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Welcome to Lifespan Respite WA
These free Family Camp Respite Retreats are for individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD) and their families. Family Camp Respite Retreat dates are reserved for families with a Family Camp Voucher from Lifespan Respite WA.
Priority will be given to families with family members who identify as Black/African American, Hispanic, American Indian/Native-American/Alaska Native, Asian American, Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian, or Two or more races.
The camps are free because Lifespan Respite WA received a grant from the Dan Thompson Account.
The camps are offered due to the determination of the late Dan Thompson-a young man with Down Syndrome – and his family. He and his family “rode on the crest of change,” and fought for his right to be valued, belong, and be included in all aspects of life in the same ways that a non-disabled person would. The Dan Thompson Account is one of Dan’s many legacies and is funding this Family Camp Respite Retreat program.
What is a Family Camp Respite Retreat?
Family camps are for families rather than individual campers. A “respite retreat” camp is when family members who usually take care of a family member with a disability can take breaks during the camp, while the person with a disability (the “camper”) goes to group activities supported by trained staff. Staff may be assigned 1:1 or 1:2 or 1:3 to campers based on what a camper needs to enjoy a particular activity.
Camps which host family respite camps/retreats offer all the usual activities you’d find at a day or overnight camp. Camps decide which activities may be available based on weather and on campers’ supports. Family members are free to join activities along with their family member with I/DD, do an activity on their own, or use camper activity time for respite while enjoying camp amenities. Siblings who meet camp age limit requirements are free to take part in activities without adult family members, and to either join an activity with their sibling with I/DD or on their own. Activities may include:
- Drama/Talent Show
- Movie Night
- Drum Circle
- Archery
- Sing-a-longs
- Arts and Crafts
- Campfire/Barbeque
- Stargazing
- Scavenger Hunts
- Field games/Lawn games
Get dates and apply for a Family Camp Voucher!
New on the website! the Caregiver Respite Tool
USEFUL FOR PEOPLE CARING FOR VETERANS–AND NON-VETERANS!
From the Veterans Administration–the Caregiver Respite Tool. We think this tool may be helpful for anyone who is a family caregiver for any family member, friend, or neighbor. Respite works best when it fits you in your own particular situation. “Respite care allows you, as a caregiver, time away from your caregiving responsibilities. We understand finding time for yourself can be difficult and this tool is designed to help define who you are as a caregiver and take action steps to finding time for you“.