Along the shores of Lake Isabel, Elks Camp Grassick offers more than just summer fun—it offers a place where children and adults with disabilities can discover their strengths, gain independence, and build friendships that last a lifetime. Campers fill their days with adventure, creativity, and confidence-boosting challenges—surrounded by friends who cheer them on every step of the way. From swimming, crafts, archery and kickball, to social skills, emotional regulation, and good manners. Silly talent show skits, wagon rides in the country, hot summer days in the lake, and campfire nights. Elks Camp Grassick is where confidence grows, abilities shine, and unforgettable memories are made. Because camp should be a place where everyone gets to laugh louder, try new things, and feel like they truly belong!
connection to others
Connection is at the heart of everything that happens at Camp Grassick. Campers and staff cheer for each other during games, share traditions, and welcome new friends like they have known them for years! Staff take time to listen, encourage and celebrate each camper's strengths, creating a space where everyone feels safe and valued. Whether it is a team pumping each other up for Color Wars, or a cabin group bonding in their jammies, campers form friendships that continue long after summer ends. Camp Grassick is a place where genuine relationships grow and every person becomes part of a supportive community.
Development of skills
Skill development shines every day at Camp Grassick as campers practice independence, confidence, and new abilities in a supportive and engaging environment. Whether learning to navigate daily routines, improving communication and teamwork, or building physical skills through swimming, games, and outdoor activities, campers grow in ways that feel both natural and fun. Staff encourage progress with patience and positivity, celebrating every step—from trying something new to mastering a task. Across the session, these small victories add up, helping campers leave with stronger skills, and a true sense of accomplishment.
self confidence
Self-confidence grows naturally at Camp Grassick as campers discover what they CAN do in a setting filled with encouragement and belonging. You see it when a camper goes a little farther into the lake than they did yesterday, asks new friends if they can join in a game, or takes on a new responsibility during cabin cleanup. Staff members offer steady support, celebrate effort, and help campers recognize their own strengths. As campers make friends, succeed in activities, and experience genuine acceptance, they begin to trust themselves more. Our hope is that by the end of camp, everyone leaves proud of who they are and what they can do.
camp classes and activities
At Elks Camp Grassick, fun and learning go hand in hand. Campers enjoy a wide range of activities—from recreation, crafts, archery, and BB rifles to swimming, pontoon rides, kayaking, and fishing—all designed to build confidence and friendships. We also offer learning opportunities such as occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and reading intervention, thoughtfully integrated into the camp day. Every activity supports growth, independence, and joy in a safe, inclusive camp environment.
recreation
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Our recreation activities focus on movement, teamwork, and fun. Through games and group activities, campers build social skills, and confidence in an inclusive, supportive environment. Recreation classes provide opportunities to work on gross motor skills, good sportsmanship, turn taking, following directions and other valuable skills.
Cabin groups attend rec sessions throughout the day. In one rec class, campers participate in activities and games such as kickball, soccer, flag football, relay races, obstacle courses, basketball and other activities. |
crafts
Crafts give campers a chance to be creative and express themselves. Campers work on fine motor skills, creativity, and pride in what they create. They also practice fine motor skills, listening, following directions and have time to practice social skills by visiting with their peers as they craft. Campers attend a craft class each day and are able to take their projects home at the end of their session. Crafts include clay projects, bead work, painting, drawing, tie-dye, and many other projects.
swimming/Waterfront
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Swimming is a favorite at Camp Grassick. Campers enjoy supervised swim time that promotes water safety, physical activity, and confidence. During some sessions, campers will have one class a day at waterfront with their cabin, where they will work on general swimming and safety skills. During all of our camp sessions, there will be general swim time in the afternoon where all of the campers and staff can enjoy time sitting on the beach, or swimming and wading in the water.
Boating is offered during our general swim times when campers and staff can get out and explore the lake with friends! Paddle boating is a good small group activity for campers. Kayaks and canoes offer a new experience for many. It is a fun way to get out onto Lake Isabel while learning a new skill. |
"Tom Time"
"Tom Time" is our second recreation session where campers can try new activities in a safe and structured environment.
- Archery and BB Rifles help campers practice focus, patience, and hand-eye coordination. Campers learn safety procedures, shooting techniques and how to properly care for equipment.
- Fishing provides a peaceful and rewarding experience on the water. Campers practice patience, fine motor skills, and enjoy the excitement of catching a fish while connecting with nature.
- Pontoon rides offer a relaxing way to enjoy the lake and spend time with friends. This calm activity encourages social interaction, sensory enjoyment, and appreciation of the outdoors.
Occupational Therapy/Instruction
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Occupational therapy at Camp Grassick supports daily living skills, motor development, and independence. Therapy goals are incorporated into meaningful activities that feel natural and engaging for campers. Campers work on occupational therapy activities throughout camp during every day camp activities such as ADLs, mealtimes, and socializing. When possible, OT activities are led by an occupational therapist or OTA. If that is not possible, instruction in therapeutic activities is led by a staff member.
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Speech and Language Therapy/Instruction
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Speech and language therapy helps campers build communication skills through conversation, activities, and play. Sessions are designed to support expressive language, understanding, and social communication in a comfortable environment. Throughout the sessions, campers practice good speech skills with staff who model good speech and encourage skills such as increased sentence length, use of communication devices or simply visiting with their friends. When possible, speech activities are led by an SLP or SLPA. If that is not possible, instruction in therapeutic activities is led by a staff member.
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Reading Intervention
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Reading intervention offers individualized support to strengthen literacy skills. In a relaxed camp setting, campers work on reading confidence, fluency and comprehension in ways that are encouraging and fun. The camp library is utilized for free times and campers are encouraged to check out books and read. Staff members also read to campers which is relaxing and comforting for many kids. When possible, reading classes are led by a teacher or paraprofessional. If that is not possible, instruction in therapeutic activities is led by a staff member.
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