Camp Riley

For families across Indiana, finding enriching and accessible summer experiences for children with physical and cognitive diagnoses can be a unique challenge. Camp Riley, hosted at the beautiful Bradford Woods in Martinsville, Indiana, is not just a campground; it is a profound and life-changing summer camp specifically designed to empower these children. Since 1955, Camp Riley has been a beacon of inclusion, offering a barrier-free environment where campers can shatter perceived limitations, forge new friendships, and build a stronger sense of independence and confidence. If you're a Hoosier parent seeking a truly special and supportive summer opportunity for your child, Camp Riley merits your close attention.

Unlike typical recreational camps, Camp Riley is a therapeutic camp with a deeply meaningful mission. It's operated by Bradford Woods, Indiana University's Outdoor Center, and made possible through the generous support of Riley Children's Foundation. This unique partnership ensures that the camp provides not only a fun and engaging environment but also comprehensive medical coverage from physicians practicing at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health. This dedication to care, combined with a focus on individual needs, makes Camp Riley a truly exceptional resource within Indiana.

Testimonials from those who have experienced Camp Riley and its host site, Bradford Woods, consistently speak to its positive impact. One reviewer expressed gratitude for the "wonderful staff at Bradford Woods" and the great care they received during a field trip. Another highlighted the "lovely location," noting its easy accessibility from the highway while still providing a tranquil setting away from noise. This article will provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Camp Riley for local residents in Indiana. We’ll explore its specific location and accessibility, the specialized services and programs it offers, and what makes it a highly recommended place for children with diverse needs to thrive.

Our aim is to provide you, the local Indiana user, with comprehensive information, drawing from public data and authentic insights. By the end of this article, you should have a solid understanding of what makes Camp Riley a "beautiful place" that provides "life-changing experiences."

Camp Riley is located at Bradford Woods, Indiana University's Outdoor Center, specifically at 5040 State Road 67 N, Martinsville, IN 46151, USA. This address places the camp in a beautiful, natural setting approximately 20 miles southwest of Indianapolis, nestled in the scenic landscapes surrounding Martinsville, Indiana.

The location offers a perfect balance of serene natural environment and accessibility for families across Indiana. Situated on State Road 67 N, the camp is easy to reach from major highways. One reviewer noted its convenience: "It's easy to get to from the highway and once you're up there you don't even hear the highway." This ensures that while campers and visitors can quickly access the site, they are immersed in a peaceful outdoor setting that feels far removed from urban noise.

For families traveling from Indianapolis, the drive is relatively short and straightforward, allowing for convenient drop-offs, pick-ups, and potential visits. Martinsville itself provides local amenities, including essential services, retail, and dining options that are accessible from the camp. This combination of a secluded, nature-rich environment with practical accessibility makes Bradford Woods, and by extension Camp Riley, an ideal location for its specialized programs. The expansive grounds and natural surroundings of Bradford Woods provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor recreation and therapeutic activities, crucial to the Camp Riley experience.

Camp Riley, as a therapeutic camp for children with physical and cognitive diagnoses, offers a highly specialized array of services designed to meet the unique needs of its campers. These services are extensive and medically supported, ensuring a safe and enriching environment.

• Specialized Summer Camp Sessions: Camp Riley hosts eight unique sessions of summer camps, each designed with specific camper needs in mind. These include sessions for campers with physical disabilities (at various 1:1, 1:2, or 1:3 camper-to-staff ratios), craniofacial anomalies (Camp About Face), Down syndrome (Camp Hi-Lite), Sickle Cell Anemia, and other blood disorders (Camp Independence). There's also Camp Riley+ for adults 18 and over with a physical disability.

• Barrier-Free Environment: A core service is providing a universally accessible and barrier-free camp environment, ensuring that all facilities and activities are designed to accommodate campers with diverse mobility and physical needs.

• 24-Hour Medical Coverage: Physicians practicing at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health provide round-the-clock medical coverage. This includes medical and nursing directors, resident physicians, nurses, and a pharmacy team, offering unparalleled safety and medical support for campers.

