St. Francis Camp is a non-profit organization dedicated to the belief that mentally impaired children and adults should have the right to experience life to its fullest.
St. Francis Camp was founded and established by the Order of Alhambra of Michigan in 1984 and continues to receive assistance from the Michigan and Western Ontario Councils of Caravans, fraternal organizations, as well as interested organizations and individuals.
PROGRAM
Separate one-week camp sessions will begin in June and run through August, with a maximum of 35 campers. St. Francis Camp is a newly developed camp which offers a personalized camping experience to each of its special campers. Camp sessions begin Sunday afternoons and come to an end on Fridays. A Camp-wide Open House will be offered at the end of each week, hosted by the campers. The Open House offers families and friends an opportunity to see what new experiences campers learned and did while at St. Francis Camp.
CAMPERS
St. Francis Camp holds two licenses which enables the camp to accept campers of all ages. The camp is staffed with a 3-to-1, camper-staff ratio. This ratio insures campers' safety, as well as personal attention at all times. In special instances a one-on-one ratio will be needed for campers with more challenging disabilities. These special cases will require an additional charge. Parents/Guardians of these campers will be so informed with confirmation of registration.
Campers are encouraged to be as independent as possible. Camp staff emphasize the importance of daily living skills, such as appropriate socialization skills, personal hygiene, making beds, kitchen help and other daily chores to each camper. This routine becomes an important part of the overall camping experience.
ACTIVITIES
The main objectives of camp are met through careful planning of activities. By modifying activities to meet campers' skill levels, we hope to achieve success for all. Each day is filled with new things to do and many exciting adventures. Campers are encouraged to help plan their own activities, and partake in selection of a wide range of activities including: Swimming, Boating, Fishing, Canoeing, Paddle Boating, (all which are supervised by certified waterfront staff), Basketball, Volleyball, Tennis, Hiking, Dances, Nature Study, Camp Craft, Sing-A-Longs, Caring For Camp Pets, Water Sliding ... all the usual summer camp fun plus much, much more.
The programs for each session are developed to meet the needs of each camper. Activities are designed with the hands-on approach which allows a heightened awareness of the senses. This stimulation helps accelerate learning and makes it fun.
STAFF
Camp staff include a full time Director, Certified Personnel in Waterfront, Health Care, Program Specialist, Cook and Counselors. The enthusiastic staff includes college graduates and students in fields of interest and training with the mentally impaired.
Staff are required to complete a 30-hour training session prior to camp season. Specialized training is offered in the areas of: seizure interaction, waterfront supervision, boating safety, nature playground supervision, and adult daily living skills. Sessions will be taught by qualified specialists in each area to insure safety for all.
FACILITIES
St. Francis Camp's 41-acre site includes: 19 acres of waterfront located on the banks of Goose Lake, sandy beach, rustic woods, developed nature trails, sports areas, adventure course, petting farm, and two beautiful cedar lodges where campers and counselors are housed. Complete restroom facilities are in both buildings.
MEDICAL
A fully equipped infirmary with resident registered medical staff. Physicians are on 24-hour call. Medication programs are carefully maintained. Individualized attention will be given to special dietary needs and medical conditions.
CAMPERSHIPS
Through generous donations, limited financial assistance from outside agencies is available to St. Francis Campers who may not otherwise be able to attend camp. The camp office has a list of those agencies who will sponsor campers.
Please request a Campership Application from the camp office or go to the Applications Page to download one to apply. We hope to offer a camping experience to every camper who is interested in the St. Francis Camp Program.
St. Francis Camp welcomes campers regardless of race, sex, color, creed, age or national origin. For more information, contact us at:
St. Francis Camp
10120 Murrey
Jerome, Michigan 49249
The Camp is licensed by the State of Michigan through its Department of Social Services. Michigan's guidelines and regulations concerning camps and the health, safety, and welfare of campers is a model for other states.
