From Whispering Winds

The camp pairs “Special Needs Buddies” to each family.

Camp Quest,

• 4761 Pine Hills Road
• Julian

“Not another moment lost to seizures” is the tagline for the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County. Every summer, the foundation sponsors Camp Quest for kids age 8-12, a five-night residential camp experience for children with epilepsy. The camp is free to kids who have the condition and runs in conjunction with the YMCA’s Camp Marston. Kids do activities such as archery, canoeing, crafts, swimming, and sports. A nurse attends the kids to dispense medications, follow any special instructions, and ensure the safety of the child with epilepsy as well as that of additional volunteer counselors. But since the kids are mingled with other campers, it is up to them to tell the other campers about their epilepsy. Campers must be able to care for their own basic needs, follow directions, and participate in most regular camp activities. Application available at www.epilepsysandiego.org. Campers are accepted on a first-come-first-served basis. July 15-20.

Mindful Adventures: After lunch, there is the beach, minigolf, museums, and trampoline parks.

Mindful Adventures

• 8175 Regents Road
• University City

Mindful Adventures are summer camp programs designed to help kids challenged by ADHD and Aspergers. Programs are for kids age 6 to 13 who have mild to moderate challenges in social settings due to behavioral and emotional struggles. The five-day camp runs from 9 am to 3:30 pm. It is composed of a morning segment with games, creative play, and skill building, all designed to develop strengths such as frustration tolerance, emotional expression, and communication. After lunch, there is transportation to an afternoon activity at such places as the beach, minigolf, museums, and trampoline parks. After the activity, there is time to practice the day’s skills. All groups have a 3:1 ratio of student camper to coaches, with group size limit of 12. Fee: early bird special $745 until April 25, $795 after. Activity fees included in price.

Special Needs Family Camp

• 17606 Harrison Park Road
• Julian

Whispering Winds Camp hosts many different groups throughout the year, but I’m betting the most joyous weekend is the Special Needs Family Camp which this year will be held from July 20 -22, Friday evening through Sunday afternoon. This year’s theme Amazing Grace is suited to the peaceful setting 4500 feet up in the Cuyamaca Mountains. The camp, which offers ziplining, swimming, a rock wall, and opportunities for hiking and meadow games, is an ideal peaceful spot to energize and connect with other special needs families. The weekend offers crafts, bible study, Mass, speakers, and seminars addressing the challenges of life with a disability. The camp pairs “Special Needs Buddies” to each family, and offers special educators and developmental disability specialists. The Lodge Room, which has a private bath, sleeps up to six guests, and runs $670 plus $57 per family member over the age of four. Dormitory Village sleeps up to four guests per room with a shared bathroom and costs $460 plus the $57 fee per family member over four. RV campsites run $295 plus the per person fee. Scholarships are available.