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2024 Camper Registration Open Now!

2024 Dates & Rates

Week 1

June 24-29

Week 2

July 8-13

Week 3

July 15-20

Week 4

July 22-27

Week 5

July 29-August 3

$415* paid by individual

*$460 if paid by Agency/County

May 17th*

*APPLICATION DEADLINE – Completed applications include: Physician Form, Fee Schedule, and New Camper Portraits

About Our Summer Camps

Camp Daniel offers campers with disabilities a fun and loving experience that goes beyond a typical camping program. Campers lives are transformed as they encounter the love of God through fun, dedicated and caring individuals who volunteer to serve as counselors. The week-long program is designed to bring constant opportunities for social, spiritual, and personal growth through competitive recreation, chapel, small groups, themed meals, talent shows, dances and more. By week’s end each camper understands that God made them, loves them and has a plan for their lives.

Each year over 200 people with disabilities from all around the mid-west spend a week Camp Daniel, having an experience that many describe as the best week of their year. We invite YOU this summer to participate in the excitement of competitive recreation, engaging entertainment, and building lifelong friends in an inclusive environment.

At Camp Daniel you never age out of programs. You join a family that grows with you.

 

All weeks of summer camp are for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ages 8 – 70+.

Competitive Recreation

Teamwork and healthy competition are important concepts at Camp Daniel. Each week, camper and counselor pairs are placed on one of two teams to earn points during free-time and group rec activities. Points are tallied throughout the week as team spirit and anticipation for the grand championship title build. At the end of the week, the winning team takes home a medal. For many campers, the Red Team vs. Blue Team competition is their favorite aspect of camp and is a great time of learning sportsmanship and teamwork.

Group Rec Activities: Relay Races, Kickball & Messy Games.

Free Time Activities:  Swimming, Paddle Boating, Fishing, Archery, Bingo, Bowling,  Game Room, Nature Center, Crafts, Corn Hole, Bocce ball, Carpet ball.

Theme Meals

At Camp Daniel, we take pride in offering fun activities that everyone can participate in, no matter their ability, and our theme meals are a perfect embodiment of that! Through our theme meals we celebrate different cultures and invite our campers into immersive experiences of creativity, imagination, and entertainment. Each unique theme is celebrated with food, music, costumes, contests, sing alongs, and characters.

Breakfasts:  Breakfast on the Farm, Lumberjack, & German.

Lunches:  Carnival, Lords & Ladies (Medieval), Mexican, Hawaiian Luau. 

Dinners:  50’s, French (formal), Pirate, Red vs Blue Pep Rally, & Western.

Check out Camp Daniel’s Pinterest boards costume ideas!

Camp Daniel's Boards
Entertainment

Evenings are for friendship, entertainment, and the spotlight. Evening entertainment includes a movie night at Camp Daniel’s Majestic Theater, dance parties, campfires, and of course, talent shows. Talent Shows are an important part of camp, where each and every camper is encouraged to take time to step outside their comfort zone and into the spotlight. These shows are a way that we ask campers and counselors to embrace our value of ‘being you.’ We believe all people have things that make them unique and have talents that they can share with others. Talent shows are a way that we invite people into exploring this. With a little encouragement, we find that each week of camp is filled with musicians, comedians, dancers, magicians, actors, and socialites. We love to see what campers and counselors come up with each week during these shows.

Chapel & Small Groups

At Camp Daniel we believe that God made you, God loves you, and God has a plan for your life. We work this into all areas of camp in something we like to call ‘The All-Day Sermon.’ With this practice we work to notice God in each and every part of camp, from the rec field to in the cabin. In addition, twice daily everyone meets in groups to learn more about God. Chapel service; where campers participate in worship and a listen to a message. Small group; where campers meet with their cabin and discuss what they have been learning and how to apply it to their lives. By week’s end, each camper understands that God made them, loves them and has a plan for their lives.

Freetime

Fun & Games
We have many recreation areas open during free time including our Game Room which holds every classic board game, pinball, pool, air hockey and more. We also have many different tournaments such as carpet ball, corn hole, bocce, basketball, bowling, and achey. During free time our lakefront is also open where we have swimming, fishing, and boating. In between activities campers can refuel & indulge in an endless amount of treats at one of our two snack stands on campus.

 

Crafts
Another way we encourage creativity at camp is in the Factory. The Factory, is our craft cabin where each camper makes two different planned crafts during the week and also has a chance to come and create their own artwork during studio time. Campers can create artwork and submit it to the Thousand Stars Art Show that is displayed on Friday night for all of camp to see.

