SUMMER CAMP
The enriching and memorable summer experience every child deserves.
Our therapeutic summer camp provides physical, social, and cultural enrichment for ages 3-24 within the tri-county area who have disabilities. Our 50 participants enjoy extensive physical activity, while at the same time providing necessary individual physical, occupational, and speech therapy as identified through a pre-camp evaluation. The impact of our camp builds substantial and demonstrable life skills and social development for individuals with disabilities who would otherwise not have the enjoyment of a traditional summer camp experience.
Daily Activities
Each day at Summer Camp, campers experience fun activities such as field trips to the Aquarium, ice skating, visits from Birds of Prey and more. Pattison’s is committed to making summer camp as traditional for campers as possible.
Cultivating Inclusion
By exposing our community to the capabilities and character of our population, we can improve the sensitivity and competency of our fellow Lowcountry citizens. Together, we will promote a stronger inclusion of individuals with disabilities within our community.
Community-Based Initiatives
Successfully navigating a power wheelchair around obstacles at the Aquarium, scanning groceries at Publix, or using a communication device to order lunch at a local restaurant, our community-based initiatives let our children practice newly developed independent living skills in the Charleston community.
For Parents
Caring for children with disabilities is challenging, complex, and at times overwhelming. Our summer camp helps to support working parents during the summer months, allowing them to remain in the workforce.
Camp Information
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Camp spots are limited and are filled on a first come first serve basis.
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Camp Tuition: This year we are pleased to offer several payment options for the $1,300 camp tuition. Please review the options below and let us know which one you'd like to pursue:
Full Payment by Check: Submit the full tuition via check made payable to Pattison's Academy. Checks can be delivered directly to Tyler Hendricks, Director of Operations, or mailed to: P.O. Box 80426, Charleston, SC, 29416
Scholarship Application: You may apply for scholarships, though please know that scholarships are not guaranteed. Additional information will be provided as soon as it becomes available.
Income-Based Sliding Scale: We also offer an income-based sliding scale option. Please note that additional paperwork will be required to apply for this option.
Payment Plan: If you would prefer, we can arrange a payment plan that works for you, to be agreed upon with camp administration.
We ask that all camp tuition payments be completed by May 30, 2025
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Our Traditional Summer Camp Program may be a good fit for your child if they would benefit from at least two rehabilitative therapy services (such as OT, PT, or Speech Therapy), they have increased medical needs, or they have been diagnosed with a moderate to severe intellectual disability
Our Buddy Program may be a good fit for your child if they would benefit from rehabilitative therapy services (such as OT, PT, or Speech Therapy), and they have been diagnosed with a mild-moderate intellectual disability.
Our Junior Counselor Program may be a good fit for your child if they would benefit from rehabilitative therapy services (such as OT, PT, or Speech Therapy), and they have been diagnosed with a mild to moderate intellectual disability.
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Want to learn more about camp? View our Family Interest Packet
¿Es Pattison’s una buena opción? - Paquete de Interés Familiar
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Families with economic hardships identified through the camp application process may be eligible to receive funding. If applicable, Camp Administration will communicate directly with those families.
If you would like to give to the fund or learn more about Rivy’s life, click here.
Our Buddy Program provides a small group camp experience for children ages 13-16 with mild/moderate disabilities. This camp program promotes independence and social skills while providing a full camp experience. Buddy Program participants also participate in community-based instruction and on-site programming while receiving appropriate therapies and support.
Our Junior Counselor program provides post-secondary opportunities for young adults with disabilities aged 17 to aged 24. Individuals experience practice and exposure to new experiences for independence and social skills. Junior Counselors discover adaptive fitness, collaborative experiences with local programs, community-based instruction, and job skills that challenge their abilities.
Junior Counselor & Buddy Programs
Interested in becoming a Camp Partner?
Camp is our only program that relies fully on the support of our community.
View our Community Partner Packet to learn more about why you should get involved!
Summer Camp Job Opportunities
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Lead Counselor
Want to join us and make a difference this summer? As a lead camp counselor, you’ll lead your group of camp counselors in ensuring that our camp programming is individualized to your team of campers!
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Camp Counselor
Want to discover abilities and share joy this summer? As a camp counselor, you’ll be responsible for two campers and ensuring our camp programming is individualized to their abilities. Counselors will be assigned to a group of no more than 10 campers under the supervision of a Lead Counselor.