Camper Family: Frequently asked questions
Camp Attitude is a family camp designed to serve the family unit living with special needs, so parents/legal guardians and siblings have the opportunity to attend camp together in a safe environment, with extra assistance. For many of our camper families, this is their only opportunity to experience a family style vacation, due to the complexities and impact of living a life directly impacted by special needs. Campers have a cognitive and/or physical limitation that prevents them from experiencing summer camp in a traditional camp setting.
Campers with diagnoses who can attend camps independently, can function in their local community with no/minimal assistance or would not need or desire a 1-1 Camp Attitude Buddy during their time at camp are typically not an ideal fit for Camp Attitude’s operating model.
A parent or legal guardian is required to attend camp with their camper, as we are a family based camp.
If you are looking to attend camp, specifically to grow your immediate community of special needs, in order for in-person connection to continue, post camp, please know that our families travel from all over to attend, including out of state.
Occasionally, a grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, etc. may attend in addition to or in lieu of another family member.
Whether or not a home healthcare worker should attend, in addition to the family unit, is determined on a case by case basis.
If you need to determine your families eligibility, who may join your family for camp or have other questions about Camp Attitude’s operating model, please contact the Camp Director: director@campattitude.com or 541-401-1052.
Camp serves approximately 16 – 20 families per camp session, totaling 128-140 families each summer.
Camp Attitude has a limited staff that is compensated. All other staff and weekly volunteers serve in a VOLUNTEER capacity. None of the Camp Attitude Staff, including those who are compensated, or volunteers have formal training and/or certification, with the exception of the Medical Team, who are certified in 1st Aid and CPR.
While volunteers might work in a specific field in their day-to-day life and career, when they are at camp, they are operating in a volunteer capacity.
Each of our volunteers, whether in a weekly or staff role, have a heart to serve the family unit living with special needs. Our goal is to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the family unit and provide a time of respite and leisure that may not be attainable elsewhere. We hope to provide the family unit with a positive experience, in a safe environment, which includes extra assistance via our Buddy Program, but with the presence of the parent/legal guardian.
If your camper with special needs, regardless of age, may need behavioral or mental health intervention from a trained and/or certified individual during their time at camp, we encourage you to reach out to the Camp Director to determine if your camper is a good fit for Camp Attitude’s operating model. The safety and well being of our campers, volunteers and staff is TOP PRIORITY at Camp Attitude.
Contact: director@campattitude.com or 541-401-1052, Call/Text
Traditional Family Session: A camp serving children with special needs and their parents and siblings, typically age 3-17.
Adult Family Session: A camp serving adults with special needs ages 18+ and their parents. Siblings are welcome to attend. Adults who attend typically have a cognitive age of 3-16, need parental support and live at home (there are exceptions, please inquire). The activities offered during the Adult Session are very similar to Family Sessions, but the atmosphere on campus tends to be more “chill and leisurely”, as there are significantly fewer individuals present who are ages 3-17. All adult campers will be assigned a 1-1 buddy and opting out of a 1-1 buddy is not an option, per camps operating model. Buddies for adult campers are entering 9th grade – age 21.
Short Session: A camp serving ages 3 – 8 and/or those who may not be able to attend a longer session and their parents and siblings.
Tween/Teen Camp: A camp serving tween/teens ages 12-17 with special needs and their parents and siblings.
Medically Fragile Camp: A camp serving camper families with OI, campers who need significant wheelchair assistance or have other complex diagnoses. Campers are often medically fragile, have complex/rare diagnoses and/or have a degenerative disease.
Nut Free Camp: A camp serving campers with and their families who need a nut free environment. Please note that while we do our best to accommodate medically based dietary restrictions, the campus is ONLY NUT FREE this week. The menu will include gluten, egg, dairy, etc. Only one session of camp is NUT FREE each summer. Those with nut allergies may attend other weeks, but nut products will be present. Currently, Camp Session # 1 has been designated as nut free.
Camp sessions offered each year may vary.
Camp sessions typically last 3-6 days/2-5 nights in length.
Camper families pay a $30 per person registration fee for each individual attending the camp session they accept. This occurs once taken off the waitlist and placed in a camp session. This is the only fee requested for camp attendance.
Camp Attitude requires a background check for all individual’s 18+, who are staying overnight, to complete a background check. This is required of all staff, volunteers (including buddies who are 18+), family members and adult campers with special needs. The background check is completed between May 1st – 31st yearly and Camp Attitude pays all fees. Please note that the background check is required yearly, even if you have been to camp previously.
Approximately 7 sessions of camp occur each summer, beginning in mid-June and generally end in early August. Exact dates are announced in the fall for the following summer season.
Camp Attitude does not offer “Day Camps” or “Overnight Drop-Off Camps”.
Camp Attitude is rooted in Christianity. General sessions occur daily where individuals will experience prayer, faith centered music, skits and Vacation Bible School (VBS) style teaching via the Bible. Prayer is conducted at meal times and other activities.
Camp welcomes all families, whether or not you have a religious affiliation.
