Partners in Adventure
 Day Camp

celebrating diverse abilities


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History

In the fall and winter of 2000, Deborah Lamden, the mother of a teen with cerebral palsy, started a two-week summer ‘pilot program’ called Partners In Adventure (PIA). Over 20 community organizations were invited to collaborate in the development of Partners In Adventure camp. Twelve organizations have continued this collaboration. 

 

PIA was created in response to stated concerns heard through interviews with families and professionals over a six-year period about the lack of joint summertime social and recreational experiences for teens with and without disabilities throughout northern Vermont. Parents and professionals saw a need for a camp-style program specifically designed to give non-disabled and disabled young people access to summertime activities in a completely inclusive setting. Children with disabilities become increasingly isolated as they enter their teens, a time when athletic and verbal skills become more essential to building relationships with peers. 

PIA is the only summer program in Vermont providing fully accessible, adaptive, inclusive and totally non-competitive programming for young people with a full range of physical and developmental abilities. Offering full inclusion by partnering young people with and without disabilities, has grown into an 8-week camp.

Mission

The mission of PIA is to provide a fully inclusive and accessible social and recreational experience. The camp is designed to honor diversity by partnering young people 12 to 22, with and without disabilities, to build partnerships in which each person has the chance to safely explore, lend a helping hand and learn more about the world.

Partners In Adventure is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.

Programming

Our campers reflect the full range of abilities. So we program adaptive activities that insure access and enjoyment for each and every one. PIA staff and visiting instructors strive to provide camp experiences geared to every campers abilities. All of our workshops are led by skilled instructors with a proven sensitivity to wide-ranging learning styles. Equipment and teaching techniques are chosen and even modified on site to ensure the success of each camper.

PIA Advisory Board

All camp programming is inclusive, non competitive and adapted to allow each and every camper full access to all the activities and workshops.

PIA has become accepted as a location for campers with special needs on IEPs to receive their summer services. In 2005, we formed a team of professionals, including parents of teens with disabilities, a special education paraprofessional, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist and a speech pathologist to help design programming that enhances appropriate skill building through camp activities. By addressing the Vermont Standards in Education, we now offer a guide to help parents and professionals understand how PIA can serve their camper’s special educational needs and IEP goals.

 

Community Partners

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports,

Shelburne Farms

Burlington Parks and Recreation Department

Colchester Recreation Department

Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center

South Burlington Recreation Department

Essex Junction Recreation Department

Essex Recreation Department

Racquet’s Edge Health and Fitness Center

Parent to Parent of Vermont

City Market

BPOE 916 Elks and Eldoes Club

 

Partners In Adventure Staff

Deborah Lamden, Executive Director, 

Sue Minter, Administrative Assistant

Board of Directors

Deborah Lamden
Founding Director, PIA
President

Liz Robitaille
Vice-President

Cathy Bergeron
Co-Secretary

George Tyler
Co-Secretary

Carla Mazza
Treasurer

Michael Gannon


Kathleen Boyce


Ann Schmidt

 

Contact Information

Telephone    (802) 425-2638      

FAX   (802) 425-2638 (call in advance)

Mailing Address   PO Box 867, Shelburne, VT 05482

Deborah Lamden, Executive Director

E-mail   dlamden@gmavt.net

 

   

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