Nature Center
Camp’s nature center, the Little Newton Expedition Outpost is home to native wildlife, camp pets, and other natural specimens for our campers to explore and learn about. This is a space for hands-on interactive experiences where campers can feel, see, and discover the natural world. The Outpost is focused on native wildlife, so that campers can learn more about the plants and animals that make their home in Northeast Wisconsin.

Ladies Tea
High Tea is a fun and relaxing environment for women to gather together to sip tea, eat cookies and enjoy quality time with fellow campers and counselors.

Spa
Each Friday Camp offer a spa day to all of our ladies leading up the the Night of A Thousand Stars, a grand finale of sorts to the week of camp. This spa day includes facials, hand massages, manicures, hair and makeup, and a time to pick out a fancy dress for the formal dinner that evening. This time of relaxation and pampering is treasured by our female campers and staff.

A Day At Camp

Want to get a better idea of what a day at camp is like? Below is a sample of typical days at Camp Daniel. The schedule features all of the fun theme meals, all-camp rec activities, chapel services, talent shows, free time with several activity choices, and evening dances.

The NEW Little Newton Lake Campus!

 

Nestled on ten beautiful acres on the south shore of Little Newton Lake, Camp Daniel’s new campus is a living testament to 26+ years of hard work, dedication, and faith. We are thrilled to get to share it with you finally! Since 1996, summer camp has taken place at a rented facility while constructing this all-accessible campus designed specifically with our campers with disabilities in mind. Camp Daniel was intentionally built as donations of money, materials, and volunteer labor was generously donated. We can’t wait to share the one-of-a-kind spaces and beautiful Northwoods surroundings found in this new home with you!

Camp Policies & Information

Acceptance Policy

The acceptance process begins with a completed application (all applications include medical form, fee schedule, and new camper portrait). Acceptance is solely based on our ability to find a suitable counselor for the applicant.  An email confirming acceptance will be sent 30 days prior to the camp session in which applicant is accepted. If you have not received an acceptance or denial email 30 days prior to the first camp session, then the applicant is automatically put on a waiting list. If the applicant cannot be accommodated into a camp this season, a full refund will be issued (see Refunds in Camp Policies on website). All applicants must be able to function in a group setting. For the safety of everyone at the camp, we do not accept applicants with extreme behavior problems. This includes applicants who are physically, verbally, or sexually aggressive. If an applicant does not follow rules or take direction from staff, or any behaviors, that endanger others or are disruptive to the camp, are grounds for non-acceptance to camp or immediate dismissal from camp. Applicants must be able to sleep in a cabin setting, not wander in the night, or disturb others through their behavior.

5 Ways to Increase an Applicant's Possibility of Being Accepted

1.  Complete the entire application in a full and timely manner.

2.  Information that is accurate and complete is required to assign the most qualified counselor to meet a camper’s needs.

3.  Having flexibility in the week a camper desires to attend opens up more possible opportunities for acceptance.

4.  Being able to sleep on a top bunk greatly increases an applicant’s chances to be accepted.

5.  The Physician Form portion of application must be completed in full, and signed by a doctor. Only the Physician Form from the application may be submitted. Every camper must have had a physical performed by their doctor after August 10th of the previous year.  If applicant has had a physical, most doctors will fill out the form without an additional appointment.

Medication Policy

Please review the requirements for bringing medications to camp.

  • All regularly scheduled medications, including over-the-counter medications and vitamins/supplements will be reviewed by the nurse at check-in.
  • Only send enough medication for the duration of camp. (3-4pm on Sunday to 9-10am on Saturday)
  • Adjust camper’s medication schedule to match camp’s schedule. (8am/12pm/5pm/8pm)
  • Provide any specialty supplies necessary for the proper administration of medicine. Ex: syringes, test strips, tubing, droppers.
For applicant with 3 or more medications/vitamins administered per day:

  • MUST be pre-packaged by pharmacy in a multi-dose system, where each med time for each day has one container/compartment for all medications to be administered at that time.
  • Only exceptions are for liquids, drops, powders and lotions. Although these prescribed medications do no need to be bubble packed, they must have an Accurate Rx Label from the pharmacy. Birth control pills that are pre-package may stay in the original packaging and must include a prescription label.
  • Please request this at the pharmacy as soon as possible and ask for bubble-packed, pouch-packed, or other pre-packaged forms for their session at camp.
  • Most independent or local pharmacies will be able to do so for a small fee.
For applicant with 1 or 2 medications/vitamins administered per day:

  • sent to camp in the original container or pre-packaged by pharmacy with accurate, unaltered pharmacy Rx label
Policies Applicable to Campers

Applications: Camper applications are available to individuals 8-70 years old who have a physical and/or intellectual or developmental disability. Each applicant is accepted on an individual basis (see Acceptance Policy). Camp Daniel does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, or national origin. A completed application includes: Physician Form, First Time Camper Portrait, and Fee Schedule Paid-in-Full. Agency Pre-Authorization without payment satisfies payment requirements to begin processing completed application, but does NOT qualify for discount.

