Help us keep Summer Rec going!
Annual Appeal & Giving Tuesday 2024
Every child deserves a summer of joy!
Balance's Children’s Summer Rec program provides children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) a true summer camp experience. We run this program knowing that summer—typically a season of joy and freedom—can present extraordinary challenges for both children with IDD and their families.
"Summer can be a real struggle for young people with disabilities, when they go for months without the services, helpers, social outlets, and learning opportunities they get during the school year," shares Margaret, whose son recently participated in Summer Rec.
Summer Rec delivers a quintessential summer camp experience providing one-on-one care for children with IDD ages 5-15. During each three-week session, children go on exciting trips each day, including water parks, pools, beaches, museums, and more.
This program has been a labor of love, fueled by volunteers, and driven by our commitment to ensuring every child can experience the joy of summer camp—forming friendships, exploring nature, and creating lasting memories.
“As a parent, I appreciate the 1:1 counselor buddy provided for each participant… A traditional day camp would not be able to provide the support our son needs,” says Emilie whose son has participated in Summer Rec for many years.
In 2023 and 2024, staffing costs have increased to provide 1:1 care for each child, causing us to run this valuable program at a deficit. Summer Rec usually hosts two, three-week sessions each summer, with a total capacity of 40-45 children. With a current shortage of over $40,000, we risk having to reduce the number of children we can serve in 2025 or shorten the length of the camp.
Your donation will help us maintain the integrity of Summer Rec and ensure children like Eleanor and Tommy can continue making lifelong memories.
P.S.
Recurring donations do SO much to help us plan/maintain our budget, please consider signing up to make small monthly donations in honor of all Balance's Children's Summer Rec Program participants.
Eleanor, age 10, enjoying the pool at Blue Lotus Center in West Bend, Wisconsin.
