FAQs for Parents/Guardians/Caregivers

What special needs groups are included at Camp High Hopes?
All special needs groups are included at Camp High Hopes.  No matter a person’s age or disability, they are welcome to attend a camp session throughout the year. When registering your camper you will notice that depending on their diagnosis, there will be certain week(s) that are designed to best fit the needs of your camper.
Does Camp offer programs in the non-summer months?
Yes, we have several programs available in the fall, winter, and spring. Our programs are offered throughout the year.  Adults with disabilities primarily attend Camp in the non-summer months and individuals of all ages attend weekend camps throughout the entire year.

How do you decide if someone is eligible to come to Camp?
All applications are reviewed by the program and medical team. Individuals of any age that are living with a mental and/or physical disability are eligible for Camp.  Individuals requiring hospitalization or that are a significant danger to themselves or others are not eligible to attend Camp. Decisions are also based on the individual’s inability to attend another camp and the severity of the individual’s medical problems, and other factors.

What does it cost for an individual to go to Camp?
The cost to attend Camp varies on the program.  Week-long camps will run approximately $525, weekends $180, and daycamp $250.

Will my camper be safe at Camp?
We do all we can to provide a safe environment for the individuals at Camp. All staff are carefully screened including reference and background checks. Our medical providers are fully licensed and have extensive special needs experience. Our counselor and program staff go through an week-long intensive orientation before Camp begins. All program areas are reviewed for safety on a regular schedule. All staff members maintain certifications as required for specific program areas.

Who will take care of my camper?
The counselor staff undergoes a strict interview and screening process including reference and background checks. Counselors are chosen from many applicants for their experience, enthusiasm and empathy. The entire staff receives intensive training in areas including: safety, medical issues of our campers, individual’s development, behavioral techniques, and cultural awareness.

What is the staff to camper ratio?
At Camp the ratio of staff member to campers varies based on the needs of the camper group.  Ratios could be1 staff member to 1 camper during a week where the needs of a camper group are severe and profound.  Ratios could be 1 staff member to 8 campers a week where the needs of a camper group are mild.

Where do the campers stay?
The campers live in cabins with other individuals their own age and gender. Each cabin bedroom has approximately 5 campers and are supervised at all times by counselors. The cabins are equipped with handicap accessible bathrooms and showers. They also have air conditioning, heat, and have built in storm-shelters.

Can I visit or talk to my camper while he/she is at Camp?
In our experience we have found that talking to home often causes or increases homesickness in our campers. Our policy is that campers do not call home during their time at Camp. If you want to check in to see how your camper is doing you can call or email the Camp and communicate with your camper’s Counselor to get an update. We do not have parent/caregiver visits during the Camp session.

Who provides medical care for my camper?
The Medical Center is staffed with nurses 24 hours a day and is managed by volunteer physicians. The nurses provide routine scheduled medical care for the campers as prescribed by their primary physicians or specialists and their parents/caregivers. Parents have the opportunity to sit down with their camper’s nurse to review all medical care on arrival day. You can review all your camper’s special needs, medications, restrictions, etc. Your camper’s nurse will set up a schedule for his/her routine care.

Do I need to bring my camper’s medical supplies?
YES. Please send all medications and supplies to Camp with your camper. Make sure you send enough to last the entire time your camper is at Camp. This includes: all medications (prescription and over the counter, oral, IV, IM), supplies for central line care (heparin, saline, syringes, caps, access needles, EMLA, etc), and all other supplies, (IV or pump tubing, pumps and supplies, wheelchair, crutches, etc.). If your camper needs oxygen during the day or overnight this must be arranged prior to coming to Camp by you and your oxygen supplier.

What happens if my camper gets sick at Camp?
If your camper gets sick at camp he/she will be evaluated by the nurses at Camp. Minor medical problems (minor cuts, ear infections, sore throats, vomiting, sprains, etc) can be handled at Camp. Emergency medical care is provided as needed (IV antibiotics for fever, pain medications, IV fluids, etc). If necessary, campers are transported off Camp for further care. You and your camper’s primary/specialty physician will be contacted by the Camp medical staff with any significant medical issues.

What parents are saying about Camp High Hopes…

I am the mother of Karlee, the little 4 yr. old girl on the billboards, who lives with Spina Bifida.  Going to see your model camp (Camp Courageous of Iowa) brought on a lot of emotions for me, but mostly excitement for my little girl.

There are not a lot of adaptive activities for her to do around here as she mostly is in her wheelchair.  She will never stand or walk on her own and to know she will have a week of camp every year to go to and fit in and do everything the other campers will do, fills me with joy.

Karlee did not ask for this disability and as a parent, you never think it will happen to you, but it has and she is such a blessing and deserves the best.
Thank you for being on this journey and making Camp High Hopes happen.
-Missy, Shannon, Karlee, Aly, and Ryan Hughes

After Tiffani was born, my husband and I went to 7 different yearly National Down Syndrome Conventions all over the country.  Seeing hundreds of happy, loving kids with Down Syndrome was so overwhelming and awesome at the same time.  Every time, I wished the whole world and everyone in it could experience  what those kids and families go through.  A convention where they are all the same and even looked alike.

To have a camp, Camp High Hopes, all the campers will have a special need, and the special need will vary from week to week, and those that attend are the same when they are there – that would be like the conventions.  There is a joy and an unexplainable understanding.  That’s when/where kids are accepted and appreciated for who they are.  They are the same.  They are “normal” with kids like them.
-Christy Johnson