Summer Program Guide

2018

When summer rolls around, it’s time for fun action-packed days filled with camp, activities trips and more! Once again, Friendship Circle will be offering exciting camps and programs for children with special needs. Click on the pictures below to learn about each of the programs offered during the summer.

Miracle League

iCan Bike

Summer Day Camp

Summer Teen Camp

Overnight Camp

Click on a program above to learn more…

Program Registration Volunteer Registration

Early Bird Special before April 1st (Discount Code: Summer18)

Summer Day Camp

Summer Day Camp is an exciting four-week program that will give children with special needs a fun and active summer. We plan our activities and structure to give your child a memorable camp experience. Summer Day Camp will provide the opportunity to experience the fun of summer while developing a friendship with a volunteer and other campers. Day Camp combines learning critical social skills with a fun and engaging camp experience.

Dates

Session 1: July 23rd – August 3rd
Session 2: August 6th – August 17th
Times: Mon – Fri, 10am-3pm
Ages: 5 – 13

Fees

Early Bird Special (Before April 1st)

(Discount Code: Summer18)
Member Price
One Session: $540
Two session: $1,080
Non-Member Price
One Session: $675
Two session: $1,350

After April 1st

Member Price
One Session: $600
Two session: $1,200
Non-Member Price
One Session: $750
Two session: $1,500

Activities

Each week we’ll go on field trips around the SE Michigan area, exploring farms, parks, museums and more! Our weekly swim activities will be a mix of pools and splash pads, allowing several opportunities to cool down and have fun during the hot summer days. We’ll also enjoy several professional shows from famous entertainers so that our campers can experience the magic of song, science and performance. We will also offer weekly electives around popular topics such as art, science, nature and more! The camp days are designed to give our campers enough structure and support to be successful in our activities, while simultaneously enjoying the social connections with their volunteer and other campers. Each day, campers will be provided with a customized schedule to support them in their success.
*Please note: all activities are subject to change.

Safety

At Friendship Circle’s summer camps, safety is our number one priority. Friendship Circle will ensure that there is a minimum of one staff member/group leader for every four campers. In addition, we will work to provide volunteers on a 2:1 basis. Friendship Circle has designated senior staff member Nancy Sinelli as the safety supervisor during camp sessions. Her role will be to ensure that all safety guidelines are followed meticulously during all camp trips and activities.

Staff and Volunteers

All staff members and group leaders are handpicked for their experience and dedication to working with individuals with special needs. Our group leaders are specially trained and briefed on each camper to ensure that participants have the safest and most exciting summer possible. We aim to pair our campers with a volunteer on a 2:1 basis. Please keep in mind, many volunteers go away for the summer, so we cannot guarantee that your child will always have the same volunteer.

Session 2 Registration Volunteer Registration

Early Bird Special before April 1st (Discount Code: Summer18)

Overnight Camp

Friendship Circle provides an incredible four day/three night overnight camp experience for children and teens with special needs. Set in a beautiful natural environment, campers will enjoy the great outdoors while receiving an unforgettable overnight camp experience.

Activities

Our time will be filled with swimming, canoeing, nature walks, sports, talent shows and much more! Campers will have the opportunity to engage in nature themed arts and crafts, roast marshmallows over a campfire and enjoy the experience of sleeping in a cabin with all of their friends. During the week we will even venture into Traverse City for an exciting day trip!

The Location

The Overnight Camp will be held on the beautiful grounds of Camp Gan Israel. Located on 600 forested acres and a sparkling lake in Kalkaska, Michigan, the campground offers a beautiful, safe outdoor environment.

Dates: August 21st – 24th
Participants, please note the age limits:
- Girls ages 6 – 16
- Boys ages 6 – 12
Early Bird Special before April 1st (Discount Code: Summer18)
Member Price: $432
Non-Member Price: $540
After April 1st
Member Price: $480
Non-Member Price: $600
Volunteers: Girl volunteers will be provided. Volunteer/participant ratio will be 1:1.

Overnight Camp Registration Volunteer Registration

Early Bird Special before April 1st (Discount Code: Summer18)

iCan Bike

When a child rides a bicycle without training wheels for the first time, it is one of the most exciting and memorable experiences in their young life.For the fifth year Friendship Circle is partnering with iCan Shine to make that experience a reality for children with special needs.

Riders attend one 75 minute session each day for five consecutive days where they learn to ride while accompanied and encouraged by volunteer“spotters”. Over the course of the week we continually adjust the bikes in an effort to challenge riders balance as they gradually discover the skill and joy of riding.

Dates: June 18th-22md
Participants: Children ages 8 and up
Early Bird Special before April 1st (Discount Code: Summer18)
Member Price: $252
Non-Member Price: $315
After April 1st
Member Price: $280
Non-Member Price: $350

iCan Bike Registration Volunteer Registration

Early Bird Special before April 1st (Discount Code: Summer18)

Miracle League

Friendship Circle and Miracle League join together to give children with special needs the chance to be a part of a real baseball league. Children with special needs have the opportunity to participate in a non-competitive game where they can hit, field and throw. This program takes place on Miracle League’s state-of-the art field located in Southfield. This custom designed field accommodates wheelchairs and prevents injuries to ensure fun and exciting games throughout the summer.

