CEL 2025 Summer Camp

Empowering Teens and Young Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Ages 13-22

Discover the Possibilities
Adventure awaits this summer at CEL’s 2025 Summer Camp! From exciting outdoor excursions to themed activities, pool days, and creative projects, every day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and have fun. Build confidence, make lifelong friends, and create lasting memories in a supportive, inclusive environment. Spots fill quickly – secure your spot today!

A group of CEL summer camp members swimming at local pool.

Camp Schedule Options

  • Start Date: June 2, 2025
  • End Date: August 8, 2025
  • Closed: July 4, 2025

Full Day Camp

  • Days: Monday–Friday
  • Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Half Day Camp

  • Days: Monday–Thursday
  • Morning Session: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Afternoon Session: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
    (Fridays are full-day only.)

Program Details

Customize Your Own Schedule!

Attendance Requirements: Minimum: 2 weeks and 2 days per week

Registration Fees:

  • Early Bird Discount: Register by 2/28/2025
    • Full Day: $110
    • Half Day: $85

Note: Half of the total registration fee is due at registration to receive this discount.
Note: Early Bird registrations are not eligible for further financial aid.

  • Regular Rate: On or after 3/1/2025
    • Full Day: $130
    • Half Day: $95

Deadlines: 

  • Registration Closes: 5/9/2025
  • Full Payment Due: 6/2/2025

Note: Payment plans are available for regular rate registrations but will not extend past 6/2/2025

Daily Activities

A photo of CEL summer camp member smiling.
A photo of CEL member with staff swimming in pool.
A picture of a CEL member smiling while cooking.
A picture of CEL member swimming and smiling on the swing.
A photo members with staff having a fun time at the planetarium museum.
  • AM: Sensory and Relaxation – Explore new ways to create art, move your body, and get in tune with your senses.

 

  • PM: Bowling/Nickel City – Head to our local bowling alley or Nickel City, the choice is yours!
  • AM: Theme Tuesdays – CELebrate a new theme each week. The possibilities are endless, whether it be High School Musical, Barbie, or Star Wars!

 

  • PM: Swimming – Head to our local pool for some splashtastic fun!
  • AM: Healthy Recipes – Head to the grocery store and buy all the items needed for a recipe while the other group will stay back to learn and prepare for the recipe!

 

  • PM: Events – Participate in many fun activities such as our annual camp Olympics, water balloon fight, Hollywood Gala and Talent show!
  • AM: Our and About – Check out cool places in our community!

 

  • PM: Swimming – Head to our local pool for some splashtastic fun!
  • Fun Fridays: Learn about and explore new places in our city and community!

Camper Expectations

To ensure a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment for everyone, we have the following expectations for campers and their families.

Commitment to Participation:

Campers must attend a minimum of 2 days per week for at least 2 weeks for the 10-week session.

Safety Skills:

Campers are expected to adhere to safe practices onsite and in the community. Some examples include: – Staying with the group. – Following staff instructions. – Demonstrating respect for others in the community.

Daily Living Supports:

Families should collaborate with staff before camp begins to provide training on necessary supports, including but not limited to: – Bathroom Routines – Mealtime Needs – Medical Supports

Continuity of Supports:

Family and school personnel are encouraged to share strategies and tools to maintain consistency across environments to support a smooth transition to camp.

Group Participation:

Campers should be open to engaging with peers, building friendships, and participating in group activities to foster socialization.

Support Strategies:

If a camper follows a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) at school or in a transition program, the CEL team will review the plan and determine the resources required for effective support. Campers with physical aggression that may cause harm to self or others listed in their BIP may require additional review and staff training.

Open Communication:

Families are encouraged to share relevant information that may impact a camper’s ability to participate. CEL will collaborate and communicate with families weekly (via email, phone, or other notes) to ensure campers receive adequate support during challenging or unexpected experiences.
A picture of Summer Camp staff and members smiling.

How to Register

Registering is simple:

  1. Contact Us: Email Brittany Williams or call (847) 315-9890.
  2. Complete Forms: Update your Member Information Form, send most recent IEP, complete swim waivers.
  3. Orientation (if new to CEL): Schedule a meeting to discuss your camper’s needs.
  4. Select Camp Schedule
A group of CEL summer camp members smiling as they visit Target.

Ready for Summer Fun?

Click below to secure your spot and start planning an unforgettable summer!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Our camp is designed for teens and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ages 13–22.

We ask that campers arrive no earlier than 5 minutes prior to camp start and depart no later than 10 minutes after end times. Departures over 15 minutes late or arrivals over 15 minutes early will result in additional charges of $10 per 15-minute increment and will disrupt carefully planned staff schedules.

Simply email Brittany Williams or call (847) 315-9890 to get started. If this is your first CEL program, we’ll arrange an orientation to meet you and learn about your interests.

Yes! We offer financial aid to qualifying families. Contact Brittany Williams for more information about how to apply. Please note anyone receiving the Early Bird Discount is not eligible for any further financial aid.

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to register early as Camp does fill up quickly. We strive to meet your desired schedule and will regularly evaluate our staffing to determine the possibility. Waiting lists will be developed when interest exceeds available space.

Snacks are provided daily. Campers participating in Healthy Recipe Day will enjoy the meals they prepare as part of the activity. If your camper has specific dietary needs, you are welcome to send snacks or meals with them.

Our swim program is recreational, not instructional. Campers must have guardian permission to enter the deep-water areas of the pool. For campers who are seizure-prone, swimming is permitted only if seizure activity is controlled or they have not had a seizure in the past year.

All items brought should be labeled with first and last names. Campers should bring:

  • A reusable water bottle
  • Sunscreen (for outdoor activities)
  • A swimsuit and towel on pool days
  • Any necessary medical supplies or dietary items

Most campers get to CEL on their own, some by their families and some by school/transition. CEL is open to starting transportation routes with a minimum of 4 riders, based on staff availability. If you’re interested in discussing this further, please address it during registration.

Cancellations before camp begins may incur a $50 service fee. Changes to schedules after 4/4/2025 may also incur a $50 fee. Future credit will be given to any cancellation before 5/9/2025. Requests for credits and refunds after 5/9/2025 will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

The safety and well-being of our campers, staff, and community partners are our top priorities. Activities may be adjusted for weather, venue guidelines, or other safety concerns.

We strive to accommodate all campers. If your camper requires additional support, please discuss this with us during registration so we can plan appropriately. This includes any changes in medical or socio-emotional conditions. Additional 1:1 support may be recommended at an extra cost to ensure a more enjoyable and safe experience for everyone. CEL does not provide wheelchairs or other mobility equipment for members.