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Circle of Friends Camps are for children with developmental disabilities and their families. These amazing camps provide a place for community and understanding with respite care for caregivers, and a whole lot of camp fun for the kids. Volunteers care for the children during the camp day while parents take time for a walk, a nap, a book, a swim, or fellowship with others. A volunteer shared “I came to care for these children, but I have received so much more back from them than I could ever give! How to love, accept people, and be present for another – it’s not complicated, but these are the most important things!” It is because of the generosity of many that Circle of Friends is free for all participating families and volunteers.
Gilmont is pleased to have events for families to come and have respite care for the parents and caregivers with children that have developmental disabilities. Each year we are able to offer this care for over 30 families. Circle of Friends is supported by individuals, churches, and foundations each year to make sure that we can offer these events at no cost to the families. Families with children that have developmental disabilities have many doctors and bills so it is very important to offer these weekends at no cost. Please note that your family may only attend one weekend a year, so that we are able to accommodate as many families as possible.
Applications will open to returning families on Wednesday, October 18. As a returning family, you may register for any weekend that is available – you are not limited to the same weekend you have attended in the past. If you are a returning family, please use the same email (username) and password that you used previously – please do not create a new account. You can use the “forgot my password” link to be sent a link to reset your password if you have forgotten.
One adult from your family will register for the entire family. The adult who is doing the registration will be the primary adult, and you will add additional adults and children to the account. Please make sure you are selecting the weekend you wish to attend and that all family members are added to that same camp as well. All forms are mandatory for your application to be submitted. You are able to save progress on forms and come back to them to complete if needed.
Applications will open to new families on Wednesday, October 25. New families may apply to any weekend that is available.
Each year Circle of Friends Camps bring in about 120 volunteers each year to come and provide respite care for families. A volunteer can receive 30 hours for each weekend.
Circle of Friends is supported by individuals, churches, and foundations each year to make sure that we can offer these events at no cost to the families. Families with children that have developmental disabilities have many doctors and bills so it is very important to offer these weekends at no cost.
Upcoming Camp Dates:
Circle of Friends camps are made possible because of the generosity of others. Through financial gifts, event sponsorship, and volunteer opportunities, Circle of Friend Partners will have a direct, tangible, and immediate impact on the children, families, and healthcare professionals whom we serve.
Organizations can make contributions in any amount to support the camp’s operation, a specific program, or targeted giving campaign. Giving opportunities may be designated to underwrite Circle of Friends Weekends or Event Sponsorship.
Volunteers provide invaluable help with camp clean-up, program support, office work, and special events through a variety of volunteer projects. If you are interested in volunteering for one of the Circle of Friends events please contact us at [email protected]
Circle of Friends has special event opportunities throughout the year for involvement through event attendance or sponsorship, team participation, and advertising. For a list of upcoming events, please see our Upcoming Events.
Through in-kind donation programs, organizations can market their products and services while supporting the needs of our camp. Wish List items are used throughout the year and are essential to our campers’ experience
Circle of Friends is supported by individuals, churches, and foundations each year to make sure that we can offer these events at no cost to the families. Families with children that have developmental disabilities have many doctors and bills so it is very important to offer these weekends at no cost.
These camps are all full for 2024. Registration for 2025 dates will open mid-October. Contact us to learn more.
January 13-15, 2024
May 18-20, 2024
August 3-5, 2024
August 31-September 2, 2024
No Cost!
Circle of Friends is supported by individuals, churches, and foundations each year to make sure that we can offer these events at no cost to the families. Families with children that have developmental disabilities have many doctors and bills so it is very important to offer these weekends at no cost.
Whether coming for summer camp, day camp, a retreat or your own facility rental, Gilmont has a lot of activities to offer. Here are some of our most popular.
Take your next step to get involved at Gilmont! We are excited to have you and look forward to having you experience the community and reconnection with nature here.
