Respite Program

CAMP established the Respite Program to help meet the needs of families with special needs children. This program was created to offer parents and/or caregivers the opportunity to enjoy a break from their caretaking responsibilities. Our program events give parents a much needed break with the security of knowing that their children are well cared for and are having a good time. Children will have the opportunity to enjoy recreational activities specifically designed with their special needs in mind.

The Respite Program is comprised of several components: The Respite Club, the HELP Program (an equipment loan program), and training courses to serve teens, para-professionals, and professionals.

Respite Club Services

Families must enroll their child(ren) in the Respite Club in order to participate in any of the respite club events. Siblings are also welcome at Respite Weekends and PNO. Membership affords the family information about, and invitations to, respite club events. Membership dues are $50 for one child and $5 for each additional child and membership is good for the entire Respite season (September to May). Membership must be current to attend events.

• Respite Weekends: This is a monthly program during non-summer months that gives an opportunity for a family to enjoy a weekend break from round-the-clock care often necessary when its child has a developmental disability. Counselors and qualified medical personnel will care for children in a multipurpose, heated/cooled facility at Camp CAMP located 10 miles southeast of Kerrville, Texas. They will ensure an enjoyable and recreational weekend for the children and their siblings. Activities include canoeing, horseback riding, swimming, archery, nature activities, outdoor cooking, and arts/crafts. Parents and family members can relax knowing their children are having a good time. A minimum of 10 children must be registered by the deadline in order for the event to take place.

  • The cost for a weekend ranges from $75-$260. Our adjusted fee - called a campership - enables families to pay according to income level if they cannot afford the full fee.
  • Most Respite Weekends begin on Saturdays with check-in from 10 to 11 am and end on Sundays with pick-up from 3:00 to 3:30 pm. (Staff is not available prior to 10 am for early drop off). There will be a charge of $1 per minute for all children not picked up by 4 pm.
  • Long Respite Weekends begin on Fridays with check-in at 7 pm and end on Sundays with pick-up from 3:00 to 3:30 pm. There will be a charge of $1 per minute for all children not picked up by 4 pm.
  • Confirmation letters, maps, and packing lists are mailed or emailed approximately one week prior to the event.
  • Cancellation policy: If cancellation is within 48 hours of the Respite event, CAMP will retain 10% of that event's fee. If you and your child do not show up at the event without notification, 25% of the fee will be retained. Parents of children who are agency-funded will be responsible for the cancellation fee, rather than their agency.
  • All transportation to and from the event must be arranged by the parent or guardian. CAMP will not transport a child to and from the events.
  • All information about Respite Weekend Events should be directed to the Respite Coordinator at 210-671-8112 (or message left at 210-671-5411).

Download Respite Brochure (require Adobe Acrobat)

• Parent's Nights Out Program (PNO): Childcare and enrichment activity program for current Respite Club members is provided free of charge on scheduled Friday nights for children with developmental disabilities and their siblings to give parents a chance to have a "night out on the town." Check the Calendar of Events for dates, times & age eligibility.

• Parent's Night Out (PNO) serves children aged 6 months to 13 years.
• A Respite Club Application must be filled out and completed with a CAMP physical exam and membership fee for your child to attend an event.
• Children must have dinner prior to attendance of event. A snack and drink are the only refreshment provided.
• All PNO events begin no earlier than 6:00 pm and end no later than 10:00 pm. There will be a charge of $1 per minute for all children not picked up by 10:00 pm.
• To register for a Night's Out Event, consult the Calendar of Events for dates. Parents can sign up by calling 210-671-8112 between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday or register online at www.campapps.org. Registration for a Nights Out Event can occur as early as one month prior to the event and can be no later than the Monday before the event.
  
  
• Teen and Adult Day Adventure (TADA): This is a supervised social program for teens and young adults (14-35 ) with a developmental disability that is scheduled for one weekend per month. Activities have included dinner, movies, sporting events, concerts, and dances. Check the Calendar of Events.The cost to register is free; however, the parent is responsible for the child's meal, admission price (if applicable) and spending money.
• To register for a TADA Event, consult the Calendar of Events for dates. Parents can sign up by calling 210-671-8112 between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday or register online at www.campapps.org. Registration for a Nights Out Event can occur as early as one month prior to the event and can be no later than the Friday of the week before the event.
• The cost of the event is paid for by the parent. CAMP looks for economical events, as well as inquiring about group rates and other speciific discounts offered by the vendors.
• All transportation to and from events is provided by the parent. CAMP does not transport any child to these events. The parent or guardian must check their child in at the event and fill out the appropriate forms. Parents must fill out alternate pickup form if they have made arrangements for their child to be picked up by anyone other than themselves.

The Health Equipment Loan Program (called HELP)

Medical and specialized equipment, such as wheelchairs, walkers, beds, etc. are loaned to families for a contracted period of time. This program operates on a donation to loan basis. Parents interested in borrowing equipment or supplies should contact the CAMP Office at 210-671-5411 to arrange for a time to come into the office and to fill out the appropriate paperwork. Equipment is on loan for one year or less with an unlimited number of renewals.

Respite Application: Click the link www.campapps.org

For further information please call 210-671-8112 or email arlene.gomez@campcamp.org