Camp Paivika

Camp Paivika offers children, teens and adults with disabilities a traditional camp experience delivered with nurturing support and, above all, an emphasis on fun!

Although we anticipated being able to offer our “almost back to normal” on site programming at Camp Paivika this summer, we must adjust because we have been unable to fill the majority of our camp positions that are essential to the operation of residential camp. We anticipated challenges in hiring from the onset and modified our enrollment capacities to accommodate the possibility of fewer staff. We did not know at that time that the challenge would become a crisis requiring us to re-invent our program delivery once more. Camps are being impacted nationally and programs like ours have fewer options because of the level of care and supervision that cannot be adjusted due to a lack of staff.

Despite these challenges, we are determined to offer some type of program to our campers this summer. It will not look the same as pre-pandemic years, but our goal is to offer something for everyone. On site programs will include activities traditionally offered such as swimming, sports, crafts, nature, performing arts and special events. The biggest difference is that campers will bring their own companion to camp with them to provide for their personal care and supervision. This person can be a friend, a family member or other caregiver. Companions must be at least 18 years of age. Full vaccination status, including the booster, and a negative PCR test will be required of all companions as well as a cleared Criminal Background Check which AbilityFirst will pay for and facilitate.

We will be providing a hybrid schedule of programs as follows:

• Day Camp – offered one Saturday in June, July and August. This will be free of charge and families are encouraged to attend. (bring your own companion)
• Weekend Camp- offered Friday through Sunday (bring your own companion)
• 5-night Camp with 2- 3- 4- and 5-night options- offered Thursday through Tuesday (bring your own companion)
• Virtual Camp Paivika @ Home will continue to be offered free of charge for all summer campers which will include a variety of program activities offered at different times to accommodate as many schedules as we can.

If you are currently registered for a session for this summer, your registration will be cancelled, and a full refund will be given. Registration for the new programming will begin next week. We understand that there will be multiple scenarios for caregivers, and we will address how we will accommodate different situations on a case-by-case basis. There will also be a new (lower) fee structure for camp this year and scholarships on a sliding scale will be available for qualifying campers.

This program is intended for ages 5-18.