New to Camp?

What is the core difference between our camps?

Our two camps (both located on our 400 acres of land) house 10 unique programs that cater to a wide range of abilities while providing a much needed break for parents and caregivers.

Camp Wawbeek's core philosophy is to encourage campers to challenge themselves with new experiences and set goals for new accomplishments.  Camp Wawbeek houses our camper group programs: Wawbeek, Trailblazers, Transition Team, Pioneer, and Young Adults Aspergers (ages 15-25).  Campers are paired with peers of similar age and interests in groups of 4 to 6 depending on care needs.  Each group has two counselors that take care of the needs of the entire group,  whether it be personal care or just a friend to talk to you.  The Young Adults Asperger's session offers a care ratio of 1:2.  Camp Wawbeek serves campers ages 7 and up.

Our Wisconsin Elks/Easter Seals Wisconsin Respite camp provides care to individuals with medical conditions, behavior disorders or known physical aggression, and/or multiple disabilities that require one on one support to function.  Respite Camp's core philosophy is to provide a much needed break to parents and caregivers with loved ones that require one-to-one supervision twenty-four hours a day, while providing a camper with a unique camp experience catered to their individual needs.  In addition to their 1:1 program, Respite Camp offers an Asperger's and High-functioning Autism program with a care ratio of 1:2 for ages 7-18.  Each camper is a paired with a counselor that maintains the camper's daily routine.  Respite camp serves ages 3 and up.

Which Program Should I Attend?

With the ever-changing needs of people in our communities, Easter Seals Wisconsin is happy to be offering so many options to fit the needs of those who use our services. All of our programs provide respite and recreation. Please find, below, guidelines to help you decide which Camp program best serves your needs:

Elks/Easter Seals Respite Camp Programs

Children & Teens with Asperger’s Syndrome or High-Functioning Autism Session (ages 7-18)

Campers who attend this session:

• Have a primary diagnosis of Aspergers/High Functioning Autism, Tourette Syndrome/OCD, ADD/ADHD, or traits similar to those who do.
• Have moderate to no cognitive delays
• Are able to function in a small-group of one to two counselors with two to three campers

Respite Camp Sessions (ages 3+)

Campers who attend these sessions:

• Have medical conditions, behavior disorders or known physical aggression, and/or multiple disabilities
• Have a mild to severe cognitive delay
• Require one on one support to function in individual or group settings

Camp Wawbeek Programs

Wawbeek Sessions (ages 7+)

Campers who typically attend these sessions:

• Have a physical disability or challenge of any degree
• Have a cognitive functioning level close to that of their actual age
• Understand basic safety boundaries
• Can function in a small-group with two to four other campers

Trailblazer Sessions (ages 7+)

Campers who typically attend these sessions:

• Have little to no physical limitations
• Have a cognitive delay
• Understand basic safety boundaries
• Can function in a small-group of one counselor with two campers, or two counselors with four to five campers

Teens & Young Adults with Asperger’s Syndrome or High-Functioning Autism Session (ages 15-25)

Campers who attend this session:

• Have a primary diagnosis of Aspergers/High Functioning Autism, Tourette Syndrome/OCD, ADD/ADHD, or traits similar to those who do.
• Have moderate to no cognitive delays
• Are able to function in a small-group of one to two counselors with two to three campers

Please note these are just basic guidelines to help you decide in which program to participate. If a week you would like to attend doesn’t fit your schedule, or if you are unsure which program would best suit your needs, please contact us, and we will be happy to discuss with you the best fit. It is our goal for each person to have a successful camp experience.