St Francis Camp is a non-profit organization dedicated
to the belief that cognitively 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
Regions, fraternal organizations, as well as interested
organizations and individuals.
PROGRAM
Separate one-week camp sessions begin in June and
run through August with a maximum of 35 campers.
St. Francis Camp offers a personalized camping
experience to each of its special campers. Camp
sessions begin Sunday afternoon and end on Friday
morning. On Friday morning camp tours will be conducted
by campers to show families and friends
what new experiences they learned and the new
friends they made while at St. Francis Camp.
FACILITIES
St. Francis Camp’s 36-acre site includes 19 acres of
waterfront located on the banks of Goose Lake,
sandy beach, rustic woods, developed nature trails,
sports area, adventure course and two beautiful
cedar lodges where campers and counselors are
housed. Complete restroom facilities are in both
buildings.
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
ensures campers’ safety as well as personal attention
at all times. 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, including: Swimming, Boating, Fishing,
Canoeing, Paddle Boating (all which are supervised by
certified waterfront staff), Basketball, Volleyball,
Hiking, Dances, Nature Study, Camp Craft, Sing-ALongs,
Hayrides... all the usual summer camp fun plus
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 includes a full time Director, certified
lifeguard and health officer, camp counselors and
culinary staff. The enthusiastic staff may consist of
college graduates and students in fields of interest
and training with the cognitively impaired. Staff are
required to complete a 30 hour training session prior
to camp season. Specialized training will be offered
in these areas: CPR, First-Aid, waterfront and boating
safety, camper care, communication skills with
non-verbal campers, activities for autistic children
and adults and much more!
MEDICAL
St. Francis Camp offers individualized attention to
our campers’ medical conditions and specific dietary
needs. We have an on-site infirmary equipped to handle
basic medical needs and a Health Officer on
grounds at all times. The camp’s physician in also on
24 hour call. In an emergency the hospital is only 15
minutes away.
DIETARY NEEDS
Weekly menu plans follow the USDA “Dietary Guidelines
for Americans 2005” and can be modified for
specific campers’ needs.
NEW FOR 2009: We offer a gluten-free menu upon
request.
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.
