SPECIAL CHALLENGE DAYS

A group of people gathers on grass; two individuals engage in a playful interaction, some seated and observing, under a clear blue sky.

A lively gathering of people dancing in a wooden barn, adorned with string lights, creating a festive and cheerful atmosphere.

General Information

Special Challenge Camp has long been a beloved tradition for many campers at Claggett. Launched in 1978, Special Challenge Camp’s mission is to provide a fun and safe camp experience for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Due to new DDA regulations that go into effect ahead of summer 2026, this year, Special Challenge Camp will enter a new era. To continue to provide a program that is fun, safe, and affordable, we are pivoting to a single day, day-only program. We will have multiple Special Challenge Days at Claggett throughout the year, giving the community the chance to gather more frequently! While we will miss spending a whole week together in an overnight camp setting, we will still be able to do our favorite camp activities together — and new ones, too!

Across seasonally themed Special Challenge Days, campers will enjoy:

Arts and crafts
Zip-line on the Ropes Course
Nature walks and time outdoors
Chapel and spiritual programming
Beadwork and woodworking
Campfires, s’mores, and songs
Carnival games & prizes
The annual Formal Dance in the Barn (2026 theme: Under the Sea)
and so much more!

Two people sitting on a bench outside; one wearing a straw hat. Background features a stone building and lush greenery.

Care for Campers

Staffed by dedicated volunteers (and for the Summer session, Claggett summer counselors), these day programs offer group supervision, creating a safe and structured environment while honoring camper independence. While one-on-one care is not provided by Claggett, we welcome campers with higher care needs to bring a Support Person/Aide with them for the day.

2026 Calendar

Sunday, June 28, 2026

1:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Gather together for a day full of our favorite camp activities! Beads, arts & crafts, music, and more await you. And of course, the annual Dinner Dance in the Barn! This year’s theme is “Under the Sea,” complete with our Hair & Nail Salon open beforehand. Formal photos will be mailed to campers within a week.

All campers will receive the 2026 camp t-shirt with their registration for this date.

Full schedule for June Special Challenge Day available May 1, 2026.

Register Today

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Check out camp during the autumn season for fall-themed fun! Come dressed up for Halloween, and we’ll paint pumpkins, do other fall-themed crafts, enjoy the Zipline in cooler weather, and end the day with a Campfire & S’mores. Lunch included.

Full schedule for October Special Challenge Day available September 1, 2026.

Registration Opens Sep 1

Thursday, December 17, 2026

11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Get ready for the holiday season with lots of Advent and Christmas fun! The Carnival is back, but holiday themed with holiday prizes. Bingo, card and ornament making, Christmas caroling, and more will bring everyone some holiday cheer.

Full schedule for December Special Challenge Day available November 1, 2026.

Registration Opens Nov 1

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are a vital part of Special Challenge Camp! We welcome individuals of all ages to serve alongside our counselors, building connections with campers and helping create a vibrant, residential community.

Volunteers:

Participate in meals, worship, and camp activities with campers
Support and/or lead programming and logistics
Share in the joy and fun!

Volunteer guidelines:

Volunteers are ages 15+
Child Helpers ages 8-14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Each Child Helper must be accompanied by a unique parent or guardian.
Service hours can be signed off for school or organizational requirements

Questions? Contact Sara Yoe or call 301- 874-5147 to learn more.