Making Summer Camp Accessible to All
For many children, summer camp is a defining part of growing up. But for those living with disabilities or limited access to adaptive programs, those experiences are often out of reach.
The Salvation Army is working to change that.
At High Peak Camp in Estes Park, Colorado, an adaptive camp program was launched to ensure that children of all abilities can participate fully in the camp experience. Campers who might otherwise be excluded are welcomed into activities such as zip lining and archery, supported by trained staff and specialized equipment designed to meet a wide range of needs.
The approach is simple but intentional: remove barriers so that every child can belong. That means investing in accessible facilities, providing the right equipment, and training staff to support campers with physical, cognitive, and developmental differences.
This commitment reflects a broader mission. Across the United States, The Salvation Army’s summer camps are designed to ensure that children, regardless of income or circumstance, have access to safe, structured, and enriching experiences. Camp programs are offered at little or no cost, helping to remove financial barriers while creating opportunities for connection, confidence, and personal growth.
For participants in adaptive programs, the impact is immediate and visible. Activities that may once have seemed out of reach become possible. Campers build skills, form friendships, and experience the same sense of independence and joy that defines summer camp.
By expanding access and investing in inclusion, The Salvation Army is ensuring that camp is not just for some children, but for all.