2024 Summer Camp Recap:
Memories, Milestones, and New Adventures at Camp Aldersgate
We wrapped up our last week of 2024 summer camp on August 2 at Camp Aldersgate! We’re incredibly grateful for the amazing summer we had full of friendship, memories and fun. We’re already gearing up for the best fall ever! Weekend camp registration is now open, and we’re looking forward to seeing those smiling faces again.
This summer, campers enjoyed a variety of exciting activities such as ziplining, archery, canoeing, fishing, and swimming. Some of our staff even got to partake in the fun as “Camper for a Day,” which was a memorable experience. Our trained staff were always available to assist with anything the campers might need, ensuring a fun and safe experience. At the end of each week, we held a closing ceremony to spotlight each camper and honor the staff and volunteers who make our programs possible.
We introduced VR gaming as a choice activity for the first time and launched our CIT (Counselors-in-Training) program. We hosted Audiology Camp for the second summer in a row in partnership with Arkansas Children’s AIM-HI program (Achieving in the Mainstream with Hearing Impairment). The FBI returned to help some of the campers solve the mystery of the missing ice cream toppings. And we began our first Young Adult summer camp, which was a big success!
In total, we offered eight summer camp sessions! Below are some of the special moments we experienced over the past two months:
Muscular Dystrophy Camp (June 9-14)
Muscular Dystrophy Camp, designed for ages 8-17, was the perfect way to kick off the summer. Muscular Dystrophy can hinder physical function by affecting a key muscle repair protein, so providing a comfortable and safe week for these campers was important to us. We ensured that the camp was accessible by offering adaptations for all our activities, including adaptable life vests for swimming and chairs for ziplining!
We appreciate the Muscular Dystrophy Association for their support!
Kota 1 Camp (June 16-21)
“Kota” means “friend” in Quapaw and symbolizes the inclusivity of these camps. This camp offers an opportunity for campers ages 6-18 to meet peers who share similar experiences and is open to both campers with and without medical disabilities. Friends and siblings are encouraged to join in the fun, making this a unique opportunity.
Thanks to the Junior League of Little Rock for volunteering and creating special memories for these campers!
Kota 2 Camp (June 23-28)
The Federal Bureau of Investigation – Little Rock Field Office made their second appearance this summer and helped solve the mystery of the stolen ice cream toppings! This was a fun and educational experience for the campers, who participated in a mock investigation and a fingerprint dusting exercise. Our Senior Development Officer, Ryan Miller, was humorously found guilty on all counts thanks to the FBI!
To end the week, we presented the KOTA award at each closing ceremony. This special award honors a camper who embodies leadership and enthusiasm. One camper from each KOTA camp was selected for their accomplishments and inspiration to others.
Spinal Disorders Camp (July 7-12)
Spinal Disorders Camp was a fantastic way to start the July sessions! Spinal disorders can affect the spine and vary in severity, impacting health and mobility.
Camp Aldersgate’s accessible equipment and grounds provide a safe and enjoyable experience for these campers. We made the seats in the canoes comfortable, provided a bow stabilizer for archery, and had a ziplining chair, among other adaptations.
Summit Utilities came and gave our campers an amazing fishing experience, with some campers catching the biggest fish of the summer! Thank you to the Arkansas Spinal Cord Commission for its support of this camp!
CAKBO & Audiology Camp (July 14-19)
CAKBO Camp welcomed campers with a variety of medical conditions, offering incredible experiences. CAKBO stands for Cardiac, Arthritis, Kidney and Bleeding Disorders, and Oncology. We also hosted Audiology Camp with the Arkansas Children’s AIM-HI program for the second summer in a row. This program supports students who who are deaf or hard of hearing with education about their hearing devices and advocacy for themselves.
We loved working with Arkansas Children’s Speech Pathologists and Audiologists this week!
Diabetes Camp (July 21-26)
Diabetes Camp served campers ages 7-14 with type 1 diabetes. The campers enjoyed all the activities provided throughout the week! Fishing was a favorite activity for many campers. Thanks to the Little Rock Water Reclamation Volunteers for helping creating those special memories!
Thank you to the American Diabetes Association and Arkansas Children’s Endocrinology team for their support.
Young Adult Camp (July 28-August 2)
Young Adult Camp is designed for individuals ages 19-35 with intellectual, developmental, and/or physical disabilities. We were thrilled to launch our very first Young Adult Camp this summer at Camp Aldersgate. The feedback from campers and their families has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re excited to build on this success for future sessions.
Thank you to our Camp Aldersgate Counselor Alumni Association for their support during this week by volunteering!
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A huge thank you to everyone who made this summer a success! We couldn’t have made this summer what it was without all of you—our enthusiastic CITs and Counselors, supportive families, donors, volunteers, medical partners and dedicated staff. Your commitment and hard work helped create unforgettable experiences for our campers and truly brought our programs to life.
We also want to extend our gratitude to our sponsors, whose generosity and support played a crucial role in making our camps successful. From the engaging activities to the heartfelt moments, your contributions made a significant impact.
As we look forward to the fall season and beyond, we carry with us the joy and memories of this summer. Thank you once again for being a part of this incredible journey. Here’s to many more memorable summers at Camp Aldersgate!
Thank you to our supporters this summer!
