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.
| Donate to Camp |
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
- Minimum camper age is 14 years old
- The camp is co-ed and campers must have some means of communication.
- The counselor to camper ratio is approximately 1:2.
- Campers are assigned to male or female cabins, which may be dorms 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 2025 will be held from July 27-August 3!
Applications are available on June 1, 2025.
Returning Campers:
Applications are available on April 1, 2025.
2024 Easterseals Camp Volunteers:
Applications are available on April 1, 2025.
Requirements:
- Volunteers must be age 18+
- Volunteer Counselors-in-Training must be 14+
- Volunteers must attend the entire week-long event from July 27 to August 3, 2024
- 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
- Applications open April 1.
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 via our website form or via PayPal using the buttons below and support a week of fun and enjoyment for campers and a respite for their families.
To make a donation using our website form:
1. Select Your Donation Amount: Choose your amount: $25, $50, $100, or enter a different amount. Then, decide on the frequency, one-time or monthly, and if you wish to cover the processing fee.
2. Designate Your Donation: In the "Designate your Donation" section, select "Camp Support," from the drop-down menu.
3. Honor a Special Camper: If you wish to donate In memory or honor a special camper, choose "In memory of" or "In honor of" from the drop-down menu and enter their name.
To Donate by Check or Money Order
Please make your check payable to "Easterseals"
Mail to:
Easterseals Southern California
Attn: Special Camp Fund
1063 McGaw Ave. Suite #100
Irvine, CA 92614
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
More Information
For more information please email the Camp Program Director or call 951.264.4855
