily activities that allow them to take risks, stretch their abilities and enjoy the company of others. Some of those activities include hayrides, crafts, adaptive sports and yoga, and spending time with friends at The Rotary Club of Deerwood Abigail’s Joy Camp I Am Special Aquatic Center.
The newly-constructed pool and shaded pavilion provide approximately 2,450 square feet of sensory stimuli including, bubblers and fountains, an ADA-compliant gradual pool entrance, and floats of all shapes and sizes. Campers are free to enter the water at their own pace, and water walkers and water wheelchairs are always available for those needing assistance.
In addition to the pool, the recently added Chartrand Family Camp I Am Special Playground offers a multiple wheelchair-accessible rocker, multi-person swings, and an intergenerational swing that helps children and adults develop connections.
Who Qualifies for Camp I Am Special
During in-person sessions, our team offers personalized care that allows us to welcome individuals with specific needs and challenges including:
Angelman Syndrome
Asperger’s Syndrome
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Autism
Barrett’s Esophagus
Cerebral Palsy
Charcot Marie Tooth Disease
Chromosome Abnormality
Cornelia de Lange Syndrome
Developmentally/Globally Delayed
Down Syndrome
Dysmorphic Syndrome
EMH, PHM, TMH
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Muscular Dystrophy
Pervasive Development Disorder
Prader/Willi Syndrome
Secondary Emotional Disorder
Seizure Disorders
Sensory Integration Dysfunction
Small Brain Syndrome
Spina Bifida
Static Encephalopathy
Tourette syndrome
Tuberous Sclerosis
Other developmental and unique abilities
What Are Camp Buddies?
Buddies are volunteer high-school students paired 1:1 with Campers to provide around-the-clock care and companionship. Our Buddies receive training on all aspects of their Camper's differences, including needs and challenges as well as likes and dislikes. Buddies earn 121 service hours for a week of residential camp, 101 service hours for a week of day camp, 40 hours of service for Mini-Camp and 6 hours of service for a Super Saturday. Buddies are expected to be selfless, dedicated, compassionate, energetic and fun. To learn more about becoming a Camp Buddy CLICK HERE.
Questions?
For all Camp inquiries or to receive more information,
please contact us via email at campiamspecial@ccbjax.org.
Physical Address :
445 Marywood Drive
Fruit Cove, FL 32259
Mailing Address :
235 Marywood Drive
St. Johns, FL 32259
