Rehabilitation Summer Camps at Children's Hospital Colorado

Camp Zenith campers
enjoy an afternoon hike.

The Rehabilitation Department at Children's Hospital Colorado is committed to the belief that a vital part of recovery occurs long after the inpatient rehabilitation treatment phase is over. As a result of this philosophy, we offer three summer camp programs. These programs are designed to meet the needs of three groups of children who would find inclusion in a mainstream or "regular" camp program unsuccessful, if not impossible.

Camp Little Tree

Little Tree is a special camp for children 8 to 12 years of age with sensory integration (SI) impairments, as well as learning and/or attention deficits. Children who experience sensory integration dysfunction (SID) have many challenges that are hidden. Outwardly they may appear like other children, but their behavior issues set them apart. The 5-day overnight program is designed to meet the unique needs of these children. Specially trained occupational therapists from Children's Hospital Colorado use occupational therapy (OT) and SI principles to make this camp experience positive and motivating for Little Tree campers.

2011 dates and costs

• Camp Little Tree Session I: June 15-19, 2012
• Cost to families: $625. Additional scholarship funding and financial assistance may be available.

Download the Camp Little Tree application packet (.doc)

Camp Zenith

Camp Zenith offers many
wonderful opportunities
for campers to be
challenged.

The Camp Zenith summer 5-day overnight program is intended for children 8 to 18 years of age who have sustained traumatic injuries to the brain. This camp is located at the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) in Breckenridge, Colorado (1 hour and 45 minutes west of Denver). Children who have brain injuries frequently exhibit ongoing cognitive, emotional and/or physical impairments that significantly impact their daily life at home and in their community.

Professional staff from the Rehabilitation Department at Children's Hospital Colorado (including occupational, physical and speech/language therapists) provide the support and expertise necessary to make this camp experience safe and successful for all participants and work closely with the wilderness educators from the BOEC. Together, they plan the week's activities with the needs of each participant in mind. Daily programs can include hiking, fishing, journal keeping, rock climbing, canoeing, overnight camping and a ropes course.

2011 dates and costs

• Camp Zenith Session I: July 23-27, 2012
• Cost to families: $625. Additional scholarship funding and financial assistance may be available.

Download the Camp Zenith application packet (.doc)

NEW CAMP: Cerebral Palsy

This camp without a name yet is for kids with cerebral palsy (CP). The 3-day camp is designed to meet the unique needs of these children. This camp will adapt activities to foster success and a sense of achievement while camping with peers in a mountain setting. This is the inaugural year for the camp, and we will have the attending campers create its official name!

The camp will focus on promoting independence, confidence, social skills and self esteem. Children will live, work, and play in a "family" group of 6-8 campers, 2-3 outdoor educators from Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center, and 2 specialized therapists (occupational therapist, physical therapist, or speech therapist) from Children's Hospital Colorado. Campers will assist in cooking and cabin clean-up along with peers and adults. Children will participate in a variety of activities like climbing, canoeing, ropes courses and outdoor education. Other activities include crafts and group games. Involvement in these programs promotes motor skills, coordination, problem solving and self confidence.

2011 dates and costs

• Camp Cerebral Palsy: June 24-26, 2011
• Cost to families: $375. Additional scholarship funding and financial assistance may be available.

Download the Camp Cerebral Palsy application packet (.doc)

Contact us

For more information about our rehabilitation summer camps, please call (720) 777-0042. Applications are usually available beginning in April.