Camp Riley empowers children with physical and cognitive diagnoses by providing life-changing experiences in a camp environment tailored to their individual needs. Campers shatter perceived limitations, make new friends, and reach higher achievements, returning home with an increased sense of independence and confidence.
Our hope for 2021 is to host a full summer camp. However, COVID-19 has proven to be a uniquely communicable virus, and we are working to come up with contingency plans should a vaccine not be made available. Our number one priority is, and always has been, the safety of our clients and staff.
We are working closely with our medical team at Riley Children’s Hospital, Riley Children’s’ Foundation, and IU Health to create a plan that is safe for all. If you're a current camp family, please check your e-mail for a survey link we sent out to help gather feedback from you. We are hoping to have a clearer picture of our future in January, and will share whatever we create as soon as we are able.
In the meantime, feel free to reach out to us! We love hearing from you all, and would be thrilled to hear some stories of what our camp families are doing during these unprecedented times.
You can read about our general response to COVID-19 here: Coronavirus Updates
1955Camp Riley started at Bradford Woods in 1955, and we've been serving campers ever since.
8We host eight unique sessions of Camp Riley summer camps, each designed with campers in mind.
320+More than 320 campers enjoy a barrier-free experience at camp each year.
Each summer, hundreds of campers with physical and cognitive diagnoses make their “home away from home” at one of our eight Camp Riley sessions, enjoying facilities and activities at camp that are designed to be barrier-free. Since 1955, Camp Riley has operated at Bradford Woods and has been made possible through the generous support of Riley Children’s Foundation. Additionally, Riley Children’s Foundation ensures that no camper is turned away due to financial need.
Physicians practicing at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health provide 24-hour medical coverage for Camp Riley, including medical and nursing directors, resident physicians, nurses, and a pharmacy team.
The Beyond the Woods mentor program is for teens age 14-18 with a physical disability that are part of the Venture session of Camp Riley. This year, we are also starting a session of Beyond the Woods for Camp About Face Campers! Campers are matched with adult mentors who have been through similar life experiences and can act as a source of empowerment and a resource for campers on a variety of topics, including personal challenges, next steps in education and career, and more.
For more information about the Beyond the Woods program, contact Nicole Hoover, Medical Camping Supervisor, at nicohoov@iu.edu.
Dear Camp Riley, I really appreciate everything you do. This was my first year at camp and I loved it! I look forward to next year. Thank you for supporting me.
– Moraiah S., Hi-lite camper
Contact us at 765-349-5121 or e-mail Nich Hunter-Shields at nyhunter@indiana.edu.
Interested in providing a Camp Riley experience to Indiana children with the gift of a campership? Contact Olivia Mozzi at Riley children’s Foundation at 317-808-8557 or at omozzi@rileykids.org.
