By Kate Burnett

Camp Riley empowers children with physical disabilities by providing enriching, life-changing experiences in a traditional camping environment tailored to their individual needs. For 60 years, campers have shattered perceived limitations, met new friends and reached higher achievements, allowing them to return home with an increased sense of independence and confidence.

Camp Riley sessions offer camaraderie, thrills, and new perspectives through swimming, hiking, horseback riding, vertical climbing on a 40-foot tower, canoeing, art projects and other activities. This year, these local youth from Kosciusko County are headed to Camp Riley:

Camp Riley takes place at Bradford Woods, Indiana University’s outdoor recreation center located 20 miles southwest of Indianapolis (near Martinsville). Eligible children ages 8 to 18 can attend one of five Camp Riley sessions offered over a six-week span. The facility is universally accessible and the staff-to-camper ratio never exceeds 1-to-3. Camp Riley is an extension of Riley Hospital for Children, integrating medical and nursing directors, pharmacists and staff to the Camp Riley program. Twenty-four hour medical care is available by Riley Hospital staff.   

Since 1955, Camp Riley has been a “home away from home” to more than 13,000 children. In 2015, 210 campers will attend Camp Riley, representing 53 Indiana counties and 6 states.

Thanks to Riley Children’s Foundation and donors, the cost to attend Camp Riley is $400 for a one-week session and $800 for a two-week session. Beyond that, a sliding scale is available depending on household income. Every child can attend Camp Riley regardless of their ability to pay. No child is turned away.

Donors interested in providing the Camp Riley experience to Indiana children with the gift of a campership should contact Riley Children’s Foundation. To find out how you can send a child to next summer’s camp, visit RileyKids.org/camp or call (317) 634-4474 (toll-free (877) 867-4539)

2015 Camp Riley Theme: “Blast from the Past!”

Relive the days of Bradford Woods past on the ultimate summer adventure – a journey through time. Explore what camp would have been like if we took a drive down memory lane. We will rock out in the awesome ‘80s, swing through the roaring ‘20s, and cruise through every era in between. Join us as we twist and shout through the decades at Camp Riley 2015.

Camp Riley offers five levels of camp programming:

Riley 2
June 14-19 (Ages 8-18)
This one-week session is for campers who benefit from a 1-to-2 staff-to-camper ratio. Be prepared to have the time of your life! 

Riley 1
July 5-10 (Ages 8-18)
This session is for campers who benefit from a 1-to-1 staff-to-camper ratio. Be prepared for an exhilarating adventure like none other.

Kan-Du
June 28-July 3  (Ages 8-18)
This session is specifically designed for youth with cognitive and physical functioning levels assessed between 0 and 48 months and who thrive in a 1-to-1 staff-to-camper ratio.

Riley 3
July 12-24 (Ages 8-18)
This two-week session is specifically designed for campers who are ready for a longer camp experience and thrive in a 1-to-3 staff-to-camper ratio.

Beyond the Woods
July 12-24 (Ages 14-18)
This two week session is for older campers looking to develop leadership and life skills, who thrive in a 1-to-3 staff-to-camper ratio and plan to pursue a post-secondary education.

About Riley Children’s Foundation

Riley Children’s Foundation supports Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, Camp Riley and the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home. As Indiana’s only comprehensive hospital dedicated exclusively to the care of children, Riley Hospital has provided compassionate care, support and comfort to children and their families since 1924.

Each year children from all 92 Indiana counties turn to Riley Hospital and its regional clinics throughout the state more than 300,000 times. Riley Hospital’s partnership with Indiana University Health and its strong affiliation with the Indiana University School of Medicine make Riley Hospital the leader in pediatric care in the state and the region. For more information, visit RileyKids.org.