Summer Program

Children with special needs and chronic illnesses receive many positive benefits by participating in a camp experience. These children can have a variety of limitations, but first and foremost, they are still children - and want to be treated the same as children without special needs and chronic illnesses with opportunities to run, play, swim, and enjoy being with other kids.

Campers are encouraged to try new experiences in order to gain self-confidence, increase personal independence and learn cooperation. Chronic illnesses can be devastating to a person at any age. During childhood, it can be especially destructive for the child's psychological growth and development. At a time when most children are deciding which sport to play, pediatric patients often have their lives disrupted as they are faced with harsh treatment methods. By making adjustments to programs and facilities and providing children with recreational activities, they are able to receive many benefits as well as learn coping skills necessary to face the many issues brought on as a result of their diagnosis and treatment process. The retreat is available to any charitable hospital or organization that wishes to make use of its services; it has been used thus far by Scott & White Memorial Hospital, Temple, Texas Scottish-Rite Children's Hospital, Dallas, Austin Children's Hospital, Austin, Texas Region 12 and Texas Commission for the Blind. An estimated 500 children and 1500 family members and treating hospital staff use the retreat during week-long summer sessions. The success of this program is based on working with small groups so as to avoid regimentation, encourage the scared or the timid, and build in flexibility so as to offer the staff better opportunities to learn each individual child's needs and interests. With each new hospital or organization that uses the facilities, the summer program continues to grow and flourish by providing for children with chronic illnesses and special needs.

 

Summer 2008

                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Summer 2008 was a great success! "Join the Journey" was the theme for the 2008 Summer Session. Peaceable Kingdom partnered with many great organizations, such as Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Scott & White Memorial Hospital, Division of Blind Services, Network Resources, Belton ISD, Any Baby Can, Camp Bluebonnet Foundation, Armed Services YMCA and Texas Dept. of Rehabilitative Services.

For more information on our Summer Program, how your child can participate or how to start a summer session for your organization, please contact Tad Dorroh at 254-554-5555 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it