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HIS-ability Camp is available for campers (age 18-55 years old) who are classified with mild cognitive impairment (EMI) or upper moderate cognitive impairment (upper TMI) � along with campers who have physical but no mental impairments. All campers need to be able to communicate daily living desires and needs through some verbal or aided communication means. Only a few campers can be taken with the above classifications who also require assistance on a one-to-one basis in this setting.
Although Camp Barakel offers this unique camping experience only one week each year, we have been doing it for more than fifty years! The counselor and program staff are carefully selected and trained to provide a positive contribution to each camper. Our counselors are adults and all complete a two-day pre-camp training program (Introduction to the Care and Counseling of People with Disabilities). In addition, the lead counselors in each housing unit have completed a two-week pre-summer camp counselor training program. Campers are housed by age and gender with 6 or 7 campers and 2 or 3 trained adult counselors in each cabin unit. Including all staff, the ratio of campers to staff is about two-to-one.
Utmost care is taken to protect the health of our campers � nurses are on hand at all times. As a licensee of the state of Michigan we are constantly advised of health and safety regulations.
The daily program is a careful mix of outdoor activities, leisure times, group events and exciting opportunities to learn more about God. Our speakers for the week have years of experience in communicating Bible truths in creative, interesting ways.
