Camp Agape
Serving persons with developmental disabilities
Camp Agape participants hike, canoe, fish, swim, and play games requiring some physical ability alongside their camp “buddies.” Our integrated groups serve about six campers per two team members or volunteers.
Quick Links:
Agape Holiday Weekend Retreats
Agape Summer Events
Camp Buddies
What is Camp Agape
Is Camp Agape right for my camper?
Summer Camp Registration open!
Camp Agape Summer Programs
Camp Agape provides persons with disabilities an opportunity to enjoy camp, going outside to explore nature and to experience the love of Jesus and the friendship of other campers and their "camp buddies."
Walcamp evaluates the needs of each individual to determine the best program fit for them.
June 29th- July 3rd, 2025
Price $575
All campers will be waitlisted at registration. We will be in contact with you are space becomes available. If you have any questions please call the office at: 815-784-5141
Integrated Programs
Integrated Programs are for independent campers and may include active (running) games with other youth programs. Supervision for integrated programs is typically 6 campers to 2 staff or volunteer.
Dedicated Programs
Dedicated Programs are for campers requiring closer personal attention to make camp a success. Supervision for dedicated programs is typically 2 campers to 1 staff or volunteer.
Camp Buddies
Camp Buddies are Walcamp team members or volunteers who participate alongside Camp Agape campers to provide friendship, conversation, and occasional assistance as there is a need.
The independent camper can care for his or her self. They are reasonably mobile on flat terrain, and ideally can navigate rough terrain with minimal assistance. This camper can use the restroom, shower and dress completely
on their own, with perhaps a little verbal prompting. This camper requires minimal supervision and does not require more one-on-one attention than might be expected of any other person interacting in a group setting.
The semi-independent camper can care for his or her self with minimal assistance from a care giver. They are reasonably mobile on flat surfaces but may require help on rough terrain or stairs. Assisting this person may include verbal prompts to remember a certain item or specific tasks. This camper can use the restroom, shower and dress completely, although they may need verbal reminders to wash their hands, or to remember which article of clothing to put on next. This camper requires closer supervision, but can still function within a group setting.
The semi-dependent camper requires assistance when caring for his or her self. This person may be verbal or non-verbal. They may require help when moving over flat surfaces. This camper can use the restroom on their own, perhaps with verbal prompts or mirroring actions, and may need minimal assistance in the shower, such as pouring soap onto a wash cloth, or with dressing, such as being handed clothing items or getting into shirt sleeves or shoes. They may require assistance at meals. The semi-dependent camper may also be physically independent but require individual attention for emotional support or for closer supervision due to behavioral challenges.
The dependent camper requires assistance when caring for his or her self. This person may be non-verbal. They may be visually impaired or hard of hearing. They may require transportation assistance. This person may require help using the restroom, putting on disposable undergarments, showering or dressing. They may require assistance at meals. This individual may also need help getting into and out of a wheelchair. In some cases, a physically able person may be considered dependent for emotional or other needs.
Campers who require constant 1:1 supervision or who require injections or disposable undergarments are asked to bring a caregiver with them to this retreat at no extra cost. Walcamp does not discriminate based on needs or diagnosis. We seek to provide a quality experience to each individual who attends... and have learned that some needs are beyond our abilities to provide a safe or comfortable experience.
If you are uncertain which program best fits your situation, please ask us! We evaluate the needs of each individual on a case-by-case basis and can help you determine the best program fit for your participant.
Summer Camp Registration open!
"Camp Buddies"
- Our Agape volunteers attend as "Camp Buddies," participating in activities alongside our campers and staff, providing assistance as needed and just hanging out with them as a friend.
- Volunteers can be high-school age or older. Our regularly attending campers range from about age 25-60.
- There is currently no charge for volunteers, although donations to help cover meal costs are appreciated.
