Special Needs Camp Paivika: Giving Opportunities

Make Miracles Happen – Be Part of the “Paivika Spirit”

Open House: Tours and BBQ Sunday, June 10, 2012.

La Jolla Festival of Arts Benefits Camp Paivika

For nearly 65 years, AbilityFirst Camp Paivika has provided an opportunity for miracles to happen for children and adults with mild to severe physical and developmental disabilities.  Our camp allows individuals to show who they are – to capture the “Paivika Spirit,” an amazing attitude of acceptance, inclusion and accomplishment.  As one camper says, “Even though you can’t walk or stand, you can still have fun.” That is why so many participants return year after year to enjoy swimming, horseback riding, sports, arts and crafts, performing arts, campfires and much more – making memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

A week at Camp Paivika provides campers with new challenges, adventures and opportunities on their journeys of self-discovery.  During camp, families gain a much-needed relief from the rigors of caring for their loved ones with disabilities. 

Since late 2009, all state funding for camp for children and adults with disabilities has been eliminated, removing the financial support on which most of our campers depended for many years, and creating an enormous potential budget shortfall for AbilityFirst Camp Paivika.  To address the imminent loss of state funds, AbilityFirst developed a new financial model which incorporates both a private-pay component and dramatically increased fundraising efforts. Our brief video details how camp benefits families and why, more than ever, we need your support.

Campership Campaign

For 2011, campers are being asked to pay to their ability a fee of $825 for five nights of camp, in addition to a required copayment of $150.  Paying for camp represents a significant hardship for a large number of campers and their families.  Funds are urgently needed to provide camperships for those who cannot afford the cost of camp.  So that assistance is available for every camper in need, we must raise between $50,000 and $57,000 by this summer. 

To make an online donation to the Paivika Buddies Campership Campaign for 2011, please go to www.abilityfirst.org/donate, and click on “Paivika Buddies Campership Campaign” on the dropdown menu. 

Program Support for Camp Paivika

Camp fees cover only a portion of the full cost of operating a full-service, well-staffed camp for individuals with special needs.  Support for Camp Paivika’s programs helps to cover the gap between the actual cost of providing the camping experience and the amount campers and their families are asked to pay to their ability.  

To make an online donation to support AbilityFirst Camp Paivika’s programs, please go to www.abilityfirst.org/donate, and click on “Camp Paivika” on the dropdown menu.

Help children and adults with disabilities enjoy the experience of a lifetime at Camp Paivika.  No contribution is too small and every dollar will help to make miracles happen.   With your help, AbilityFirst Camp Paivika will continue to make dreams come true.  Thank you!

For additional information ways to support AbilityFirst Camp Paivika, please contact Kelly Kunsek, Camp Director, at (909) 338-1102, or Juliana Otis, Development Manager, at (626) 639-1734.