Each camper with special needs will receive a 1-1 buddy. It is also the goal of camp to provide siblings 10 and under with a buddy, but not guaranteed. The buddy program is often described as a “best friend – big brother – big sister” for the duration of camp. Buddies remain with their camper from approximately 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM daily. This individual will accompany the camper/sibling to camp activities, allowing parents/guardians a time of respite while still enjoying camp experience as a family unit.
Buddies are not allowed to assist with toileting or administration of medications. They are also not allowed to enter the lodging areas of camper families.
Buddies are not formally trained or certified. They are volunteers with a heart to serve the community of special needs and their families. All buddies are typically entering 9th grade through age 21 and have completed an application process.
Buddies stay in the “Buddy Tents” and are supervised by appointed leadership.
For detailed information about the Buddy Program, such as camper-buddy assignments, camper hand-off to parents, leaving campus and other vital information, please review this document : https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uYD5g7KEID4MXMXPpyhU-kkobTpguqDIcyvg80W3dqg/edit?usp=sharing
All camps are overnight camps. Family units stay in a private cabin or yurt. If you have an RV or trailer, spaces with full electricity, water and sewer are available.
Each family will fill out a housing form, describing their family unit and specific needs. Staff evaluates the family’s needs and assigns cabins and yurts, based on the information provided. If additional information is needed, a staff member will contact you.
If you are attending camp with close friends or family who are also a camper family, you may request to share a lodging space. Please contact the director.
Camp Attitude’s activities and daily schedule are designed as an overnight camp and the schedule can not be adjusted for families who wish to go home at night.
Camp Attitude provides special diet options for individuals who are gluten-free or dairy-free only based on medical requirements. A small refrigerator and a microwave is provided in your cabin or yurt to store and make simple meals you can bring from home, if necessary.
Our goal is to provide the weekly menu for each session approximately one week prior to arrival. Please note that the menu is subject to change.
If you need additional storage for food items or other food accommodations, a member of our kitchen staff will assist you.
Prior to your families arrival at camp, you will receive a Welcome Packet. We aim to provide this packet via email and USPS. Keep an eye out for this packet! It contains a great deal of important information you don’t want to miss – arrival and departure dates and times, packing lists, activity information and details that are specific to your families camp session.
Please do not arrive early on arrival day – we are eagerly prepping for your arrival and won’t be able to open the gate until arrival time.
All families that No Show can not apply for Waitlist Registration for two years. The Camp Attitude Board of Directors has adopted a No Show and Non Response Policy, due to the lengthy waitlist.
Camper families have priority for yurts, but weekly volunteers may be assigned to a yurt.
All yurts have electricity, microwave, mini fridge, wall heater and safe (code set by camper).
All yurts have twin bunk beds, which include a mattress pad. Campers provide all bedding. The evenings can get very chilly, even in August, so plan to bring extra blankets!
Yurts do not have AC units and cannot accommodate portable window units, as they have mesh windows and exterior canvas window coverings. It is recommended to bring a fan for cooling.
Those staying in a yurt will utilize the main bathhouse for showering and toileting.
Door alarms are available upon request.
Yurts are wheelchair accessible.
If needed, mattress pads may be removed from the bunks and placed on the floor.
All yurts include a safe (code set by camper).
Internet is extremely limited at camp, please plan accordingly when packing devices.
Cabins are available to camper families only. Volunteers and summer staff are not assigned to cabins.
Cabins can operate as one large cabin or divided into 2 separate cabins with a shared bathroom.
Cabins are wheelchair accessible.
All cabins have electricity, running water and windows.
All cabins have twin bunk beds, which include a mattress pad. Campers provide all bedding. The evenings can get very chilly, even in August, so plan to bring extra blankets!
If needed, mattress pads may be removed from the bunks and placed on the floor.
When the cabin is divided, it will continue to share a bathroom with locking door that includes a shower, toilet and 2 sinks, with the other side of the cabin. There is no bathtub.
Shared microwave and mini fridge in shared hallway, when divided into 2 separate cabins.
All cabins include a safe (code set by camper). If the cabin is being divided into two cabins, each side of the cabin has its own safe.
Door alarms are available, upon request.
Cabins and yurts do not have AC. We recommend bringing fans or a small window unit if needed. Cabins sit under a large tree canopy and remain on the cool side.
Internet is extremely limited at camp, please plan accordingly when packing devices.
All trailer spots have electricity, sewer and water hook-ups.
Spots are either paved, gravel or grass.
Spots are assigned based on length of vehicle.
Those staying in a RV’s and trailer spaces may utilize the main bathhouse for showering and toileting.
Internet is extremely limited at camp, please plan accordingly when packing devices.
Daily schedules will be distributed upon arrival. We have activities and meals planned for each day, plus plenty of time for rest and relaxation. Our schedules are subject to change with every camp.
Camp Activities:
- Adaptive Sports
- Arts & Crafts
- Bikes, Scooters & Wagons
- Camper families may bring their own bikes, etc. Safety is important to us and ages 0-101+ must wear a helmet.
