Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Friday, February 27, 2015
(INDIANAPOLIS) - Camp Riley empowers children with physical disabilities by providing enriching, life-changing experiences in a traditional camping environment tailored to their individual needs.
For 60 years, campers have shattered perceived limitations, met new friends and reached higher achievements, allowing them to return home with an increased sense of independence and confidence.
"Blast from the Past" is the theme for Camp Riley in 2015. Online applications to secure a spot for Camp Riley are available at RileyKids.org/Camp.
Camp Riley is an extension of Riley Hospital for Children, integrating medical and nursing directors, pharmacists and staff to the Camp Riley program. 24-hour medical care is available by Riley Hospital staff. Approximately 70 percent of Camp Riley campers have been patients at Riley Hospital, but any child age 8-18 with a physical disability is welcome to attend Camp Riley.
The staff-to-camper ratio never exceeds 1-to-3. Children can attend one of five Camp Riley sessions offered during a six-week span. Sessions offer camaraderie and thrills through swimming, hiking, horseback riding, vertical climbing, canoeing, art projects and other activities. New families may also attend Newcomer's Day on Saturday, May 30 to learn more about Camp Riley. RileyKids.org/Camp offers an online photo gallery showcasing camp activities.
Camp Riley takes place at Bradford Woods, Indiana University's outdoor recreation center located 20 miles southwest of Indianapolis (in Martinsville, Ind.). In 2014, 216 campers enrolled in Camp Riley, representing 57 Indiana counties and nine states: Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Since 1955, Camp Riley has been a "home away from home" to more than 13,000 children.
Thanks to Riley Children's Foundation and donors, the cost to attend Camp Riley is $400 for a one-week session and $800 for a two-week session. Beyond that, a sliding scale is available depending on household income. In 2014, 42 percent of Camp Riley families qualified for a reduced camper fee. Every child can attend Camp Riley regardless of their ability to pay. No child will be turned away.
Questions should be directed to Riley Children's Foundation at 1-877-867-4539 or campriley@rileykids.org. Donors interested in providing the Camp Riley experience to Indiana children with the gift of a campership should contact Riley Children's Foundation.
2015 Camp Riley Theme: "Blast from the Past"
Relive the days of Bradford Woods past on the ultimate summer adventure - a journey through time! Explore what camp would have been like if we took a drive down memory lane. We will rock out in the awesome '80s, swing through the roaring '20s, and cruise through every era in between. Just us as we twist and shout through the decades at Camp Riley 2015!
Newcomer's Day
Saturday, May 30, 2015
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Newcomer's Day lets new campers and families do a "trial run" with a visit to Camp Riley at Bradford Woods. Camp families can see the facilities and property, experience camp activities, attend parent informational sessions, discussions and activities, and join a question-and-answer session with camp staff.
Camp Riley offers five levels of camp programming:
Riley 2
June 14-19, 2014 (Ages 8-18)
This one-week session is for campers who benefit from a 1-to-2 staff-to-camper ratio. Be prepared to have the time of your life!
Kan-Du
June 28- July 3, 2015 (Ages 8-18)
This session is specifically designed for youth with cognitive and physical functioning levels assessed between 0 and 48 months and who thrive in a 1-to-1 staff-to-camper ratio.
Riley 1
July 5-10, 2015 (Ages 8-18)
This session is for campers who benefit from a 1-to-1 staff-to-camper ratio. Be prepared for an exhilarating adventure like none other.
Riley 3
July 12-24, 2014 (Ages 8-18)
This two-week session is specifically designed for campers who are ready for a longer camp experience and thrive in a 1-to-3 staff-to-camper ratio.
Beyond the Woods
July 12-24, 2014 (Ages 14-18)
This two-week session is for older campers looking to develop leadership and life skills, who plan to pursue post-secondary education and who thrive in a 1-to-3 staff-to-camper ratio.
About Riley Children's Foundation
Riley Children's Foundation supports Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, Camp Riley and the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home. As Indiana's only comprehensive hospital dedicated exclusively to the care of children, Riley Hospital has provided compassionate care, support and comfort to children and their families since 1924. Each year children from all 92 Indiana counties turn to Riley Hospital and its regional clinics throughout the state more than 300,000 times. Riley Hospital's partnership with Indiana University Health and its strong affiliation with the Indiana University School of Medicine make Riley Hospital the leader in pediatric care in the state and the region. For more information, visit RileyKids.org.
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