What is Camp ReCreation?
Camp ReCreation and its affiliate camps are residential camp programs for adults and children with developmental disabilities, offering participants opportunities for fun, social interaction and spiritual growth while providing valuable respite for parents and care givers.
Supported by Catholic Charities of Orange County & sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, our camp has been serving persons with special needs since 1978.
Where is the camp held?
Camp ReCreation is held at the Marywood Pastoral Center owned and operated by the Catholic Diocese of Orange County (2811 East Villa Real, Orange, CA).
Who attends camp ReCreation?
Camp ReCreation serves adults and children with all types of developmental disabilities including Down Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and more.
Fun Facts!
In 2008, Camp ReCreation served 85 campers: 80 were returning campers, 70 have attended Camp ReCreation for 5 or more years and 50 have attended for more than 10 years. Campers in 2008 ranged in age from 18 to 56 years of age Camp ReCreation serves campers throughout Southern California including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernadino and San Diego counties.
Who are the staff at the camp?
Camp ReCreation is staffed entirely by volunteers, from high school students to grandparents, who generously share their time, energy, and talents.
Camp ReCreation operates with a 1-to-1 camper-to-counselor ratio. In 2008, Camp ReCreation was staffed by 146 volunteers - 105 were returning staff, 45 have volunteered with Camp ReCreation for 5 or more years.
How is the camp funded?
A nonprofit organization, Camp ReCreation is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and generous donations from the community. Based on this level of generosity our camp is provided to the campers at a very small fee. No camper is turned away for inability to pay.
How can you help?
Volunteering Your Services
We need approximately 100 volunteers each summer. We need approximately 15 volunteers annually to help with administrative duties and functions.
Sponsoring a Camper
Camp ReCreation is made possible only through the generous support of our donors. Donations of any size are always welcome and appreciated and all gifts to Camp ReCreation are tax deductible. Donations should be made payable to Catholic Charities of Orange County—Camp ReCreation.
Donating Services or Goods
The cost of camp is drastically reduced when we receive in-kind donations of goods and services.
If you or your company is able to assist with office supplies, camp supplies, food, sports equipment, pool rentals, travel, etc., please contact us directly at camp@ccoc.org. All donations are tax deductible.
Thank you in advance for helping to ensure the longevity of our program and our continued ability to provide opportunities for future campers.