Wisconsin Elks/Easter Seals Respite Camp
Caring for someone with a severe disability who requires care or supervision 24-7 is very stressful for parents and caregivers. Opportunites for a break from caregiving are rare because it is a challenge to find someone who can provide the specialized and individualized care required. The Wisconsin Elks/Easter Seals Respite Camp is unique in that it is one of the only programs in Wisconsin that provides overnight, one-on-one respite care, and it accepts campers with severe and multiple disabilities who are turned down by many other programs.
The facility offers five modern cabins with bathrooms, Elks Village (a large dormitory), Elks Lodge, sensory play room, multi-purpose building, activity building and nature nook. The camp occupies a section of the 400 wooded acres that is also home to Camp Wawbeek.
Each camper’s around-the-clock individual counselor ensures that the camper’s daily routine is maintained. These highly trained and caring counselors are assisted by 24-hour program staff and volunteers, and are backed up with the expertise of an on-site registered nurse. Parents and caregivers can take comfort in knowing that their loved ones’ needs are being met.
Activities can be carefully tailored to meet the recreational, social and emotional needs of each camper. Campers can take part in tandem bike and tractor-trailer rides, enjoy swimming and nature hikes, and experience the thrill of the high ropes course. A variety of sports and games is offered (on rainy or cold days, a well-equiped gym ensures that the fun is uninterrupted), and campers also enjoy the accessible playground with swings, a sandbox and climbing equipment. There are field trips to attractions in nearby Wisconsin Dells.
Respite Camp serves children and adults ages 3 and up. Youth ages 7-18 are welcome at Asperger and high-functioning autism sessions.
Asperger Syndrome and high-functioning Autism sessions
Siblings ages 7-14 are welcome to attend with a camper anytime, or they may participate in our special session Spotlight on Siblings.