CAMPERS
The Camp Sunshine tradition and culture developed through multi-day overnight camp sessions, which provided a fully immersive experience and one-to-one camper/counselor pairings. That model remains the most complete Camp Sunshine experience, but we've expanded our offerings to year-round opportunities.
There’s every reason to spread Sunshine throughout the year, and we want everyone to have the opportunity to join us. For that reason, we’ve developed single day and virtual programs outside of the traditional overnight camp experience that will be available to everyone, including those who are not able to attend our traditional overnight camp sessions.
Overnight Camp
Camp Sunshine has been providing an overnight camp experience to teens and adults with cognitive/developmental disabilities since 1983. Campers are typically aged 18-60, although campers as young as 16 may be accepted depending on circumstances. We work hard to pair our campers and counselors in a way that best suits them - sometimes that is a 1:1 pairing and sometimes that is a 2:1 grouping, experiencing each moment together.
Each day is carefully planned with traditional camp activities like ropes courses or other physical activities, arts and crafts, swimming and water activities, spiritual lessons and music, meals together, and of course, a campfire with s’mores!
Camp Sunshine sessions are held at Camp Henry in Newaygo, MI and Camp Blodgett in West Olive, MI.
Timeline:
Applications Open in Early January
Applications Close in early April
Acceptance Letters sent in early May
Camp Sessions in June & July
Day Events
We want to spend time with you! Throughout the year, we'll be announcing dates and locations for free or low-cost meet-ups for everyone! We invite all of our Sunshine community- campers, counselors, volunteers, and families - to join us. Follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter for more information!
Sunshine Online
Get a little more Sunshine in your life! Sunshine Online is a collection of virtual connections for the Camp Sunshine community to engage and celebrate with one another. Once each month, Camp Sunshine will host a live online event, from dance parties and sing-alongs to art and cooking classes!
Building Inclusive Experiences
“I will never be able to forget the love and acceptance that pours out of everyone here at camp. The inclusivity and openness here is incomparable.”