*Please note that this program is outside and is weather dependent. We are not able to offer make-up dates.

Dates: June 20th, 27th, July 11th, 18th, 25th, August 1st, 8th, 15th
Time: 7:00pm – 8:15pm
Participants: All Ages
Location: Southfield Civic Center 26000 Evergreen Rd. Southfield, MI 48076
Early Bird Special before April 1st (Discount Code: Summer18)
Member Price: $79.20
Non-Member Price: $99
After April 1st
Member Price: $88
Non-Member Price: $110
Volunteers: Boy & Girl volunteers will be provided
Volunteer/participant ratio will be 1:1.

Program Registration Volunteer Registration

Early Bird Special before April 1st (Discount Code: Summer18)

Summer Teen Camp

Friendship Circle is excited to offer a three-week Summer Teen Camp, where all trips and activities will be geared specifically towards the teenage group. Teen Camp will be designed to provide as many social experiences and outings as possible and will include a combination of hands-on and recreational activities. Teen Camp combines learning critical social skills with a fun and engaging camp experience.

Activities

Each week we’ll go on field trips around the SE Michigan area, exploring farms, parks, museums and more! Our weekly swim activities will be a mix of pools and splash pads, allowing several opportunities to cool down and have fun during the hot summer days. We’ll also enjoy several professional shows from famous entertainers so that our campers can experience the magic of song, science and performance. The camp days are designed to give our campers enough structure and support to be successful in the activities, while simultaneously being tailored to the unique interests and needs of this age group. Each day, campers will be provided with a customized schedule to support them in their success.

Dates: June 27th – July 19th **No camp July 4
Times: Mon – Fri 10am-3pm
Participants: Ages 14 – 18
Fees:
Early Bird Special before April 1st (Discount Code: Summer18)
Member Price: $810
Non-Member Price: $1,012.50
After April 1st
Member Price: $900
Non-Member Price: $1,125

*Please note that camp will start on a Wednesday*

Safety

At Friendship Circle’s summer camps, safety is our number one priority. Friendship Circle will ensure that there is a minimum of one staff member/group leader for every four campers. In addition, we work to provide volunteers on a 2:1 basis. Friendship Circle has designated senior staff member Nancy Sinelli as the safety supervisor during camp sessions. Her role will be to ensure that all safety guidelines are followed meticulously during all camp trips and activities.

Staff and Volunteers

All staff members and group leaders are handpicked for their experience and dedication to working with individuals with special needs. Our group leaders are specially trained and briefed on each camper to ensure that participants have the safest and most exciting summer possible. We aim to pair our teens with volunteers on a 2:1 basis. Please keep in mind, many volunteers are away for the summer, so we cannot guarantee that your teen will always have the same volunteer.

Summer Teen Camp Registration Volunteer Registration

Cedar Point

Roller coasters, merry-go-rounds and nonstop fun are the order of the day during the bi-annual Friendship Circle trip to Cedar Point amusement park in May.

An exuberant group of children, teens, teen volunteers and adult chaperones spend the day enjoying a variety of activities geared towards all participants.

Adult chaperones oversee small groups of participants and their volunteers. This low ratio ensures optimal safety and guarantees a fun, exciting and action-packed day at Cedar Point.

Dates: Sunday, May 22

Times: Full Day Trip
Participants: Ages 6 and up
Volunteers: Boy & Girl Volunteers
Fee: $50 Members | $75 Non Members
Space is limited and spots will be filled on a first come, first served basis.

Please read the following information carefully:

Registration:

Below you will find trip information and registration.

Registration is online only.
If you choose to pay by check, your child’s space will be reserved only when payment has been received in full.
Space is limited, registration will close on May 1 or earlier if registration is full.
Cost is $75 for non-members and $50 for members
Price is per child and includes Friendship Circle T-shirt
Unfortunately, due to high demand for this trip registration will not be open to siblings.
Pick-up and drop-off will take place at Friendship Circle.

Food/Snacks: Please make sure your child eats a healthy and filling breakfast.

Please pack a disposable lunch and enough drinks for your child (no glass bottles).

Friendship Circle will provide a variety of healthy snacks throughout the day. Children may not purchase food during the trip.

Medication:
Please make sure to give all medication with an attached note of your child’s name and instructions to your child’s chaperone on Sunday, May 22.

Clothing:
A Friendship Circle T-shirt will be given to each child. Please ensure that your child wears comfortable shoes, suntan lotion and a sun hat. (If needed, please send along a change of clothes).

If your child still has their green t-shirt from the previous trip (and it still fits him/her) please let us know so we don’t re-purchase a shirt for your child.

Safety:
Each child will have a volunteer assigned to him/her. An adult chaperone will lead a group of approximately four children and their volunteers through the park. Please note that your child will be wearing a wristband with Friendship Circle’s contact information throughout the day.

Gift Shop:
There are a number of gift shops at Cedar Point. Please send additional money with your child if you would like her/him to purchase something.

Please contact Sarah for any questions or concerns:
Call (248) 788-7878 ext. 209 or e-mail [email protected]

Cedar Point Registration Volunteer Registration