- Bingo
- Campfire
- Carnival Night, Ages 0-17
- Deck Games: Board Games, Carpetball, etc.
- Fishing
- This activity is available during designated times, for pond safety and appropriate supervision.
- General Sessions
- Music
- Skits
- Vacation Bible School style style teaching
- Horses
- Carriage Rides
- Horseback Riding
- Visiting and Treats
- Karaoke
- Laser Tag
- Lake Day, Depending on Session
- Night to Smile Dance, Ages 18+
- Parent Activities
- Sensory Room
- Sibling Activities for 10+
- Water Play
The typical weather at camp during the summer is 70-90 degrees during the day and around 45-50 degrees at night. June and the first part of July can sometime be cool and rainy. Plan to dress in layers and check the weather in Sweet Home, Oregon to see if a raincoat may be needed for your week. Sweatshirts will be available for purchase at our camp store, the Smiley Shack, throughout the week.
The health and safety of our campers and volunteers is a priority for Camp Attitude. We will follow the Oregon Health Authority’s requirements for all pandemic related regulations. At this time, there is no limit to group size, testing, or vaccine requirements.
Please remember that we are serving many individuals who are immuno-compromised. If you or a family member are diagnosed with a communicable disease within seven days of your arrival date, please reschedule your camp week. If you, or a family member are feeling ill, please stay home. If you miss camp due to illness, we will do our best to reschedule your family later in the summer or you will be given priority registration for camp next year.
Laundry facilities are available, at no cost, for emergent situations, such as soiled linens and clothing.
All showers have a shower chair.
The main bathhouse consists multiple showers, toilets and sinks. The laundry facility is a part of this building.
There are no bathtubs available on campus.
Only certified service animals are allowed.
Our incredible photographers will be taking photos throughout the week. Digital photos will be made available to you before the end of the summer.
When you arrive, your group will take a family photo. Feel free to bring clothing to change into, or you can wear your camp t-shirt.
Some camp sessions will include Lake Day. The activities offered at each lake day will vary, depending on the camper session. Lake Day activities may include boat tubing, kayaking, paddle boards and the peddle boat.
There is a swim area at the lake where the individuals can swim. Life jackets are required for those 13 and under in the swim area. All individuals are required to wear life jackets while riding on a boat and other non-motorized activities. Life jackets are provided by camp, but families are welcome to bring their own US Coast Guard approved life jackets.
We also have hot weather games planned that will require the use of water guns. You are welcome to bring your own water toys. We suggest labeling everything you bring!
Please bring modest bathing suits, sunscreen, water shoes, beach towels, and labeled water toys for these activities.
Most camp sessions will include a session of laser tag. Camp Staff will determine which sessions should offer this fun activity.
Many who participate in laser tag wear a costume! If you wish, bring your favorite costume and be prepared to have a great time.
Each camp session will include a a Parent Dinner. This is a time to relax, eat a special meal prepared just for you and fellowship with other parents. These dinners are no longer themed, but you are welcome to dress up a bit if you’d like!
One of Camp Attitude’s highlights in the Talent Show!
The possibilities are endless! Whether your family plans something in advance or your camper plans a surprise performance with their buddy’s help, this evening is full of joy, love and loads of laughter. Feel free to bring a musical instrument, prop, costume, video showcasing a talent or anything else needed to help your camper enjoy their time in the “spotlight”.
Siblings are welcome to participate in the Talent Show!
For campus safety, the Talent Show will remain closed to visitors. This policy is applicable to both campers and volunteers.
- Bedding: sleeping bags or blankets for twin size mattresses, pillow. The nights are chilly, so please pack extra blankets!
- Refillable water bottles with your names clearly marked
- Flashlight
- Clothes for one week. Be prepared for rain and cool weather. Our laundry facilities are restricted to for soiled linens and clothing only.
- Shoes for walking and water play
- Cash for items from the “Smiley Shack”
- Paper, pen, and journal
- Sunscreen & Sunglasses
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste
- Shower toiletries, including towels
- Beach Towels
- Lake and water toys – if you have properly fitting life jackets, please bring them.
- Modest Swimsuits
- Camera or Binoculars
- A good book, board games, or cards
- Guitar or musical instruments
- Items your children might like to have for our Talent Show!
Airport transportation may be available to/from the Eugene Airport, EUG, with prior arrangement. Transportation is NOT available to Portland – PDX. Please contact the director for details.
Destination Address: 45829 South Santiam Hwy Foster, OR 97345
Camp Phone: 541-401-1052, Call/Text
From I-5, take exit 228 OR-34. Head east on Hwy 34 towards Lebanon. Continue east on Hwy 34 to Hwy 20. Turn Right (east) through Lebanon and Sweet Home. When you see Foster Lake on your left, just outside of Sweet Home, you are approximately 3 ½ miles away. Stay on Hwy 20 until you reach mile-post 36. You will see Camp Attitude on your left. There will be a team to greet you and show you where you will be staying for the week!