Down Syndrome Camp
Down Syndrome Camp offers a week-long overnight experience for individuals with Down syndrome aged 10 and up, focusing on independence, social skills, and fu...
▌ Editor's read The Down Syndrome Camp, operated by the Down Syndrome Foundation, offers a week-long overnight program for individuals with Down syndrome aged 10 and older. The camp aims to foster independence, social skills, and provide a fun summer experience. Founded by Marilyn and David Smith, the camp has been operating for 20 years, indicating a long-standing commitment to its mission. The website mentions activities such as swimming, boating, arts and crafts, and talent shows. The Down Syndrome Foundation has a Google rating of 4.9 stars based on 10 reviews, with reviewers praising the positive impact on campers and the supportive environment. The camp is not listed as ACA accredited, and no specific staff-to-camper ratio or background check policy is explicitly stated on the website. Social media handles are @downsyndromefoundation on Instagram and DownSyndromeFoundation on Facebook.
⌬
Since 200620+ years operating
◍
Nonprofit operator501(c)(3) tax-exempt
Who thrives here Ages 10–20
Down Syndrome Camp serves high-school campers, which means the program is competing against summer jobs, college visits, internships, and residential overnight options. The case for a day camp at this age is usually a CIT (counselor-in-training) track, deep specialization in specialty, or a portfolio item parents and kids both value. Programs that don't articulate one of those three usually lose this age band by 9th grade.
Facts & Credentials
- Program type
- Overnight camp
- ACA accredited
- Not verified
- Established
- 2006 (20 years)
- Operator
- Nonprofit organization
- Staff-to-camper ratio
- Not listed
Details
- Category: Specialty
- Ages: 10–20
- Hours: 24-hour residential
- Address: 11148 Manhattan Point Blvd, Crosslake, MN 56442, USA
- Cost notes: USD
Logistics
- Lunch provided: No
- Transportation: No
- Financial aid: No
- Setting: mixed
Frequently asked about Down Syndrome Camp
- What ages does Down Syndrome Camp accept?
- Down Syndrome Camp is open to children ages 10–20. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
- How much does Down Syndrome Camp cost?
- Down Syndrome Camp publishes $950/week for the standard session. USD Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
- What are Down Syndrome Camp's hours?
- Down Syndrome Camp runs 24-hour residential. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
- Who runs Down Syndrome Camp?
- Down Syndrome Camp is operated by a nonprofit organization, with 20 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
- Does Down Syndrome Camp provide lunch?
- Down Syndrome Camp does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.
Planning guides
Editorial checklists to use before you compare Down Syndrome Camp with other camps.
- How to choose a summer camp · Use the decision checklist before you compare finalists.
- Financial aid and scholarship camps · Compare aid policies, discounts, and application timing.
- Summer camp pricing in 2026 · Benchmark weekly cost before you commit a deposit.