Easterseals Camp

A man in a harness smiles and enjoys a zipline experience. logo says "Easterseals camp 50th anniversary"

Easterseals Camp is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year! This unique camp is a week-long, fully accessible camp experience held at YMCA Camp Oakes in Big Bear, which is fully accredited through the American Camp Association and offers people with disabilities the same excitement and activities available at other camps.

Since 1974, campers and volunteers from all walks of life have come together for one magical week of camp. Activities include crafts, hayrides, talent shows, dances, swimming, canoeing, archery, hiking, concerts, storytelling, and a high and low ropes course.

  • The camp elevation is 7,300 feet
    Donate
     A male camper and volunteer pose for the camera
     Two female campers fishing
     A female camper plays guitar
     Campers Playing Water polo

    Camper admiring her make-up in a mirror with her make-up artist looking over her shoulder

    Camper goes down the zipline

  • Minimum camper age is 14 years old
  • The camp is co-ed and campers must have some communication skills
  • The counselor to camper ratio is approximately 1:2.
  • Campers stay in dormitories or 3-sided cabins
  • Restrooms and showers are available
  • A registered nurse is on 24-hour duty

Easterseals Camp Update

We are excited to announce that Easterseals Camp 2023 will be held from July 30-August 5! 

New Campers: 

Applications are available now:  

Apply Here

The 2023 rate for campers is $1,248. Limited camperships may be available. Please see the camper application for more information.

Returning Campers:

Applications are available now:  

Apply Here

The 2023 rate for campers is $1,248. Limited camperships may be available. Please see the camper application for more information.

2023 Easterseals Camp Volunteers:

Requirements:

  • Volunteers must be age 18+
  • Volunteer Counselors-in-Training must be 14+
  • Volunteers must attend the entire week-long event from July 29 to August 5, 2023
  • Volunteers are assigned one or two campers and are responsible for their health and safety, as well as ensuring they have an exceptional time with their friends
  • Food and accommodations will be provided
  • No previous camp experience is needed
  • Submit the application by July 15, 2023
If you are interested in being considered as a volunteer for our 2023 camp and meet the requirements listed above, please register below:

Register Now

Please feel free to reach out to Camp Director Amanda Showalter if you have any additional questions.

Donate Online to Support Camp!

Easterseals Camp relies on donations to ensure that anyone who wishes to experience the joys and challenges of camp in a fully-accessible setting can attend. Donate today and support a week of fun and enjoyment for campers and a respite for their families. 

Chose from one of three gift designations:

1. Camp: Donate towards Easterseals Camp expenses.

2. Camper Payment: Donate to support a specific camper. Enter their name in the "Honoree" section of the donation form.

3. Special Camp Fund: Donate to the camp volunteer leadership fundraising campaign which supports camperships, and projects designed to make camp more accessible for all.

Donate Now!

To Donate by Check or Money Order:

Please make your check payable to "Easterseals"

Mail to:

Easterseals Southern California
Attn: Special Camp Fund
401 S. Ivy Street
Escondido, CA 92025

The Camp Experience

Watch this video to learn more about Easterseals Camp.

You can also view this video at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuM3CIJuKO0

"Going to camp opened my eyes and changed the person I was inside and out. I saw how everyone was being treated and I realized that all I wanted all these years was... to be treated like everyone else. This is the best experience I ever had." - Lora  Glassman Easterseals Camp's 50th anniversary logo with mountains and trees in the background

More Information
For more information please email the Camp Program Director or call 951.264.4855.

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