Camp Happiness ~ Day Camp for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

WELCOME TO THE 2023 CAMP HAPPINESS!

June 19-23, 2023

NOTE: We have had a great response to the 2023 Camp Happiness. Camp is now filled for the week with over 150 applicants and is and no longer taking applications.

Camp Happiness, Inc. is a 501-c3 Charity, traditional one-week day camp experience for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities from Niagara County, aged 12 to 90.

It is offered at Cambria Fire Hall through the volunteer efforts of the Lockport Elks Lodge #41. In partnership with additional Elks Lodges who support the endeavor by providing volunteers, philanthropy and recruiting new campers.

Participants from across Niagara County, regardless from whom they receive support and services, are invited to attend each year.

Check out our
camp photos from
previous years:

2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008

In 2008 A $10,000 grant from the Elks National Foundation provided the impetus for this unique project. Locally, the Lockport Elks Lodge #41 has been a longstanding supporter of both Intandem, Empower and the Lockport Family YMCA. Their interest in the welfare of people with developmental disabilities caused them to pursue this grant establishing this cooperative inter-agency effort for Niagara County’s first and only day camp for people with developmental disabilities.

The Local Club raises funds for the camp all year-long through grants, bottle donations, individual gifts, a “Chile Cook-off”, Pig Roast and the “Handful of Happiness” annual raffle. As a result of successful partnerships, Camp Happiness celebrated its 10th Anniversary in 2017.

The recreational activities available as part of this week-long experience offer people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities numerous health and social benefits, as well as a needed respite for their caregivers. For most attendees, this will be their first experience at camp.

The Elks National Foundation has donated to Camp Happiness since 2008, in part, with in-kind services provided by the Lockport Family YMCA, Empower and Intandem. Sponsorship and leadership donor opportunities are available to businesses, corporations, organizations and individuals interested in helping people ages 10 to 91 with developmental disabilities realize their potential while experiencing five fun-filled days at Camp Happiness. Securing new funding each year is vital to the program.

Camp Happiness is a 501-c3 charitable organization. All donations are utilized for camp expenses only and therefore are tax deductible. The camp will be held at the Cambria Fire Hall in 2023.

Families and interested campers should contact Charlotte Baker-Cunningham at (716) 434-4050.

Special thanks to all corporate and community benefactors for their generous donations to Camp Happiness.

During the five days of camp, participants will experience activities such as hiking, archery, basketball, soccer, fishing, volleyball, music, a rock climbing wall, horticulture projects, campfire time and arts and crafts. Lunch, snacks, prizes and transportation to and from central locations across Niagara County will also be provided.

Camp activities will be available and accessible to all participants, and campers will be divided into age and/or ability-appropriate groups. Programming will be conducted by experienced Intandem and Empower employees. Trained Elks Lodge #41 and community volunteers will also be on hand to assist with camp operations and activities.

Opportunities Unlimited, Elks Lodge #41 and the Lockport YMCA and Camp Kenan

Stories from Day Camp – Camp Sponsors and Support – Registration and Camp Information
Contact Camp Happiness – Homepage for Camp Happiness