About Camp
What is Camp Casey?
Camp Casey is a weeklong summer camp for physically disabled children ages 6-17 provided by the North Central Kiwanis Club for over 70 years. Camp is located next to Fort Casey State Park on Whidbey Island in the old WWII army barracks (now owned by SPU). Transportation to and from Camp is provided from the North Seattle area. This camp is fully funded by the Kiwanis Club, so it is free of charge!!
Who is Camp Casey for?
Campers include children with Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Muscular Dystrophy, amputees, and other physical limitations. This is one of the few camps that is specifically for children who are mildly to severely physically challenged and can communicate their needs either verbally or through an augmentative communication device. (The camper's disability must be primarily physical.) Camp often includes children who are non-verbal using communication devices, independent power wheelchair users, and children who require one-on-one help with eating.
Camp Casey is not appropriate for autistic children, children with behavioral issues, children with significant cognitive impairment, or children requiring intensive medical attention.
What do campers do at Camp Casey?
Activities at Camp include swimming, trips to the beach and Fort Casey, a dance, talent show, carnival, parade, and interest groups (cooking, science, sports, etc.). There are often appearances by people such as the Mariner Moose, the Bubble Man, professional magicians, mad scientists, and many more. There is also free time to socialize with friends, visit the arts and crafts hall, or the outdoor covered game area. Campers are given as little or as much assistance needed to fully participate in all activities.
What do campers do at Camp Casey?
Activities at Camp include swimming, trips to the beach and Fort Casey, a dance, talent show, carnival, parade, and interest groups (cooking, science, sports, etc.). There are often appearances by people such as the Mariner Moose, the Bubble Man, professional magicians, mad scientists, and many more. There is also free time to socialize with friends, visit the arts and crafts hall, or the outdoor covered game area. Campers are given as little or as much assistance needed to fully participate in all activities.
Camp Casey Quick Facts
- Camp Casey started in 1931 with about 12 boys one week and about 12 girls the next week. These two weeks were later combined and there are now usually 90-100 campers and about 50 counselors.
- There are counselors on duty in each barracks 24 hours a day.
- On Thursday, everyone makes a trip to the fort for a picnic. Parents are invited as well!
- Everyone gets to go swimming in Camp Casey's heated pool.
- Each camper gets their own T-shirt at the end of the week.
- Laundry services are provided for campers.
- Camp costs about $40,000 to run, all of which is raised by Kiwanis through fundraisers and donations.
- Camp is walking distance from both Fort Casey and the beach, both popular places to go during free time.
- All of the buildings have been equipped with wheelchair ramps and have accessible bathrooms.
View Camper Application Information
Other Camps
If our camp is not the right one for your child, Children's Hospital maintains a list of camps that serve children with many types of special needs.
You can view this online directory at:
http://cshcn.org/resources-contacts/summer-camp-directory
Camp Casey Brochure
Download a PDF Brochure about Camp Casey (from 2008)