Camp Little Giant at Touch of Nature offer participants an eye-opening view of their own capabilities and the belief that they can increase their confidence and independence.
Camp Little Giant is our most popular summer residential program. CLG is located on the shore of Little Grassy Lake, near the Shawnee National Forest, with access to an outdoor playground full of adventure! Constant activity takes place at the camp's boat dock, beach, arts and craft area, dining hall, and lodges.
Our philosophy is that the campers "can do." We offer them an eye-opening view of their own capabilities and the belief that they can increase their confidence and independence.
About Camp Little Giant
Six to eight campers are housed in each rustic cabin, with washhouses nearby. In each cabin there is a minimum of two counselors who are supported by activity specialists in various program areas; nurses, activity coordinators, volunteers, cooks, and other support staff. The staff work diligently to provide campers with the best possible supervision and camping experience.
Nurses staff the camp dispensary 24 hours a day, they also administer medications, handle routine first aid, and respond to illness and medical emergencies. Student nurses gain valuable experience supporting the nurses in their duties. The Carbondale Clinic and Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, if necessary, provide additional medical service.
Like most camps, Camp Little Giant offers the great experiences of the out-of-doors. Camp Little Giant, however, is more than just an outdoor experience; it is an adventure in learning and growth.
Who does Camp Little Giant serve?
Camp Little Giant has many programs designed to meet the needs of anyone! Specialized programs have been designed for individuals with physical and developmental disabilities, visual and hearing impairments, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, autism, ADD/ADHD, traumatic brain injuries and special needs individuals.
Camp Little Giant has served campers with disabilities since 1952. With a strong focus on creating awareness, we provide programs to friends and family of youth and adults with disabilities.
How long are summer camping sessions?
Summer sessions are either one or two weeks in length. Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis and campers may wish to register for more than one session.
What is the procedure for applying?
We accept applications starting in January for the upcoming summer. Scholarships and reservations are first-come, first-serve. Write or call for a brochure, application, and schedules.
Staff members at Camp Little Giant are chosen for their experience, maturity, and desire to work with people with disabilities. Most counseling staff and activity specialists are from colleges and universities and are majoring in fields such as special education, therapeutic recreation, rehabilitation, outdoor education, and physical therapy. They regard working at Camp Little Giant as an important professional experience and are dedicated to providing the campers with the best possible experience. All staff members participate in an intensive pre-camp training to familiarize them with our camp programs, responsibilities, emergency procedures, skill training, certifications, and other areas important to camp safety.
There are several ways you can contribute to Camp Little Giant! Please contact us for more information on how you can help.
Volunteers:
All volunteers must have a background check on file before supervising campers. Volunteers provide a variety of skills, talents, and support to enhance the quality of our programs.
Interns and Fieldwork Students:
Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Management, Rehabilitation, Outdoor Recreation, and other students often fulfill scholastic requirements through involvement with Camp Little Giant.
Staff:
We hire energetic, dedicated, creative, and compassionate individuals during our summer season. This experience is not for the meek! It is hard work, but the rewards last a lifetime
Donations:
To keep costs to campers low, we accept equipment and financial donations from anyone willing to lend a hand! If you have something you feel would benefit our Camp Little Giant program, or would like to make a financial donation, please contact us or click Make A Gift
Camperships/Scholarships:
We work hard to find funding for every adult and child who wishes to come to camp. Camperships and scholarships make it possible for many who would otherwise be unable to attend. The amount of scholarships given each year is dependent upon donations received throughout the year. If you would like to sponsor an individual to attend camp, please contact us. Checks may be made payable to SIU Foundation/Touch of Nature. Some choose to provide funding for someone in their community, while others donate to anyone who may need the support. We, and most certainly the campers, would appreciate any support you could give.
Referrals:
We are always looking for new campers and new programs! If you know someone you think may be interested, tell him or her about us. If you have any program ideas, let us know. We welcome change and growth!
THE BOTTOM LINE:
If you are interested in helping Camp Little Giant, there is ALWAYS a way. We appreciate any and all support, as your help makes our camp and the experience at Camp Little Giant even better!
Facilities:
- Camp Offices
- Dispensary with 24 hour on duty nursing staff
- Kitchen with two dining areas
- 17 rustic cabins for campers with restroom and shower facilities nearby
- Nature Pavilion
- Outdoor Chapel overlooking the lake, providing drama area
- Arts and Crafts Center
- Beach
- Tent camping site
- Sports and game field
Activities:
*Activities vary according to camping programs.
- Arts and Crafts
- Bead Making
- Bowling
- Campouts
- Campcraft
- Campfire Activities
- Canoeing
- Caving Trips
- Cookouts
- Cultural Activities
- Dancing
- Drama
- Evening Activities
- Fishing
- Games and Sports
- High Ropes Course
- Hiking
- Horseback Riding
- Horseshoes
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- Initiatives/Group Challenges
- Low Ropes Course
- Music/Songs
- Native American Lore
- Nature/Environmental Activities
- Night Hikes
- Orienteering
- Paddleboats
- Plays
- Pontoon Rides
- Rappelling
- Rock Climbing
- Ropes Courses
- Skits
- Special Events/Trips
- Special Hikes
- Swimming
- Talent Shows
- Water Games
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| ....and more... |
Camp Little Giant Flyer
