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AbilityFirst�s Camp Paivika in the San Bernardino National Forest offers year-round camp programs for children, teens and adults with physical and developmental disabilities, such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and epilepsy. More recently, the camp has also begun hosting retreats for mothers of children with special needs. One of the first fully-accessible camps in the United States, Camp Paivika has been welcoming campers since 1947.
AbilityFirst provides programs and services to help children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities realize their full potential throughout their lives.
The five-night (children) to six-night (teen and adult) programs include all of the traditional activities of camping: horseback riding, archery, swimming, cookouts and campfires, arts and crafts, and nature hikes and activities, as well as fine arts. Children attend activities together throughout the week to ensure proper supervision while teen and adult campers plan their own activity schedules for the entire session upon their arrival at camp. All programs are designed to ensure that each camper can participate to the best of his or her ability. For example, our horseback riding program consists of several different types of activities: riding for those who are able; supported riding for those who require assistance; and �on the ground� interaction �- such as grooming, feeding or bathing the horse -- for those who are unable to physically ride on the horse or who choose not to.
Other AbilityFirst Programs include:
To enroll in an AbilityFirst camping program, email Camper Services Coordinator Brenda Starkins by email at bstarkins@abilityfirst.org or phone at (909) 338-1102, ext. 102.
