Surprise, it’s time to plan for summer camp

January 2nd, 2010 | By: Christie Santodomingo

Believe it or not, summer is coming! Registration for many local camps and classes begins in January, so it is not too early to start planning now for the summer.

In this article, we feature six local favorites including three camps that specialize in serving children with special needs and developmental delays. For further assistance, please check our business directory for a complete listing of local summer camps and classes.

Red Gate Farm Horse Camp, Sammamish Plateau

When Mary Cristy of Sammamish learned that the Red Gate Farm Horse Camp had ponies, she signed her daughter, Samantha, up for a week long summer camp. “Samantha tried it and loved it from day one,” Cristy said. Now, 12 years old and a counselor in training, Samantha holds the reins for other children learning to ride. Red Gate Farm Horse Camp has been in businesses for 30 years, with Jamie Smith as owner for the last seven years. What makes this camp so special is that the staff is great about determining comfort level of participants.

“They have horses and small, medium and large ponies to ensure that children are safe by being on the appropriate size horse,” said Cristy.

All counselors and counselors-in-training were once campers at the camp. They enjoy sharing their interest in horses with the new campers.

During a week long summer camp, two children are matched with a horse or pony and one staff member. They learn to groom and tack up their horse, and they are given riding lessons. The week culminates with a horse show for families on Friday. Over a week’s time, children gain more than the basics of horses; they learn responsibility and empathy, make new friends, build self-confidence and bond with their horses. The Cristys were so inspired by the staff’s expertise at Red Gate Farm that they recently bought their own horse.

“When Samantha turns 18, she hopes to be hired on as a counselor at Red Gate Farm and then eventually wants to become a professional horse trainer,” Cristy said.

Red Gate Farm Horse Camp is offered to children 6-11 years old with eight individual week-long sessions. 9:30-3:30 Monday-Friday. Registration begins January 1. English riding lessons are offered year round. For more information go to www.redgatefarmdaycamp.com.

SAMBICA, Bellevue

SAMBICA (Sammamish Bible Camp Association) was voted best camp by 425 Magazine readers this past September. There is no doubt of its popularity—SAMBICA attracts over 2,000 children each summer from local neighborhoods as well as other states and Canada. Katherine Boyd-Jordan of Bellevue, whose children have attended SAMBICA, said “Kids are really drawn to it. There is a sense of acceptance and inclusiveness there.” Boyd-Jordan first enrolled her oldest son in the week-long day camp the summer before first grade. When he was old enough, in the fourth grade, they enrolled him in overnight camps. Now, a junior in high school he participates in ELITE (Emerging Leaders Intensive Training Experience), a high school leadership program. He hopes to come back as a counselor during his college summers.

SAMBICA, a non-denominational Christian camp, was founded 91 years ago.

“Today we focus on helping the children who attend camp know and experience the love of Jesus Christ” says program director Andy Rosenhauch.

Along with daily Bible studies and songs, SAMBICA offers a variety of camp options for children from first through twelfth grade including day and resident camps specializing in water fun and a brand new high ropes course. SAMBICA also offers adventure camps where campers experience climbing, river rafting, and trail horseback riding. Children are challenged to try things they have never tried before, like kayaking, wakeboarding, rafting, climbing, and more. They build self-confidence and character, make new friends, and form connections with caring counselors who are truly engaged with the kids and stay active in their lives. Boyd-Jordan says her son found his faith at SAMBICA.

“Being a teenager is difficult,” she said. “At SAMBICA, all kids come together; it doesn’t matter their backgrounds. They all come together with the common bond of faith.” Registration begins in January.

For more information visit www.sambica.com.

YMCA Camp Terry, Preston

The YMCA offers a variety a high quality and affordable camps on the Eastside. One favorite day camp option is Camp Terry, located along the Raging River in Preston. Joe Larson of Maple Valley did his research before choosing this camp for his two sons, ages 12 and 9. He and his wife both work, so they needed a camp that was nearby, had an option for spanning most of the summer but varied week to week, met their children’s interests, offered extended care if needed, and was within their budget. Camp Terry met all of those requirements.

“Our kids went one year and thought it was the coolest thing in the world and wanted to do it again,” Larson said.

