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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 DO WE SERVE? 

Our program model was developed for children who have the following SUPERPOWERS:

• Autism Spectrum Disorders (including Asperger's Syndrome)
• Sensory Processing Disorders
• Down syndrome
• Developmental Delays
• ADHD

Camp Idlewild of Florida (CIW) seeks to serve qualified individuals with special needs or disabilities who meet the essential eligibility requirements described below.  These criteria are necessary to ensure not only the safety of participating campers but also their ability to receive the maximum benefits of the camp program for which they have applied. Eligibility is based on present medical or behavioral concerns and our ability to ensure safe and adequate supervision for all camper needs. We are not equipped for individuals who may cause physical harm to fellow campers or staff, require feeding tubes, Foley catheters, dialysis, ventilators or have a tracheostomy.

All acceptances of applications are conditional. Specifically, CIW reserves the right to accept or deny applications or defer admission on-site or prior to attendance should it later become aware that the initial application was inaccurate or the camper's health has severely declined or upon demonstration that a camper does not meet the applicable eligibility criteria.  All deferrals or revocation of admission must be approved by CIW Executive Director. 

Essential Eligibility Requirements for Camp Admission: 

1. Be of appropriate age or ability for the session requested. 
2. Have Autism Spectrum Disorders (including Asperger's Syndrome), Sensory Processing Disorder, Down syndrome, ADHD, and/or a Developmental Delay; specialty camp sessions such as sibling camps will waive this requirement. Please contact the camp office if you are a wheelchair user to discuss accessibility.  
3. Have the ability to adapt to a group living routine at camp within 24 hours of check-in, without disruption to the group living environment. Disruptions are defined as and include, but are not limited to the following: not following directions of CIW staff or causing disruption to other campers’ experiences. Accommodations are dorm-style sleeping quarters with no private rooms. Campers are expected not to disturb others during quiet hours of overnight sleep and rest time. 
4. The applicant will be required to possess basic independent living skills such as self-feeding, showering, dressing, and toileting. Applicant must be continent & have the ability to maintain bowel routine. Our program is designed to meet the needs of our campers based on a 5:1 or better Camper to Counselor ratio. We are not equipped to provide 1:1 assistance/supervision in a group setting at this time. If you feel that your camper would not fit into our current camper-to-staff ratio please contact us to discuss additional possibilities. 
5. Is not abusive toward him/her self or others, i.e. does not physically, verbally, or sexually abuse self or others. Abuse may be defined as hitting, biting, scratching, spitting, kicking, excessive swearing, excessive or inappropriate yelling or verbal degradation, inappropriate touching or fondling, or other inappropriate behavior. 
6. Does not have a medical condition or impairment that has a substantial risk or likelihood for complication or injury or requires specialized medical treatment (i.e. intravenous infusions, tube feeding, a communicable disease or condition). 
7. Has the ability to eat or drink amounts adequate for nutritional support and agrees to and accepts personal medications from camp medical personnel. 

At Camp Idlewild, we train our staff to be comfortable with a wide variety of communication strategies. Some of our campers may be non-verbal and may depend on visual support or sign language to communicate their needs. Other campers may struggle with social skills, so we develop effective strategies to socialize and connect with friends. If your child uses any assistive communication device or method, please let us know. 

How much does Camp Idlewild cost?

• Summer Camp OVERNIGHT sessions (Sunday to Friday): $800.00.
• Summer Camp DAY sessions (Sunday to Friday - 8:00AM to 8:00PM): $650
• Weekend Camp sessions (Friday evening to Sunday): $320.00

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.