Dismissal: If the applicant is sent home for medical or disciplinary reason, an emergency contact must be available during the week and is responsible for transportation home within 12 hours of notification (see Refunds). Any behaviors, which endanger others or are disruptive to the camp, are grounds for non-acceptance to camp or immediate dismissal from camp.

Payment: The cost of camp sessions is listed on the current year’s Fee Schedule. Payment maybe paid online with a credit/debit card while filling out the application or by sending a check. It is the responsibility of the applicant to notify payee Agency to acquire and submit Letter of Authorization from Agency to provide services.

Snack & Gift Shops: Tickets (for the amounts designated in the Fee Schedule) will be issued for use as payment at the snack shop and gift shop.

Discount: To qualify for discount, a completed application (see Applications) must be received by May 20th. The discount will be received in the form of a refund (see Refunds).

Cancelations: A $75 processing fee will be retained and the balance of the paid camp fee will be returned.

Refunds: All discount and dismissal refunds will be issued after the completion of the camp season. No refunds will be issued if sent home for disciplinary reasons. Partial refunds will be issued for medical reasons. Full refunds will be issued to unaccommodated or denied applicants.

Lost Items: Camp Daniel is not responsible for lost or stolen articles that have not been properly marked with applicant’s name. Any unmarked item brought by applicant may be labeled with camper name by Camp Daniel Staff.

Prohibited Items: No vape, CBD, tobacco, alcohol, drugs, firearms, or knives allowed on the grounds. Food and drink items are not allowed in the cabins.

Dress Code: No crop tops, spaghetti straps, or short shorts. Any leggings must be worn with a shirt that covers butt. Any two-piece swimsuit must cover stomach, or be worn with a dark shirt. No speedos allowed.

Packing List

Mark all items, including suitcase with a label or permanent marker with camper’s name or initials.  Camp Daniel is not responsible for lost articles that have not been properly marked with camper’s name.  Unmarked items will be labeled by Camp Daniel staff.

Clothing

• 6 Shirts (we recommend packing Camp Daniel shirts from previous years)
• 4 Shorts
• 4 Pants
• 7 Pairs of Socks
• 7 Underwear (send extra if camper wets bed or soils during the day)
• 2 Sweatshirts
• 2 Pajamas
• 2 Pairs of Shoes
• 1 Light Jacket
• 1 Hat
• 1 Shower shoes
• Swimsuit (earplugs, etc)
• Clothing/Accessories for themed meals

Toiletries

• Sunscreen
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush & Toothpaste
• Soap & soap box
• Hair brush/comb
• Shaving supplies
• Feminine hygiene items

Linens

• 1 Sleeping Bag
      or
• 2 Sheets & Blankets (send extra if camper wets bed)
• 1 Pillow & Pillowcase
• 2 Towels
• 2 Washcloths
• 1 Hand towels
• 1 Beach towel

Also Send

• Mobility medical equipment used (ex: wheelchair, lift, commode, walker, cane, prosthetics, braces, wheelchair charger)
• Communication equipment used (ex: communication board, computer)
• Medical equipment (ex:  epipen for allergies, c-pap and distilled water, special diet hearing aids extra batteries, glasses, etc, helmet, thick-it, utensils, gluten free or other special diet replacements)
• Camp Daniel Bible (first time campers will receive a Camp Daniel Bible)
• Flashlight
• Bug Repellent
• 3 Plastic bags for wet/soiled clothing

Download PDF

I remember the first time I dropped Kristofor off 19 years ago at Camp Daniel for his first time away from me, and I cried and cried all week and I do believe I called camp a few times, and I think I called the next year to, but now 19 years later I drop off and get to enjoy a week of free time and pick him up and he’s all smiles and has had a great time, you guys at camp have no idea how much we appreciate you giving your time to spend with my son, keeping his faith going, keeping him safe and making memories.

RobinMother of Camper

I LOVE my Camp Daniel family! One memory stands out is jumping off the raft, and the famous camp dance. I can't wait until this summer, I'm so excited.

MarnieCamper

I could write a book of camp stories. I am Chalsee's mom and most of you know she lives there now. That first year back many years ago I left my pigtailed little girl off at camp (back then she was blonde) and cried the entire week. Now I can say she is living with the best extended family there is. This year marks another first for me: leaving Jacob off at Camp but this year I am sending Dean as a camper too. 1 week with no one to care for at home wouldn't be possible without this great place and people.

ShellyMother of Resident