The Family Camp Respite Retreat Program is closed as the final camp, in June 2025, is full, including the waitlist.

We are not accepting any more Family Camp Voucher Applications.

These free Family Camp Respite Retreats are for:

• Individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD) and their families,
• If you have 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, we especially invite you to apply. (Identifying family members must be planning to attend the camp).
• The family member with I/DD and the primary family member who cares for the person with I/DD must live in Washington State.

Family Camp Respite Retreat dates are reserved for families with a Family Camp Voucher from Lifespan Respite WA. (see how to apply for a voucher below).

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. Possible activities include:

Frequently Asked Questions and Important Facts

Who is a “family member”? We define families broadly and understand families come in many different variations, including people who are not formally related to each other, such as a very good friend, a neighbor, or someone considered a relative in your culture. All are welcome and any can be invited. If the camp can’t fit everyone you would like to attend, we’ll contact you to work that out.

Both camps have age limits on who can come to camp. Limits are based on camp policies, which are based on staffing and licensing requirements. 

Camp Beausite: Age 6 and above may attend camp
Camp Stand By Me: Age 7 and above may attend camp

Locations, camp website links, dates:

Camp Beausite NW: 510 Beausite Lake Road, Chimacum, WA 98325 

Camps at Camp Beausite took place in January, March, and April of 2025.

EasterSeals Camp Stand By Me 17809 S Vaughn Rd NW, Key Center, WA 98394

 #3 Friday-Sunday, June 6-8

THIS CAMP AND ITS WAITLIST ARE FULL. NO MORE APPLICATIONS CAN BE ACCEPTED.

How Do We Apply for a Family Camp Voucher?

We are sorry, but the Family Camp Program is closed because the final camp in June is fully booked and the waitlist is also full.