Adult Summer Camp
A camp experience tailored for adults with developmental disabilities.Experience fun and engaging week-long overnight sessions at Quest’s Camp Thunderbird, designed exclusively for adults with developmental disabilities.
2025 Summer Camp registration is now open!
2025 Sessions
Session 1: June 8 – June 13, 2025
Session 2: June 15 – June 20, 2025
Session 3: June 22 – June 27, 2025
Session 4: June 29 – July 4, 2025
Session 5: KIDS CAMP, July 13 – July 18, 2025
Session 6: July 20 – July 25, 2025
Session 7: July 27 – August 1, 2025
Session 8: August 3 – August 8, 2025
Weekend Stayovers Available: $400 per weekend
Activities
Guests choose activities based on personal interests and preferences. Activities vary within the program and include sports and games, archery, pool time, arts and crafts, canoeing, nature studies and more! Through choice programming, guests take ownership of their experience, allowing a schedule that best caters to desired outcomes and goals.
Stayovers
Stayovers allow camp guests to stay the weekend and bridge the gap between sessions.
Program Eligibility
Eligibility is based on present medical or behavioral concerns and our ability to ensure safe and adequate supervision for all guest needs. We are not equipped for individuals who cause physical harm to fellow guests, require feeding tubes, Foley catheters, dialysis, ventilators or have a tracheostomy.
Staff-to-Guest Ratio
Quest’s Camp Thunderbird typically provides one staff member for every four guests (1:5 ratio). If someone requires additional care (determined by the camp director), we may provide a 1:1 ratio (at an additional $100 per day). This one-on-one supervision is tailored to meet the individual’s needs and fully engage them in an appropriate and exciting program. Special needs vary in range and can include autism, Asperger’s syndrome, ADD, ADHD, developmental delays, gross and fine motor delays, Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SID) and genetic disorders.
Two Vacations in One
The physical and behavioral challenges associated with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities often limit opportunities to relax, socialize and have fun. Quest’s Camp Thunderbird’s six-day overnight sessions provide parents and guardians a break from the demands of 24-hour caregiving. For many families, this respite is their first chance to relax, spend time with friends or even take a vacation knowing that their loved one is receiving quality care and attention.
Age-Specific Programming
Age-specific programming ensures that all the unique recreational and developmental needs of the participants are met.
Camp Thunderbird’s Goals and Objectives
At Camp Thunderbird, we set goals for our guests during their stay at Camp. Below are the goals listed along with how each one will be achieved.
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Goal #1
- To provide an engaging, fun, age and developmentally appropriate recreational experience for adults with developmental disabilities
- Guests will be able to participate in traditional camp activities daily including arts & crafts, music & drama, sports & games, nature, social hour, canoeing, swimming, and archery
- Guests will experience learning opportunities in their activities in areas such as: self-expression, teamwork, motor functions, and socialization
Goal #2
- To provide opportunities for guests to grow and practice independence
- Guests will make choices daily about the activities they participate in
- Guests will be participating in cabin housekeeping, personal hygiene, and mealtime etiquette
Guests will perform activities independently to the extent possible
Goal #3
- To increase guest’s abilities to form positive relationships
- Guests will live in cabins with other individuals where they participate in group activities and get-to-know-you games
- Guests will have the opportunity to participate in 5 activities daily in groups of 10-20 individuals
- Guests will have the opportunity to socialize with all other guests at each evening program
- Guests will experience cultural diversity through living in cabins with a diverse group of individuals as well as working with team members of differing nationalities
Goal #4
- To increase guest’s self-esteem
- Guests will receive positive feedback from staff as warranted
- Guests will receive recognition at weekly guest award ceremonies
- Guests will have the opportunity to try new and be successful at activities that they may not have had the ability to try elsewhere such as canoeing and archery
Goal #5
- To provide respite for guests’ families
- Guest’s families will be able to enjoy their time while knowing their guest is at camp, receiving quality care and attention
Contact Us
For more information on adult offerings, please email us. Or give us a call at (407) 237-7336.
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Camp Thunderbird is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), which verifies that the camp complies with health, safety and program standards.
We are committed to providing a respectful and inclusive environment for everyone regardless of abilities, race, religion, sexual orientation, or income. View our full inclusion statement.
Program support provided in part by
AdventHealth
City of Orlando
Elks Lodge Apopka
The Ability Experience
The Bond Foundation
The Chesley G. Magruder Foundation
The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism
The Orange County East Rotary Foundation
VNA Foundation
Zellwood Station Red Caps