Making memories TOGETHER….

Making memories together is at the heart of our family camps! Kids & Dreams Family Camps are specially designed for families with autism, while Up Camp is created just for families who have a loved one with Down syndrome. These camps are opens to all ages and offer a place to relax, have fun, and connect with other families who truly understand both the beautiful moments and the unique challenges that can come with these experiences.

To keep the atmosphere comfortable and supportive, we intentionally limit the number of families based on each campground’s accommodations. This allows space for genuine connections with others, while also giving you plenty of time to focus on what matters most—your own family.

Family Camp begins on Saturday morning and wraps up after lunch on Sunday. Each family is paired with a dedicated host who is there to welcome you, help with anything you may need, and offer an extra set of hands. Our hosts are there so parents can relax and fully enjoy the weekend, whether that means jumping into activities or simply taking things at their child’s pace.

Activities and lodging vary by location, and you can find those details below. We can’t wait to welcome your family to camp!

Registration & Cost

REGISTRATION: Registration opens May 1st. If you’re interested in registering for this year’s camps, simply click the blue button to be added to our contact list. As we get closer to May, we’ll reach out with all the details you’ll need to complete your registration.

COST: $500 per family of four, $50 for each additional family member. A down payment is required at the time of registration to reserve your family’s spot at camp. We never want finances to be a barrier, so a limited number of scholarships are available. Many families also choose to do simple, creative fundraisers—such as selling t-shirts or organizing small community events—to help cover their camp fees.

September 19-20

  • The Crossing Retreat Center features a more compact space where main activities are closely located. This is the most ideal location if mobility is a concern.

    The space may be more compact, but there is still plenty to do at The Crossing! A few highlights of this location will be an indoor swimming pool, GoKarts and a HUGE inflatable slide!

    Feel free to explore their website for more details about the location. *Note, K&D Family Camps will have their own programming, so not all activities listed on The Crossing’s site will apply to our family camp. https://www.crossingretreat.org/

  • The weekend will include a number of indoor and outdoor activities including swimming, GoKarts, inflatables, archery, mini-golf/frisbee golf, basketball/volleyball courts, billiards, ping-pong, carpet ball, gaga pit, and more!

    Of course, no camp is complete without time around the fire pit and making s’mores!

    **Note - there is no zip line or climbing wall at this location.

  • The Crossing Retreat Center has motel style rooms that are furnished with one full bed and one bunk bed. Bedding is provided. Each room has a private bathroom.

    More information about Ackerman Lodge can be found here - https://www.crossingretreat.org/lodging/

  • Each camp will feature meals that are both kid friendly and easy to accommodate most dietary needs. When registering, you will have the opportunity to indicate dietary needs that will be passed on to the camp’s kitchen staff.

October 10-11

  • Camp Kitaki is the most rugged and spread out of the camp sites. If your family enjoys nature, hiking trails and hilly terrain, this camp location is for you! The dining hall features a large covered outdoor deck with picnic tables with a "tree house" like atmosphere allowing you to gaze into the forest while you eat! (weather permitting)

    There are many unique things to do at Camp Kitaki that are not available at our other locations. Featuring natural outdoor play areas, a music playground, designated rock throwing, digging areas, and more!!

    Feel free to explore their website for more details about the location. *Note, K&D Family Camps will have their own programming, so not all activities listed on Kitaki’s site will apply to our family camp. https://www.ymcacampkitaki.org/retreats

  • The weekend will include: hiking trails, archery, fishing, paddle boats, zip line, climbing tower, ropes course, bounce house, games, and designated areas for rock throwing, digging, and outdoor music. Of course, no camp is complete without time around the fire pit and making s’mores!

    **Note - there is no swimming at this location.

  • Each family will have their own room (twin bunk beds) in a shared cabin. Bedding is NOT included. Each floor features a bathroom with multiple sinks, toilets and showers that is shared by that level. The cabins have heat and air-conditioning.

    Check out the lodging here (Strader Lodge and Quad Cabins.)

  • Each camp will feature meals that are both kid friendly and easy to accommodate most dietary needs. When registering, you will have the opportunity to indicate dietary needs that will be passed on to the camp’s kitchen staff.

October 24-25

  • The Crossing Retreat Center features a more compact space where main activities are closely located. This is the most ideal location if mobility is a concern.

    The space may be more compact, but there is still plenty to do at The Crossing! A few highlights of this location will be an indoor swimming pool, GoKarts and a HUGE inflatable slide!

    Feel free to explore their website for more details about the location. *Note, K&D Family Camps will have their own programming, so not all activities listed on The Crossing’s site will apply to our family camp. https://www.crossingretreat.org/

  • The weekend will include a number of indoor and outdoor activities including swimming, GoKarts, inflatables, archery, mini-golf/frisbee golf, basketball/volleyball courts, billiards, ping-pong, carpet ball, gaga pit, and more!

    Of course, no camp is complete without time around the fire pit and making s’mores!

    **Note - there is no zip line or climbing wall at this location.

  • The Crossing Retreat Center has motel style rooms that are furnished with one full bed and one bunk bed. Bedding is provided. Each room has a private bathroom.

    More information about Ackerman Lodge can be found here - https://www.crossingretreat.org/lodging/

  • Each camp will feature meals that are both kid friendly and easy to accommodate most dietary needs. When registering, you will have the opportunity to indicate dietary needs that will be passed on to the camp’s kitchen staff.