Camp Terry is a co-ed day camp for children ages 6 to 12 years old that includes archery, hiking, climbing, arts and crafts, camping skills, rope courses, and recreational swimming. It is nationally recognized as an accredited camp by the American Camping Association (ACA), which means it meets rigorous standards in the areas of safety, programming, administration, and transportation.

Larson’s sons met new friends from the greater Issaquah area and “really bonded with the counselors at Camp Terry. They were good natured and fun,” said Larson.

In addition to Camp Terry, Cascade Ridge Elementary in Sammamish hosts YMCA specialty programs: lacrosse, jump rope, beadmaking, Mad Science, rock climbing, and more (ages 8-12), Explorer Camp (ages 5-9), and Teen and Tween Trek Programs (ages 10-13). Registration begins February 15th. For more information contact Sammamish Family YMCA at 425-391-4840. Be sure to ask about financial assistance if needed.

Camps that Specialize in Serving Children with Special Needs and Developmental Delays

For children who would benefit from a smaller group size, a small ratio of teachers to children (1:3), and teachers and staff who have experience working with children with special needs and developmental delays, three local camps fit the bill: Encompass’ Champ Camp in North Bend; Lakeside Center for Autism’s Summer Sensory Exploration Program in Issaquah, and Kindering’s Courage Camp in Bellevue. All three camps welcome the participation of children with special needs and developmental delays, along with their typically developing peers.

Encompass’ Champ Camp, North Bend

In addition to its extensive schedule of summer camps for typical children, Encompass launched Champ Camp this past summer for children ages 3-5 and 6-9. Kristin Minner of Carnation was thrilled to learn that Champ Camp was offered to older children with special needs and developmental delays and their typical peers.

“I was so excited that something became available for my daughter- and that she would be welcomed!” Minner said. Her eight year old daughter, Laura, who has cerebral palsy, had a wonderful experience at camp.

“She was very proud of the necklace she made out of macaroni and fruit loops, and had a lot of fun visiting a local bakery during a field trip,” Minner said. Laura is looking forward to participating in Champ Camp again this summer.

Along with arts and crafts and local field trips, students have fun erupting volcanoes, navigating obstacle courses, and conducting taste tests. Parents feel at ease dropping their children off at Champ Camp because it is taught by a masters level special education teacher and a speech therapist, who work hard to establish good communication with parents. Special modifications are made based on each individual child’s needs.

Registration for the summer session begins in April. Champ Camp is being offered as an after school program beginning in January for children ages 6-9 and 9-12. For more information please visit www.encompassnw.org.

Kindering’s Courage Camp, Bellevue

According to Annette Russell of Renton, Courage Camp was “perfect” for her son Braden, who suffers from severe social anxiety. Braden, who had already been receiving services at Kindering in their birth to three program, was familiar with his surroundings and the accommodations employed at Courage Camp. Russell felt totally comfortable dropping him off at the camp with qualified instructors who provided the additional support he needed.

Courage Camp, initiated this past summer, is similar to a preschool environment. The children enjoy free play, circle time, arts and crafts and song time. Instructors who have experience working with children with special needs and developmental delays provide a safe environment for fun and learning.

“Kindering has been life-changing. There is no doubt we will enroll Braden in camp this summer,” Russell said.

Courage Camp is offered to children ages 3-5. Registration begins this spring. For more information, go to www.kindering.org.

Lakeside Center for Autism’s (LCA) Summer Sensory Exploration Program, Issaquah

LCA’s summer program is very similar to its school year preschool program. Taught by a masters level special education teacher with additional support from speech therapists and occupational therapists, children with special needs and developmental delays and their typical peers play and learn within a structured and supportive environment.

LaConia Kacatin of Sammamish, whose four year old son with autism attended the camp, was impressed by the communication with the families and between the therapists, calling it “top notch!” During the program her son enjoyed the weekly themes, songs, and circle time. His favorite part was counting the calendar.

“The intensive therapy and support he receives at Lakeside has really helped him,” Kacatin said.

Summer session runs from June to August for children ages 3-5. Registration begins January. For more information go to www.lakesideautism.com.

Vist our Business Listings for a complete list of local summer camps.