Frequently Asked Questions
For answers to questions that are not listed below, contact our camp staff via email or call 608.237.1979.
1. Who can attend ESW camps?
Any person with a medical diagnosis that involves cognitive or physical delay, autism spectrum disorders, traumatic brain injuries, and/or multiple diagnoses including any of these. As long as a camper is within the age requirements for a particular session, and is registering for the camp that best fits their needs, that is the only requirement.
2. What is the difference between Respite Camp and Camp Wawbeek?
Camp Wawbeek serves campers in small groups of 1 counselor with 2-3 campers, or 2 counselors with 3-5 campers (typically a ratio of 1:2 to 1:3) while Respite Camp serves campers in more of a 1:1 to 1:1.5 ratio, either one counselor with one camper, or 2 counselors with 2-3 campers. Camp Wawbeek sessions are offered by age (youth, young adults, adults, etc.), serving campers from the ages of 7 through older adulthood. Respite camp offers some sessions for specific age groups, while others are to serve campers of all ages. Campers as young as 3 through adulthood are able to attend Respite Camp.
3. Where are your camps located?
Our camps are located on the outskirts of Wisconsin Dells. For a map to our camps, visit our camp map webpage.
4. How old do I have to be to attend camp?
Campers must be age 7 to attend Camp Wawbeek, and age 3 to attend Respite Camp. Campers can attend camp well into older adulthood, as long as their doctor feels they are healthy enough for camp.
5. Do you have camp throughout the year?
Yes! Both Camp Wawbeek and Respite Camp offer weekend programs during the non-summer months, and each offer a 4-day overnight holiday break program December 27-30.
6. When can I apply for summer camp sessions?
We view our “Camp Year” as September 1-August 31, like a school year with our summer sessions at the end. You are able to register on or before September 1 (often depending on database updates, etc.) for sessions that occur during that entire camp year. You can register for summer sessions as soon as September 1 of the previous year! Always remember to register for summer sessions early, as they fill up quickly.
7. How much does camp cost?
The cost for 2018-2019 camp sessions are as follows:
Respite Camp Weekends $448
Respite Camp Summer Sessions $1,223
Respite Camp 4-Day Holiday Session $816
Camp Wawbeek Weekends $376
Camp Wawbeek Summer Sessions $891
Camp Wawbeek 4-Day Holiday Session $620
Respite Camp Weekends $448
Respite Camp Summer Sessions $1,223
Respite Camp 4-Day Holiday Session $816
Camp Wawbeek Weekends $376
Camp Wawbeek Summer Sessions $891
Camp Wawbeek 4-Day Holiday Session $620
8. Where can I find funding for camp?
There are several options available if you are unable to afford the camp fee:
i. Set up a payment plan to pay down your fee in monthly installments. Please contact the program assistant to set this up.
ii. If you receive funding from programs like IRIS, CLTS Waiver, Disability Services, Family Care, Family Support Programs, or other programs of this nature, you can use your funding for camp. It is VERY important that camp is included in your plan, and/or authorized by your caseworker prior to the session you would like to attend. Please be in touch with your case worker and our Madison office if you have ANY questions.
iii. You can ask local Service Clubs/Organizations to assist with your camp payment. Organizations like Elks, Kiwanis, Lions, Optimists, Rotary, Knights of Columbus, etc. are often willing to help fund a portion of your camp experience – that is what they do, provide service to their communities! You must be the one to initiate contact with these organizations, but if you need help we can provide sample letters from our Madison office to get started.
i. Set up a payment plan to pay down your fee in monthly installments. Please contact the program assistant to set this up.
ii. If you receive funding from programs like IRIS, CLTS Waiver, Disability Services, Family Care, Family Support Programs, or other programs of this nature, you can use your funding for camp. It is VERY important that camp is included in your plan, and/or authorized by your caseworker prior to the session you would like to attend. Please be in touch with your case worker and our Madison office if you have ANY questions.
iii. You can ask local Service Clubs/Organizations to assist with your camp payment. Organizations like Elks, Kiwanis, Lions, Optimists, Rotary, Knights of Columbus, etc. are often willing to help fund a portion of your camp experience – that is what they do, provide service to their communities! You must be the one to initiate contact with these organizations, but if you need help we can provide sample letters from our Madison office to get started.
9. Is there a registered nurse on staff?
There is always an RN on camp while camp is in session. Depending on the session size and acuity (medical needs of the campers), there may be more nurses on site to adequately care for all of our campers.
10. Do you accommodate for G-tube feedings?
Yes, we are happy to make accommodations for g-tube feedings. Please be sure to send all needed supplies and supplements for the length of the session, and be sure to pass along all information on intake amounts, times, trouble shooting (when needed, especially if an electric pump is involved), and any other information the nurse and camp counselors will need to know to be sure your camper is best cared for.
11. Do you accommodate for tracheostomies and ventilators?
Campers with tracheostomies may come to camp, but if continuous oxygen monitoring or frequent suctioning is required, they must bring their own personal nurse with them to camp. Any camper that has a ventilator must bring their own nurse with them to camp. If you have questions about our trach/vent policies, please call our Nurse Coordinator.
13. Can I bring my own food/snacks to camp?
Yes, you can bring your own food and snacks to camp. If you or your camper has allergies or is a picky eater, we encourage sending things they will eat. A menu is sent the week before each camp session, and you are welcome and encouraged to send alternatives and/or supplement the meal so that your camper will be eating well.
14. Do you offer in-home respite care?
That is not a service that Easter Seals Wisconsin Camps provides at this time. All of our respite care is provided at our camps in Wisconsin Dells.
