An Inclusive Experience Like None Other
In 1968, Civitan was established in Williams, Arizona as “Camp Civitan” by a group of dedicated volunteers for individuals with developmental disabilities. As parents and volunteers, they were driven by the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the unique joy of summer camp – regardless of their abilities. Camp Civitan created one of the first year-round camping experiences in Arizona with extracurricular activities for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
As a 15-acre wheelchair accessible facility for children and adults with developmental disabilities, our program offers campers a variety of enriching and fun experiences that promote positive self-esteem, teamwork, socialization, and healthy activities. This is a result not only of the rural, residential camp environment, but also due to the targeted, enriching programming provided at Camp Civitan. Our camp programs are designed to promote positive, healthy lifestyles while building meaningful and lasting relationships.
Our campers gain new self-confidence, skills, and
independence as a result of their camp experience.
Arts & Crafts
Field Trips
Amenities
Guest Instructors
Recreational Activities
Evening Activities
Camp FAQs
Complete and return the Camper Application to:
Civitan Foundation, Inc.
Attn: Camp Registrar
12635 N. 42nd Street
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Questions: Contact Camp Services Coordinator at 602-953-2944, ext. 110, camp@campcivitan.org
You will be notified by a Civitan staff member either by e-mail or phone (if e-mail is not available) as to whether or not your child/client has been accepted for their requested week(s). Please note: Camp Civitan operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. If your child/client is interested in a specific camp week, it is important that you apply early.
If your child/client has never attended Camp Civitan before, they will have to complete a New Camper Intake before the requested week(s) will be approved.
A New Camper Intake is a brief in-person interview with the potential camper and the caregiver to review the individual needs and support that will be required at camp. This is also a time for the potential camper and caregiver to ask questions about camp or voice any concerns they may have.
Camp Civitan’s heath office is staffed by a health care provider (MSN, BSN, RN, ASN, AASN, LPN, CNA, EMT or other individual with first aid and medication administration certification). During the camp week, the health office dispenses medications, takes care of injured or ill campers, provides first aid, and monitors the overall health of all camp participants.
Although each camp week is unique, some common activities include: swimming; adaptive sports such as miniature golf, soccer, kickball, basketball, and football; fishing; music; arts and crafts; dances; talent shows; visits from Smokey Bear; and much more. Accommodations are made so that children of all abilities can participate in every summer camp activity.
Camp activities happen in an environment that promotes self-exploration, interaction with peers, making new friends, and engaging in an exciting and safe summer camp experience with age-appropriate boundaries and supervision. Safety is Camp Civitan’s first priority. Camp staff receives training regarding individuals with developmental disabilities, and are briefed on the individual needs of the campers in attendance. All activities are closely monitored, overseen by qualified personnel, and designed to accommodate campers’ individual needs and abilities.
The maximum ratio allowed by the Division of Developmental Disabilities is 3:1. However, Camp Civitan prefers to staff camp at a 2:1 ratio and often has enough staff to provide a 1:1 ratio. Providers work with campers around the clock, providing the care, supervision and attention that they need. Providers are responsible for the physical, social, emotional, and behavioral needs of their campers; But above all, they become the campers’ friend for a week, and sometimes a lifetim
Parents can be assured that camp providers are thoroughly screened in a process that includes: a formal application, criminal background check and fingerprint clearance, reference checks, and a personal interview with Civitan staff. Camp providers receive training for working with individuals with developmental disabilities including, but not limited to: Article 9 (Client Rights), First Aid, CPR, and Prevention & Support training.
Camp Civitan is equipped with four dorms (usually 2 male and 2 female), each containing approximately 12 bunk beds. If your child/client has a preference for a particular bed (top/bottom), please record that on their application. Please note campers are responsible for providing their own bedding (sleeping bag, twin sheets, blankest, etc.)
We discourage campers from bringing any electronic devices including cell phones to camp; however, we understand that in some cases these items are necessary. Please make sure that electronic devices sent to camp are labeled and noted on the camper’s inventory sheet. CAMP CIVITAN IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST, STOLEN, OR BROKEN ITEMS.
Campers love to receive mail from home while at camp. However, please ensure that you mail these items early so that they arrive while your camper is still at camp. Mail sent from Phoenix usually takes 2 days to get to Williams. All letters and packages should be sent to:
Camp Civitan
C/O (camper’s name)
Box 457
Williams, Arizona 86046
Parents and caregivers are more than welcome to call their camper(s) while they are at camp; however, please note that campers are kept very busy during the day and many times are participating in offsite activities. The best time to call your camper is around the evening mealtime, between 5pm and 7pm. We do ask, however, that you limit your conversations as we have 50 campers during any given week. The camp phone is available in the director’s office and used during designated times only.
Sometimes children are reluctant to attend camp due to homesickness or fear. Having a new individual provide their personal care, being a first-time camper or other reasons. For those campers who experience homesickness, in most cases it quickly passes as the camper becomes busy with activities and making new camp friends. However, sometimes homesickness does not pass or a child may not be ready to attend a full week of overnight summer camp. While campers should come to camp with the intention of spending the entire week, should your child/client experience any of these situations, please be assured that Camp Civitan staff will contact you. Together, we’ll discuss a plan on how to best respond to the situation at hand. Please note however, that transportation is not available for early departures.
Prospective campers and their parents are welcome to make a day visit to Camp Civitan to see if they would like to apply for a camping session, or to prepare for an upcoming camping session. If you and your child would like to visit camp, please contact the Civitan Foundation, Inc., (602) 953-2944 to schedule your visit.
Camp Civitan provides transportation from the Civitan Village, located at 12635 N. 42nd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85032, to Camp Civitan. If parents are unable to drop their child/client off at this location or by the scheduled departure time, then they will need to make other arrangements for their child/client’s transportation to camp.
Camp Civitan has a store onsite. The Camp Canteen sells snacks and drinks ranging in price from .50¢ to $2.00. (Campers are limited to one drink and one snack a day.) The store also carries many logo items such as t‐shirts, long-sleeved shirts, sweatshirts, fleece jackets, hats, water bottles, and much more, ranging in price from $5.00-$20.00. We suggest that any restrictions, dietary or otherwise, be noted on the canteen sheet.
Money for the canteen is collected at check-in (all payment forms are accepted at this time). Unfortunately, once your camper is at camp, cash or check are the only forms of payment that will be accepted at the Camp Canteen. Credit/debit cards are not accepted at this time.
Did You Know?
Respite Services can also be used for Camp Civitan, the Respite Ranch, and After-Hours Recreation Programs at Civitan Village.
Explore our calendars of activities both for community respite & recreation, and camp!
Join Our Team
Working for Civitan Foundation, Inc. is more than just a job. It is an experience that will change your life, and the lives of those you serve, day in and day out. If you are looking for fulfilling, meaningful work, and have a passion for individuals with disabilities, we would love to welcome you to our team!
Why consider a job with Civitan?
- Competitive Pay Rates
- Medical, Vision, Dental and Life Insurance
- Retirement Benefits- 401(k) with Employer Match of 4%
- Free Training Provided- Article 9, CPR First Aid, OSHA
- Flexible Part-Time and Full-Time Positions
- Seasonal and Year-Round Positions
- Fulfilling, Meaningful Work
- Wellness Programs
- Employee Appreciation Perks like Massages, Staff Parties and More!