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FAQs
What is Camp Idlewild of Florida?
Camp Idlewild provides a traditional camp experience for children who have varying abilities and special needs. Our program focuses on personal development through positive and fun experiences in a natural and safe environment.
What is the Age Range of Campers?
Our overnight camp programs are open to campers 6-17 years old for Summer Camp (Sunday to Friday) or Weekend Camp (Friday to Sunday). Our Young Adult Program (YAC) is available for 18 years to 30 years old during select dates reserved for young adults.
What is the Camper to Counselor Ratio?
Our Camper to Counselor ratio for all campers is 5:1 or better (Campers to Counselor). We are not equipped to provide a 1:1 ratio at this time.
Who is eligible to participate in our camp programs?
CAMPER ELIGIBILITY POLICY
Who We Serve
Camp Idlewild of Florida (CIW) offers a supportive camp experience for children and young adults with the following diagnoses:
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Autism spectrum disorder, including individuals previously diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome
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Sensory processing disorder
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Down syndrome
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Developmental delays
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Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Our eligibility requirements help us determine whether we can safely meet each camper’s needs and provide a positive, meaningful camp experience. Eligibility is based on the camper’s current medical, behavioral, personal care, and supervision needs, along with the support our program can provide.
CIW is not equipped to support individuals whose behaviors may cause physical harm to themselves or others, or those who require tube feeding, Foley catheter care, dialysis, ventilator support, or tracheostomy care.
Essential Eligibility Requirements
To participate in a CIW camp session, applicants must meet the following requirements:
1. Appropriate age and ability
Campers must meet the age and ability requirements for the requested session.
2. Program fit and accessibility
Campers must have one or more of the diagnoses listed above. This requirement may be waived for specialty sessions, such as sibling camps. Families of campers who use wheelchairs should contact the camp office to discuss accessibility and individual needs.
3. Ability to adjust to group living
Campers must be able to adjust to the camp’s group living routine within 24 hours of check-in, follow staff directions, and participate without ongoing disruption to other campers’ experiences.
Accommodations are dorm-style, with shared sleeping spaces and no private rooms. Campers must be able to respect quiet hours during overnight sleep and scheduled rest periods.
4. Independent personal care and supervision needs
Campers must have basic independent living skills, including the ability to feed themselves, shower, dress, and use the toilet. Campers must be continent and able to maintain their bowel routine.
Our program operates with a camper-to-counselor ratio of 5:1 or better. We are not currently equipped to provide dedicated one-to-one assistance or supervision within the group setting. If your camper requires additional support, please contact the camp office to discuss possible options.
5. Safe behavior
Campers must not engage in behaviors that are physically, verbally, or sexually harmful to themselves or others. These behaviors include, but are not limited to:
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Hitting, biting, scratching, spitting, or kicking
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Excessive swearing, inappropriate yelling, or verbally degrading others
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Inappropriate touching or fondling
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Other behaviors that compromise the safety or well-being of campers or staff
6. Medical needs within the camp’s capabilities
Campers must not have a medical condition that presents a substantial risk of complications or injury beyond what CIW can safely manage. Campers must not require specialized medical treatment that the camp is unable to provide, including intravenous infusions, tube feeding, Foley catheter care, dialysis, ventilator support, or tracheostomy care.
A communicable illness or condition that prevents safe participation may also affect eligibility.
7. Adequate nutrition, hydration, and medication acceptance
Campers must be able to eat and drink enough to meet their nutritional and hydration needs and accept any required personal medications administered by camp medical personnel.
Conditional Acceptance
All camper acceptances are conditional upon accurate application information and the camper’s continued ability to meet the eligibility requirements.
CIW reserves the right to accept or deny an application, defer attendance, or revoke admission before arrival or during a camp session if:
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Application information is found to be inaccurate.
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The camper’s health has significantly declined.
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The camper demonstrates needs or behaviors that do not meet the applicable eligibility requirements.
All decisions to defer attendance or revoke admission must be approved by the CIW Executive Director and Camp Administrative Leadership Team.
Communication Support
We recognize that campers communicate in many different ways. Our staff are trained to use a variety of communication strategies, including visual supports and sign language. Some campers are nonspeaking or use assistive communication devices, while others benefit from support with social skills and building connections.
Please tell us about your camper’s communication preferences, assistive devices, and effective strategies so we can better understand their needs and support their participation.
How much does Camp Idlewild cost?
- Summer Camp OVERNIGHT sessions (Sunday to Friday): $850.00.
- Summer Camp DAY sessions (Sunday to Friday - 8:00AM to 8:00PM): $700
- Weekend Camp sessions (Friday evening to Sunday): $325.00
Does Camp Idlewild provide Financial Assistance?
Yes, assistance is available for summer sessions only. Applications for Financial Assistance for Summer Camps can be found within our Camper Registration Application. Financial Assistance will be provided on a first-come-first-serve basis.
