FAQs

Camp Aldersgate provides barrier-free, holistic experiences for individuals with special needs. Campers, families, caregivers, volunteers, staff and counselors all find life-changing acceptance, interactions, compassion, joy and memories at Camp Aldersgate.

With an oasis-like setting located in the heart of metropolitan Central Arkansas, adaptability is fundamental at Camp Aldersgate. With guidance from our medical advisory board, the Camp Aldersgate professionals, volunteers and staff design and manage our grounds, facilities and curriculum to uniquely address the individual safety and supportive needs of our participants without relinquishing the “traditional” aspects of a camp experience – nature, exploration and adventure. Here, individuals with special needs, their families and their caregivers can find rest, relaxation and fun in a safe and welcoming environment.

Camp Aldersgate is a 501c3 non-profit organization and relies on the generosity of individuals and businesses to make its programs possible. Camp Aldersgate is accredited by the American Camp Association and is the only accredited camp in Arkansas dedicated to serving individuals with special needs.

To become a volunteer counselor, you must be at least 14 years old. To become a staff counselor, you must be at least 16 years old.

All applicants must be able to pass a background check to work with campers.

During each week of Summer Camp, participants are given the opportunity to engage in canoeing, fishing, archery, nature activities, arts and crafts, pool time, a fully accessible zip line, and many more exciting activities!

Weekend Camp participants are able to join in on many of the same activities, though they are generally geared toward smaller groups. Through intentional programming tailored to campers’ interests and needs, Weekend Camps keep the fun alive throughout the school year. To learn more about our programs, click here.

While packing for your time at camp, we ask that you pack plenty of clothes, undergarments, sleepwear and socks for each day. Please consider weather-appropriate clothing. We also ask that you bring the following: tennis shoes or any sturdy shoes for walking and hiking, open-toed shoes for the pool, towels and washcloths, toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.), one-piece swimsuits (applicable only in warmer months), insect repellent, sunscreen, pillow, sleeping bag and/or twin-sized blankets and sheets, flashlight, prescribed medicine in original bottle with doctor’s instructions, and a week supply of all medical supplies currently needed for daily care.

Please do not bring: cell phones, radios, iPads/tablets, video game players, TVs or electrical appliances. Hair dryers and electrical shavers are allowed. Please do not bring personal sports equipment. Pets are not allowed, unless your pet is a certified therapy or service dog. Weapons of any kind, including knives, are prohibited at Camp Aldersgate.

A complete packing list will be sent prior to your camp session.

The cost of camp varies based on the session. Tuition assistance and scholarship opportunities are available for all camp sessions. In order to provide these opportunities, Camp Aldersgate works to raise more than $350,000 to help cover the vast majority of each camper’s cost.

The actual cost for a child to attend a week of summer camp is $1,100 ($700 for a weekend camp). However, due to the generosity of those who give to Camp Aldersgate, no camper will ever pay this full fee. To find out how much a specific camp will cost your family, please contact the Camp Aldersgate office at 501.225.1444. Specific rates are also available when you complete your registration online.

Yes! Many individuals and businesses reserve our facilities for meetings and retreats when they are not reserved for our camping programs. Groups have access to indoor and outdoor meeting spaces and overnight facilities. We do not rent our facilities during mid-May to early August due to our Summer Camp program. For more information about rentals, including prices and availability, visit our rentals webpage, call 501.225.1444 or email [email protected].

Check out our social media pages! We’re on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. There, you can see all our latest news and photos of programs at Camp Aldersgate.

Stay in touch with us by signing up for our e-newsletter! You can also sign up for our mailing list as well. Just email [email protected] with your preferred address.

There are various ways to plug-in at Camp!

• Become a Camper
• Become a Counselor or a Volunteer Counselor
• Organize a Volunteer Group: Adult volunteers and work group volunteers are a tremendous help around camp’s grounds and at our fundraising events.
• Donate to our cause: If you are eager to support our mission, please check out our list of ways to give.

Our community of volunteers and donors are what makes Camp Aldersgate possible! Thank you for your interest in getting involved. Please contact our office with any questions at 501.225.1444 or email [email protected].

To qualify for Weekend Camps, a camper must be 6-26 years old. Summer Camps age limits vary depending on the week, and are as follows:

• Muscular Dystrophy Camp – ages 6-17
• Spina Bifida Camp – ages 6-16
• Kota Camps – ages 6-26
• Diabetes Camp – ages 7-14
• Cardiac, Arthritis, and Kidney Camp – ages 6-18 (with the exception that campers with arthritis must be between ages 6-17)
• Bleeding Disorders and Oncology Camp – ages 6-18