Arkansas Spinal Cord Commission

Spinal Cord Commission

Spina Bifida Camp

In cooperation with MedCamps of Arkansas and Camp Aldersgate, ASCC has sponsors one week of residential summer camp at Camp Aldersgate in west Little Rock, AR. for children with spinal cord disabilities ages 6 to 16. This program is provided without consideration of financial eligibility.  The Camp is limited to 40 children.  Applications are mailed to all eligible ASCC clients in early Spring and spaces are reserved on a first come, first served basis upon receipt of a completed application. Each application is reviewed at ASCC and by Camp Aldersgate medical staff to determine that a child’s health needs can be met before the application is approved.

The camp provides typical camp activities such as swimming fishing, archery, extreme sports, arts and crafts, music, nature study and special interest clubs in a fully wheelchair accessible environment (including the swimming pool), providing adaptive equipment when needed.  All Camp staff is trained to the specific needs of children with spinal cord disabilities and medical staff is available 24/7, with nurses on site and a Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine physician on call.  

In addition to fun Camp activities, the residential camp promotes independence, and improvement in developmental, self-care and mobility skills as well as self-esteem. It is often the only opportunity the child has to spend with other children who live with spinal cord disabilities.  An additional benefit of Camp is to provide parents and caregivers a respite in their duties to spend special time with their other children or for their own activities.

For additional information about Spina Bifida Camp, contact the Spina Bifida Camp Coordinator at 501-296-1788 or 1-800-459-1517.

Note:  Spina Bifida Camp week is open to ASCC clients 6 - 16 with any spinal cord disability, not only Spina Bifida.