About Camp BASIC

(2 Peter 3:18)

During the second and third weeks in June, Camp BASIC offers an incredibly unique opportunity for the developmentally disabled to gather, explore, learn and share with a group of their peers at a week-long, WELS-affiliated summer camp. Our goal is to provide a fun, meaningful and lasting experience that strengthens bonds between community and Christ. And at the end of each session, the smiles on the faces of both campers and volunteers say it all.

We meet at a well-furnished, modern, indoor camp facility at scenic Wyalusing State Park on top of bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. When we set out on this journey more than 30 years ago, we had 25 campers. That number has since more than tripled and, for the last several years, there were more campers than available space. One day, we hope to purchase our own property and provide the facilities to accommodate all who are interested. To learn about our mission, click here. 

Thank you for visiting. Please take a look around. If you have questions, you can email any one of our board members listed at the bottom of the page. You may also register a camper, sign up to volunteer or make a donation right here on our site. We'd love to hear from you.

Campers

In both Camp BASIC Week One and Week Two, campers and counselors work together, play together, grow together and learn how to love Jesus even more together. Daily activities include Bible lessons, arts & crafts projects, games and outings. And all campers are provided delicious meals and snacks in a safe, clean and comfortable environment.

Camp BASIC is staffed with volunteers and designed for people 10 years or older who have moderate developmental disabilities. Our facility can also accommodate campers with moderate physical disabilities, but please consider that camp activities require some strength and stamina—we don't want anyone to feel left out. Campers should be able to walk independently and have independent toileting and feeding skills.

Volunteers

Next to the campers themselves, our counselors are the most important part of the Camp BASIC experience. Their job is to lead campers to a deeper understanding of what Christ has done for them through their actions, smiles and expressions of love for one another. Counselors truly become part of the camper's life for a week, listening, sharing, caring and spreading Jesus' love. The reward is not financial, but the experience of serving the Savior and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ is priceless.

No special skills are needed to be a counselor, though a happy and energetic disposition certainly helps. Each counselor is assigned one or two campers for the week whom they help get ready in the morning, sit with at meals, encourage to participate in activities and assist at bedtime. Evenings as a counselor are spent preparing for the next day at camp and enjoying free time with fellow counselors.

Though we provide free food and lodging, Camp BASIC does not pay our staff, counselors or helpers. We do, however, offer a limited mileage reimbursement, which can be applied for at camp.

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