Special Challenge Camp

Special Challenge Camp 2023: July 23-27

THIS PROGRAM IS SOLD OUT. Please click here if you would like to be added to the waitlist.

Special Challenge Camp has served adults with developmental disabilities for over 40 years, offering an overnight camp experience where campers rest, play, pray, and build lifelong friendships.

Claggett Center offers a five-day, four-night summer camp program for independent adults with intellectual disabilities. This unique program provides campers and opportunity to forge new friendships, grow spiritually, learn new skills, and have a relaxing vacation. Claggett Center facilities provide shared sleeping rooms and bathrooms, most with air-conditioning, hearty home-cooked meals, and 268 acres of land overlooking Sugarloaf Mountain to enjoy. Everyone looks forward to coming to Claggett each year!

Staffed by volunteers and Claggett summer counselors, Special Challenge Camp is for adults 21 and older. While the staff does not offer one-on-one supervision, there is group oversight, and plenty of activities to appeal to a wide-range of tastes and abilities. Activities include arts and crafts, swimming, fishing, canoeing, nature hikes, a trip to the ropes course, campfire, daily chapel, bead working, woodworking, a talent show, and the annual Dinner-Dance with a DJ.

If you are interested in attending Special Challenge Camp for the first time, but aren't sure about registering for a full week, please call the Claggett Office to learn more or set up a visiting day.

Claggett Camps are adopting a “Tiered Pricing” system! Tiered pricing allows families to choose a contribution according to their ability. Each pricing tier entitles the camper to a full Claggett experience and there is no differentiation made in the program based on pricing tier. We are excited to introduce the tiered pricing model as a tool to extend our reach, create a diverse, Christ-centered community, and grow Claggett’s camp ministries for many years into the future.

Tiered pricing helps to make a quality camp experience possible for campers from all economic backgrounds, by allowing families to pay what they are able and inviting those who can give more to support the bigger picture of camp operations to do so. It allows us to stretch scholarship funding further, bringing more young people the opportunity to have a life-changing week at Claggett.

Pricing for 2023 Special Challenge Camp is as follows:

Subsidized rate: $500

This is the historical subsidized rate of summer camp, made possible by Claggett’s operating fund and contributions from individual and group donors who believe in the mission of summer camp. This rate represents costs of lodging, meals, and a portion of program costs.

True Cost rate: $700

The true cost rate more closely represents the total financial cost of operating camp, including all listed under direct costs as well as summer staffing, maintenance, insurance, utilities, and more.

A mimimum non-refundable deposit of $100 is required to hold your place in the program. Scholarships are available upon request. Contact Rosie Alger for details.

Click here to download the recommended packing list!

Volunteer with Special Challenge Camp!

We need volunteers to build connections with campers, help with day to day activities, and facilitate a successful residential community. At camp, staff and campers share meals, activities, and worship as a group!
This is a volunteer opportunity for all ages! Volunteers 13 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. High school staff will be supervised as part of our junior counselor program. If Special Challenge Camp meets your school or other requirement for community service, we are happy to sign for hours served.

Please click here for a full description of staff and volunteer roles for the program.

To apply to volunteer, complete the Special Challenge Camp Volunteer Application form and return to Camp Director Rita Yoe.

Special Challenge Camp