Children’s Summer Rec Program
Ages 5 - 15
Balance's Children's Summer Rec Program offers a true summer camp experience for children aged 5 to 15 with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Children in this program explore local and neighboring community recreation sites while interacting with peers, volunteer mentors, and staff. Each child is accompanied 1:1 by a Balance staff member or volunteer every day of camp, ensuring that every participant is always supported, safe, and happy.
The program currently offers two three-week sessions, accommodating approximately 40-50 children each summer.
Daily field trips include visits to water parks, museums, zoos, nature preserves, parks, picnics, talent shows, and many other activities. Balance's Summer Recreation Program offers opportunities for adventure and establishing lifelong friendships.
The summer program typically starts in the third week of June and runs until the first week of August.
WE ALWAYS NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR THIS PROGRAM.
This volunteer opportunity is great for High School and College students! We encourage you to apply to be a volunteer “adventure buddy”!
Contact
Director of Programs
Alyse Sandow
Office: 262-268-6811
Email: information@balanceinc.org
Assistant Director of Programs
Shannon McCann
Office: 262-268-6811
Email: information@balanceinc.org
Parent Testimonials:
“After one particularly rough day early in the session, I was not sure things would work out. However, the amount of compassion and understanding from Balance was overwhelming. Everyone assured me they were going to find something that worked for my son. They made me feel like they wanted him to be in the program- despite the behavior he had just displayed.
In a world full of judgment and pressure, this was so refreshing. We tried several tactics and they worked, improving his behavior! My son enjoyed the remaining field trips and it made us all so proud. “
- Mother of a Summer Recreation Program Participant
“Balance Camp was a place my son felt comfortable and like he fit in. He had never found a summer camp that worked before! Balance Camp has got it right, with a great balance of fun, sunshine, and socializing without being overwhelming or too overstimulating. The fact that camp activities are cooperative in nature versus competitive is huge. Summer can be a really struggle for young people with disabilities, when they go for months without the services, helpers, social outlets, and learning opportunities they get during the school year. Balance Camp provided just the right combination of structure and flexibility to make my son's summer so much more meaningful and beneficial. “
- Margaret, parent of a Summer Recreation Program Participant
Balance’s Vision:
All children with developmental and intellectual disabilities will receive support in their growth toward a future they choose for themselves.
They will have the opportunity to explore themselves and their capabilities through hands-on activities that challenge them, in an environment that is both safe and supportive.
Additionally, they will benefit from building meaningful connections with community mentors and volunteers.