Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Inclusive Summer Camp for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
Wisconsin Badger Camp has dedicated over five decades to empowering individuals with developmental disabilities through immersive outdoor experiences. Founded in 1966, our mission centers on creating a supportive natural environment where campers develop social skills, build friendships, and achieve personal growth. Accredited by the American Camp Association since [year], we maintain rigorous safety standards across all programs. Our team of carefully selected staff members combines professional expertise with compassionate care, ensuring personalized attention through a 1:2 camper-to-staff ratio. We offer three distinct programsMain Camp, Primitive Camp, and Travel Campeach tailored to different needs and abilities, with specialized healthcare support available 24/7 during summer sessions.Financial accessibility remains a core value, with camperships available to ensure no individual is denied participation due to financial constraints. Our adaptive programming accommodates diverse disabilities, including epilepsy, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, and mobility impairments. As a non-profit organization, we rely on community support to maintain our facilities, enhance programming, and provide staff training. Our commitment to inclusivity extends to accepting campers of all ages (3+) and backgrounds without discrimination. Through continuous evaluation of our practices, we uphold our reputation as a trusted leader in adaptive outdoor recreation.
Services
Main Camp
Primitive Camp
Travel Camp
Summer Programs
Camper Application
Financial Assistance
Employment Opportunities
Volunteer Programs
Donor Advised Funds
Building Fund
Details
- Year established: 1966
Highlights and features
- We maintain ACA accreditation with rigorous safety and program standards
- Our 1:2 camper-to-staff ratio ensures personalized attention
- 24/7 healthcare support available during summer sessions
- Financial assistance available through our Campership Fund
- Programs adapted for diverse disabilities including autism and cerebral palsy
Associations and certifications
- American Camp Association
Services
Main Camp
Our flagship program offers structured outdoor activities for campers aged 3+. Features include swimming, hiking, arts & crafts, and team-building exercises. Each session maintains a 1:2 camper-to-staff ratio with 24/7 medical support available. Activities adapt to diverse abilities while emphasizing safety and social development.
Primitive Camp
This backcountry program provides horseback riding, canoeing, and wilderness living experiences. Designed for ambulatory campers seeking challenge, it features rustic accommodations without electricity. Staff focus on developing independence through outdoor skills while maintaining safety protocols for participants with moderate assistance needs.
Travel Camp
Overnight trips across Wisconsin and neighboring states offer unique adventure opportunities. Small groups (6 campers) travel with two experienced staff members. Requires full payment upfront due to program costs. Designed for independent campers seeking immersive cultural and outdoor experiences beyond the main facility.
Financial Assistance
Our scholarship program helps families cover camp fees through donor contributions. Applications processed during registration with reports provided to sponsors. Excludes two-week and travel programs. Ensures accessibility regardless of financial circumstances while maintaining program quality for all participants.
Employment Opportunities
We offer seasonal staff roles for qualified professionals working with developmental disabilities. Positions require demonstrated experience, patience, and commitment to camper well-being. Staff receive specialized training to support diverse needs including epilepsy, autism, and mobility impairments during summer programs.
People
Austin Rist
Program Director
Manages camp programming and evaluates camper eligibility for specialized programs. Provides guidance on program suitability for campers with unique needs. Coordinates travel and primitive camp logistics while ensuring safety compliance across all sessions.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We accept campers aged 3+ with developmental disabilities, offering programs for children (3-13), teens (14-21), and adults.
Do you require medical documentation?
Yes, a current physical examination and physician approval are required for all participants to ensure proper care and safety.
Are financial assistance options available?
Yes, our Campership Fund provides financial aid through donor contributions, though assistance isn't available for travel or two-week programs.
What disabilities do you accommodate?
We serve individuals with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, mobility impairments, and other developmental disabilities regardless of severity.
How are staff members selected?
Staff undergo rigorous screening focusing on experience, patience, and commitment to working with individuals with disabilities in outdoor settings.
Is healthcare available during camp?
Yes, trained healthcare staff provide 24/7 support at Main Camp to address medical needs during summer sessions.
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Reviews (2)
Diana Vera
Dec 08, 2020
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Such an amazing place, there's a lot of animals, they have a barn, a nature's room, recreation room, music room. A great place in general.
Gale Bruessel
Oct 03, 2017
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My cousin looks forward to "her" camp every year. I'm so glad for her to have this service available. She has been going for many years and reminds our family each year that camp is coming up! She's headed there in a few days. Thank you, Badger Camp!