Magical Transformations

Easter Seals Camp Sunnyside, Iowa

Camping has long been a summertime staple for young people. At Easter Seals Iowa’s Camp Sunnyside, people with disabilities have been enjoying campfire sing-alongs, nature hikes, canoeing, arts and crafts, and other traditional activities for 43 years.

Located on 80 acres, which include six air-conditioned cabins and a manmade lake, the fully accessible Camp Sunnyside serves 1,200 campers a year through residential and day camp programs accredited by the American Camping Association.

• The residential program runs for 12 weeks during the summer and is designed for campers age 5 and older with any type of disability. All camp staff—counselors, a recreation manager, registered nurses, volunteers, and medication managers—undergo extensive training, receiving CPR certification and specialized instruction from Easter Seals experts representing a variety of disciplines.
• The summer day camp program is for children ages 4-12. An inclusive setting, youngsters with and without disabilities participate in many of the same activities residential campers enjoy.
• Easter Seals Iowa also hosts a year-round weekend trip camp for teenagers with disabilities. Campers travel as a group to various destinations, generally in the Midwest. Staying in hotels, campgrounds or other locations, they visit Minneapolis, the Wisconsin Dells, Branson, Mo., and even Disney World.

Shelly Jordan, director, annual giving at Easter Seals Iowa, says one of the best things about the camp experience is that it gives participants a chance to see themselves in a new light.