• Adapted Recreational Activities: Campers engage in a wide range of activities tailored to their abilities, such as swimming, hiking, horseback riding, vertical climbing, canoeing, archery, fishing, and various art projects. These activities are adapted to ensure participation by all.

• High Staff-to-Camper Ratios: The camp maintains an impressive staff-to-camper ratio that never exceeds 1-to-3, with some sessions offering 1:1 support. This ensures personalized attention and supervision for each camper.

• Beyond the Woods Program: This new initiative for Camp About Face campers matches them with adult mentors who have similar life experiences, providing empowerment and resources on personal challenges, education, and career paths.

• Financial Assistance: Crucially, Riley Children's Foundation ensures that "no camper is turned away due to financial need," making these life-changing experiences accessible to all eligible children regardless of their family's economic situation.

• Professional and Caring Staff: Reviews consistently praise the "wonderful staff at Bradford Woods" and highlight the great care provided, reflecting a team dedicated to the well-being and positive experience of every camper.

Camp Riley stands out due to its exceptional features and highlights, all meticulously designed to provide a safe, empowering, and memorable experience for children and young adults with physical and cognitive diagnoses.

• Empowering Life-Changing Experiences: The core mission and greatest highlight of Camp Riley is its ability to "empower children with physical and cognitive diagnoses by providing life-changing experiences." Campers consistently "shatter perceived limitations, make new friends, and reach higher achievements, returning home with an increased sense of independence and confidence."

• Universally Accessible Facilities: All facilities and activities at Bradford Woods are "designed to be barrier-free." This commitment to universal accessibility ensures that every camper, regardless of their physical abilities, can fully participate in all aspects of camp life, from cabins to activity areas.

• Unparalleled Medical Support: A standout feature is the 24-hour medical coverage provided by physicians and staff from Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health. This includes doctors, nurses, and a pharmacy team, offering peace of mind to parents and ensuring the highest level of care for campers with complex medical needs.

• Diverse Adapted Activities: Campers engage in a wide array of exciting and adapted activities such as swimming, horseback riding, vertical climbing, canoeing, archery, fishing, hiking, and various arts and crafts. These activities are tailored to ensure that every child can participate and succeed.

• High Staff-to-Camper Ratios: With ratios never exceeding 1-to-3, and often offering 1:1 support for specific needs, campers receive personalized attention and guidance, enhancing their safety, learning, and overall experience.

• Support from Riley Children's Foundation: The generous and ongoing support from Riley Children's Foundation is a critical highlight, ensuring that "no camper is turned away due to financial need," making these vital experiences accessible to all eligible families in Indiana.

• Beautiful and Tranquil Location: Located within the "lovely location" of Bradford Woods in Martinsville, the camp offers a "beautiful place" immersed in nature. Its accessibility from the highway, combined with the quiet environment, creates an ideal setting for both adventure and peaceful reflection.

• Experienced and Caring Staff: Reviews consistently commend the "wonderful staff" at Bradford Woods for their dedication and "great care," underscoring the compassionate and professional environment they create for all campers.

• Long-Standing Legacy: Having started in 1955, Camp Riley boasts a rich history of serving campers with disabilities, building a legacy of impactful experiences and continuous improvement in adaptive recreation.

Camp Riley's "promotions" are not based on typical commercial discounts, but rather on its foundational commitment to accessibility and the profound value of the experience it provides. Its primary "special offer" is ensuring that no child is excluded due to financial barriers.

• Needs-Based Financial Assistance: The most significant "special offer" is that "Riley Children's Foundation ensures that no camper is turned away due to financial need." This is a crucial provision that makes Camp Riley accessible to all eligible children in Indiana, regardless of their family's financial situation. While the actual cost of hosting a week-long medical camp can be significant (e.g., about $2,000 per camper), families are encouraged to contribute what they can, but the foundation covers the rest.

• Subsidized Camp Fees: For camps like Camp Independence, it is explicitly stated that the camp is "paid for by a generous gift from the Riley Children's Foundation, allowing our campers to attend camp for FREE!" This highlights a direct subsidy that eliminates financial barriers for specific camp sessions.

