05/18/2026
To our families, supporters, and community,
As we continue evaluating the future of Camp Kidz, we want to once again thank you for the understanding, kindness, and support you have shown following our announcement regarding the postponement of this summer’s program.
We recognize that Camp Kidz has meant more than just summer fun for many families over the years. It has also served as an important source of structure, engagement, respite, and summer care for children and caregivers alike. With that in mind, our Board of Directors and leadership team wanted to provide additional support during this transition period.
Over the past several weeks, we have put together a reference sheet of available camps, programs, and summer opportunities within our direct area that may offer experiences similar to Camp Kidz. While no program can truly replace what Camp Kidz has meant to so many families, we hope this resource helps connect families with summer opportunities that provide recreation, enrichment, social engagement, and support throughout the season.
This reference sheet includes a variety of local and regional options that may assist families in planning for summer care and activities. We encourage families to explore these opportunities early, as availability and registration timelines may vary by organization.
As shared previously, this pause provides an opportunity for reflection, evaluation, and thoughtful discussion regarding Camp Kidz and its future. Our priority remains making decisions that are responsible, sustainable, and centered around the needs of the children and families we serve. Thank you again for your patience, your support, and your continued belief in the mission behind Camp Kidz.
We are grateful for the many families and community members who have supported the program throughout the years.
With gratitude,
The Triumph Services Board of Directors
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Summer 2026 Camp References
Way To Grow Pediatric Therapy
http://www.waytogrowpediatrics.com/summergroups
This summer, Way to Grow is offering engaging, therapist-led respite and enrichment groups designed to help children grow through play, creativity, movement, communication, and social connection. Programs include preschool, toddler, elementary, and tween groups in both Galesburg and Peoria Heights, featuring sensory play, literacy adventures, AAC support, social skill building, games, and hands-on learning in fun, supportive environments led by skilled pediatric therapy professionals.
CAMP FREE TO BE - http://hisra.org/camp-free-to-be/
Camp Free To Be offers a fun, structured, and supportive summer camp experience for children and young adults ages 5–21 with severe and/or multiple disabilities. Held at HISRA in Peoria, this center-based camp features a close camper-to-staff ratio — including 1:1 support when needed — to help every camper thrive. Campers enjoy field trips, music therapy, arts and crafts, social skill building, and gross and fine motor activities in a safe, nurturing environment designed to encourage friendship, confidence, and self-discovery all summer long. Camp runs Monday–Friday from 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM from June 1 through July 24, 2026 (with a shortened holiday week June 29 – July 2).
TIMBER POINTE OUTDOOR CENTER - http://www.timberpointeoutdoorcenter.com/summer-day-camps
Inclusive Adventure Day Camp is for children ages 5-17 with or without a disability. Programming is designed for a developmental age of 5-13. Sessions will run Monday-Friday from 8:00am-5:00pm, and include breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack. All activities are completely adaptive for all abilities and will be geared around a unique theme each week!
Summer 2026 Cost: $450/week
CAMP L.E.A.P - http://www.facebook.com/springfieldparkdistrict
Springfield Park District offers inclusive and adaptive summer respite and recreation programs designed for children, teens, and adults of all abilities. Through programs like Camp L.E.A.P. (Learning Entirely Around Play), participants enjoy arts and crafts, sports, swimming, field trips, games, social events, outdoor adventures, and skill-building activities in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment. Programs focus on promoting independence, friendship, confidence, and fun while providing individualized support and inclusive opportunities for participants with disabilities and their families throughout the summer.
CAMP NEW HOPE - http://campnewhopeillinois.org/?page=programs_summer_camp
Camp New Hope offers fun, adaptive summer day and overnight camp experiences for individuals ages 8 and older with special needs. Campers enjoy arts and crafts, music, swimming, boating, fishing, sports, games, and evening group activities in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment tailored to individual needs. Weekly themed camps run throughout June and July and are designed to promote independence, friendship, recreation, and unforgettable summer memories while giving families valuable respite opportunities. Both day camp and overnight camp options are available with trained staff support and activities adapted for all ability levels.
CAMP CALLAHAN - http://www.campcallahan.com/
Camp Callahan, Incorporated, has been in operation since 1953, serving people with special needs. It offers a program that provides an exciting, safe, summer camp experience. Camp Callahan Inc., their volunteers, and the facilities of the Mississippi Valley Council of Boy Scouts of America, will combine to make this unique program a success. Camp Callahan is dedicated to serving youth with wide-ranging disabilities through a stimulating, liberating program in an environment that is physically and socially adapted to the personal needs of these very special campers. The camp has the specialized environment, equipment, activities, accessible buildings, and a trained staff to overcome the barriers a person with disabilities would encounter at ordinary summer camps.
WDSRA - http://www.wdsra.com/wp-content/uploads/flipbook/29/book.html
Western DuPage Special Recreation Association offers inclusive summer camps and recreation programs for children, teens, and young adults ages 3–21 with special needs throughout the western suburbs of Chicago. Campers enjoy sports, swimming, crafts, games, field trips, music, and social activities in a fun, structured, and supportive environment designed to build confidence, friendships, motor skills, and community engagement. Programs include summer day camps, school district co-op camps, Friday field trips, and extended camp opportunities with trained staff and individualized support, including 1:1 assistance when needed. Summer camp programming typically runs throughout June and July, with registration opening in March and camps beginning in early June.
