Socialization
through Recreation

At Camp, Variety Kids are empowered to form friendships, try new things, grow in self-esteem, and explore the world around them with independence and confidence.

Variety’s Adventure Camps are for ages 4-20 and provide an unforgettable experience for local children and teens with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. These disabilities are medically diagnosed by a physician.

• A physical disability is a long-term or permanent limitation of physical functioning, mobility, dexterity, or stamina, stemming from congenital, hereditary or acquired causes like injury or illness. These conditions create significant, ongoing, daily limitations. These disabilities must also have serious impairment in two or more major life areas: self-care; communication; learning; mobility; self-direction and independent living/self-sufficiency.
• An intellectual disability is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by significant limitation in both intellectual functioning (IQ below 70-75) and adaptive behavior, such as conceptual, social, and practical skills needed for daily life. These conditions create significant, ongoing, daily limitations. These disabilities must also have serious impairment in two or more major life areas: self-care; communication; learning; mobility; self-direction and independent living/self-sufficiency.
• A developmental disability is a group of chronic, often lifelong conditions originating before age 22 that impair physical, learning language, or behavior functions. These conditions create significant, ongoing, daily limitations. These disabilities must also have serious impairment in two or more major life areas: self-care; communication; learning; mobility; self-direction and independent living/self-sufficiency.

Campers are split into groups based on age to enjoy activities geared more toward their interests. Each camper is paired with a counselor “buddy” to ensure their needs are met each day. Activities include swimming, ice skating, fishing, playing games, making crafts, music time, visiting area attractions and much more, all under the guidance of a caring and enthusiastic staff member.

Winter Camp ’26
& Adventure Camp ’27 Update

We’re excited to share that Variety Adventure Camp is growing!

Due to continued demand for camp, we’re planning to pilot a dual Summer Camp model in the summer of 2027, creating space for more kids to experience the fun and connection of Variety’s Adventure Camp. With this expansion, unfortunately there will be no Winter Camp held in December 2026. While we know some campers and families may be disappointed by this change, this temporary adjustment is an important step toward our long-term goal of offering more camp opportunities for more local kids.

What will dual Summer Camp look like?
In 2027, two sub-camps will run simultaneously, with 50 campers in each session. This new model will allow us to expand our capacity while continuing to provide the inclusive, individualized camp experience that Variety campers know and love.

We’re excited about what this next chapter will make possible and look forward to welcoming even more campers to Adventure Camp in the future. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to grow! ❤

Camp placement is based on availability. Campers may be offered one week of camp, with additional weeks offered only if space allows

All campers must turn in the following documents NO LATER THAN MAY 1, 2026:

• Physical form: Each camper is required to have an up-to-date physical form on file with us that is less than one year old at the time they attend camp.

• Immunization records

• $100 deposit via a personal check: This is just to hold your child’s spot; Checks will only be deposited after summer camp if a camper does not show up to their designated week of camp and that absence is not communicated with camp management. Since this is a deposit, we cannot accept a money order, cashier’s check, cash or electronic payments

• Camper Medication Permission Form (if applicable): If your child needs to be administered any medication (over the counter or prescribed) during their time at camp, the Medication Permission Form will be needed prior to camp.

•  Action Plan, if applicable. (i.e. Seizure Action Plan, Food Allergy, etc)

Please download and fill out the two documents below. You will have the option to upload them during the registration process, or you can fax or email completed documents once registration is live.

Questions? Contact us at Camp@varietystl.org or 314-720-7719.