Camp Red Leaf @ Camp Nageela Midwest

Camp Red Leaf is an independent program of Camp Nageela Midwest welcoming individuals diagnosed with a wide variety of developmental disabilities, including those with additional chronic healthcare needs and functioning limitations, such as self-care, learning, receptive and expressive language, mobility, and self-direction. Camp Red Leaf has many respite programs in the summer and throughout the year.

Camp Red Leaf Program Goals and Objectives

The three primary objectives of Camp Red Leaf include:

Enhance the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities and their caregivers

Provide opportunities for campers to develop improved socialization and life skills

Provide campers’ caregivers with vital time for rest and renewal

More specifically, Camp Red Leaf strives to meet these targeted goals:

Provide an opportunity for individuals with developmental disabilities to develop self-esteem and self-confidence in a positive, community environment

Provide a positive and fun experience for campers with developmental disabilities, which improves their emotional well-being

Provide an opportunity for individuals with developmental disabilities to reduce their sense of isolation by socializing and connecting with peers and adults

Provide an opportunity for campers with developmental disabilities to improve their motor skill development

Provide an opportunity for individuals with developmental disabilities to develop the independence needed to transition into adult housing

Provide critically needed respite for parents of children and adults with developmental disabilities, helping to ease stress levels and giving parents an opportunity to spend quality time alone and with their other children

To accomplish these goals, summer camp and respite campers participate in games and athletics that facilitate the development of gross motor skills, coordination, and fine motor skills. Campers play traditional sports like basketball, soccer, and kickball, as well as try their hands at archery and the low and high ropes course at the Glickman High Sierra Adventure Center. Recently, art, music, and equine therapy have been added to summer and weekend respite care programs, along with an enhanced adaptive sports program and animal therapy.

At all times Camp Red Leaf staff members guide campers through making decisions, encourage campers’ independence, promote and model positive behaviors, and aid campers with their personal health care, including dietary needs. We provide one on one/two on one/three on one camper to staff ratio depending on need.

For more information please contact Angela McNeal at (847)740-5010 and email angela@campnageelamidwest.org