Partners in Inclusion at a Residential Summer Camp: A Case Study

This study examines the success of a partnership-driven inclusive camping program. Following a social justice philosophy, Camp Crystal Sands developed their inclusive camp program with assistance from Project Rainbow. Project Rainbow specializes in assisting camps with the inclusion process, and is a subsidiary of Reach for the Rainbow. This camp arrangement was selected for study as a potential reflection of best practices in inclusive camping. Participant observation, document analysis, and interviews gathered during a week-long summer camping session and examined to determine the effectiveness of the partnership and the achievement of inclusion goals. Results and recommendations are presented, including discussion of the importance of utilizing a camp-wide approach that trains all staff to work directly with campers with disabilities.