• Affordable Camper Fee Options: While a full fee might be listed (e.g., "$415/week" for some general camps at Bradford Woods), lower fees are often available based on household income. Families can contact Bradford Woods directly to discuss a fee reduction.

• Comprehensive Care Included: The extensive medical coverage by Riley Hospital for Children staff, the high staff-to-camper ratios, and the universally accessible facilities are all integral parts of the camp fee, representing an exceptional value in specialized care and programming.

Prospective families interested in Camp Riley should directly contact the Bradford Woods Recreation Therapy team. It is advisable to inquire about:

• Specific camp session dates and availability.

• The application process and deadlines (e.g., priority deadline mentioned as May 12th in previous years).

• Detailed information on financial assistance and fee reduction options based on income or specific diagnoses.

Direct communication will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information on how to access these invaluable opportunities for children with disabilities in Indiana.

For families and individuals interested in learning more about Camp Riley at Bradford Woods, applying for a camp session, or general inquiries, here is the direct contact information:

Primary Address (Bradford Woods / Camp Riley Site):

5040 State Road 67 N, Martinsville, IN 46151, USA

Main Phone Number:

(765) 342-2915

Specific Contact for Camp Riley Applications/Questions:

Sharon Meyers

Phone: (765) 342-2915

Email: shmeye@iu.edu

Riley Children's Foundation (Support and Donations):

Phone: (317) 634-4474

Mailing Address for Donations: Accounts Receivable, 5040 State Road 67 N, Martinsville, IN 46151

Official Website:

The primary source for detailed information, applications, and program specifics is the Indiana University Bradford Woods website, specifically the Recreation Therapy section related to Camp Riley: https://bradfordwoods.iu.edu/Programs/rectherapy/campriley/index.html

Social Media:

Camp Riley often has a presence on social media platforms, which can be found via the Bradford Woods or Riley Children's Foundation pages. These platforms may offer visual insights and updates.

It is highly recommended to reach out directly via phone or email to Sharon Meyers for any specific questions about camp eligibility, session availability, application procedures, and financial assistance. This ensures you receive the most accurate and personalized information for your child's needs.

For Indiana families, particularly those with children facing physical or cognitive diagnoses, Camp Riley at Bradford Woods in Martinsville is not just suitable; it is an invaluable and truly exceptional resource. Its specialized focus, unwavering commitment to accessibility, and robust support system make it a premier destination for empowering children across the state.

Firstly, Camp Riley's core mission to provide "life-changing experiences" for children with disabilities sets it apart. It’s a place where children are not merely accommodated, but truly empowered to "shatter perceived limitations" and build confidence. For Hoosier parents, finding such a dedicated and impactful program that specifically caters to their child's unique needs, enabling them to "be kids" in a safe and supportive environment, is immensely reassuring and beneficial. The diverse range of adapted activities, from horseback riding to climbing, ensures that every child can participate fully and discover new strengths.

Secondly, the unparalleled level of medical support provided by Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health is a critical factor for suitability. The presence of 24-hour medical coverage, including physicians, nurses, and a pharmacy team, offers parents immense peace of mind, knowing their child's health needs are expertly managed. This level of care, combined with high staff-to-camper ratios, means that complex medical conditions are not a barrier to experiencing the joys of summer camp. For families in Indiana who might otherwise face challenges in finding suitable recreational programs due to medical concerns, Camp Riley provides a trusted and secure solution.

Furthermore, the financial accessibility championed by Riley Children's Foundation ensures that no child is turned away due to financial need. This commitment directly benefits Indiana families, making these vital experiences available to all eligible children, regardless of economic background. The beautiful, barrier-free facilities at Bradford Woods further enhance the experience, ensuring that the physical environment itself is welcoming and inclusive.

In conclusion, Camp Riley is a deeply beneficial and profoundly suitable program for Indiana locals. It offers a unique blend of empowering experiences, exceptional medical care, and a supportive community, all within an accessible and beautiful natural setting. For Hoosier families looking for a transformative summer camp experience that truly understands and celebrates children with diverse abilities, Camp Riley is not just an option—it is a beacon of hope and opportunity.