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YMCA's Camp Ohiyesa Doug Grimm says the outdoor summer camp experience should be open to every child — including those with special needs.

But traditionally, most summer camps for special needs kids have been classroom-based, offering little if any recreational opportunities like horseback riding, fishing, swimming, archery and other activities available to the average child, he said.

That's about to change for kids in the Huron Valley and throughout metro Detroit.

Thanks to a budding partnership of the YMCA with Huron Valley educators Barry Feldman and Darlene Garrison, Camp Ohiyesa is now home to Camp Blue Sky, a brand new camp for special needs kids.

“We're exploring a lot of new ground here,” said Grimm. “I'm very excited about it.”

Camp Blue Sky, called “a camp within a camp,” will give special needs kids the same benefits and programs of the YMCA's Ohiyesa day camp, but will be staffed by specially trained counselors at a ratio of one adult for every five kids, compared to the regular camp's adult-to-camper ratio of one to 10.

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Barry Feldman takes a turn on the zip line at Camp Ohiyesa, where he's helping to start Camp Blue Sky for special needs kids. The zip line is just one of many outdoor activities available to campers. (Aileen Wingblad)
Learn more about the program by calling
(248) 529-3760 or e-mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

All of Camp Blue Sky's staffers are experienced and dedicated to special needs children, said Grimm. Many of them work throughout the school year with special needs students — like Garrison, a paraprofessional at Highland Elementary School who has been involved in Special Olympics for more than a decade. Feldman, assistant principal at Highland Middle School, has a day camp background and has worked with special needs kids at his school and previously at Oak Valley Middle School.

Grimm said parents of special needs children have asked him time and again about day camp that can accommodate their youngsters. Some fit in well at the regular camp, but it just isn't appropriate for all, he said. Camp counselors are typically college students, without the training needed to supervise special needs children, he explained.

So when Garrison and Feldman approached Grimm a few months ago about partnering with them for Camp Blue Sky, he jumped at the opportunity.

"Our motto at the YMCA is we're open to all. Now we can really make that happen,” Grimm said.

The 300-acre Camp Ohiyesa is just north of Highland, in Rose Township along Hickory Ridge Road. The camp has a lake for fishing, swimming and canoeing, horse stable and trails, climbing wall, zip line, large lodge for meals, archery, farm animals and more.

For Camp Blue Sky, the programs will be adapted or modified for the campers' individual needs, Garrison said. Kids will be placed in “trail groups” of about 10 campers each, staffed by at least two counselors.
 

“And it's all challenge by choice,” Garrison said. That means the youngsters will be encouraged — but not forced — to try different activities.

“We're already getting positive feedback on this from parents who are hearing about Camp Blue Sky — and I'm thrilled,” Garrison said. “I am looking forward to watching the kids' faces as they experience these things and engage in all the activities.”

Camp Blue Sky will cost about $399 per weekly session, which includes lunch and a snack. Hours run 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. extended care available at an additional cost. Transportation will not be provided.

The camp is for ages 8-18 .  Adult sessions will be available through out the summer as well.

“What will the kids walk away with? A sense of independence,” Grimm said. “They'll interact with others, without their parents. They'll make new friends. They'll put their trust in others, and when they accomplish something new they will feel really good about themselves.

“Some parents get into the mode of thinking, ‘my kid has special needs. They can't do those types of things',” Grimm said. “Well, yes they can. What I say to them is there's no reason for your kids to stay home this summer.”

Sessions at Camp Blue Sky begin June 28.