When people speak of the origin of Special Olympics, they look no further than the first Camp Shriver—founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in the early 1960s.
Special Olympics Colorado is excited to carry on Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s legacy with our very own Camp Shriver which gives athletes and Unified partners the opportunity to attend an inclusive camp! Campers will gain experience in a variety of sports, develop leadership skills, and create lasting friendships and memories over the course of this free three-day camp.
Fourth Annual Special Olympics Colorado Camp Shriver
- Applications are due Friday, March 1, 2025.
- Selected applicants will be notified by March 15, 2025.
- Campers (Athletes & Unified partners ages 14-21):
- Campers arrive Friday, May 31 @ 9:00am –
- Campers depart Sunday, June 2 @ 11:00am (approximately)
- Check Paperwork, Medical Restrictions, Camper Eligibility and Code of Conduct for further details
- Counselors:
- Counselors arrive Thursday, May 30 @ 9:00am and depart Sunday, June 2 @ 1:00pm
- Thursday, May 30 is a counselor only on-site training & prep for Camp Shriver
- Check Paperwork, Medical Restrictions, Counselor Eligibility and Code of Conduct for further details
- Location:
Rocky Mountain Village- Easterseals
2644 Alvarado Rd
Idaho Springs, CO 80452 - Parents/Caregivers:
- Responsible for Camper’s transportation to and from Camp Shriver
- Please join us on Sunday, June 2 at 8:00am – 11:00am for Open House
All selected campers are required to have valid applications on file with Special Olympics Colorado.
- Athlete campers must have a valid Athlete Application.
- Unified partner campers must have a valid Class A.
- Background check is required for Unified partners and Counselors over 18 years of age as part of the Class A
Once selected, the following must be completed:
- The Easterseals General Adult Waiver must be completed by all selected camp participants 18+
- The Easterseals Zipline & Climbing Wall Waiver must be completed by all selected camp participants
The following applies to all campers attending.
- Campers may not have a medical condition that:
- requires intravenous (IV) fluids/medications
- requires need for laboratory studies while at camp
- places them at high-risk for complication or injury such as uncontrolled seizures, swallowing disorders that pose choking risks, abnormal heart rhythm, extreme respiratory problems, bone disorders, etc.
- Must be able to independently take provided medication when given by a staff member
- SOCO Staff and Camp Shriver are not licensed for tube feeding
- A Nurse is on site for injuries at camp
- Must be between 14 -21 years of age on the date of camp
- Can independently:
- manage personal hygiene
- use the bathroom
- dress appropriately
- take 5-minute showers
- keep track of Camp gear with minimal assistance
- sleep in a bunk bed and share a room
- keep room tidy (e.g. make bed) with minimal assistance
- Campers must be able to eat the food provided.
- Monitoring of food intake or camp food consistency (pureed, chopped up, etc.) changes cannot be accommodated.
- Serve food to themselves with no assistance.
- If camper has allergy restrictions, camper must provide their own meals/snacks/beverages.
- Must not be an elopement risk.
- Campers cannot have a history of physical abuse of self or others including hitting, biting, scratching, spitting, kicking, etc.
- No transportation will be provided to or from Camp Shriver.
- Counselors must be a minimum of 18 years or younger than 23 and/or enrolled in SO College/University.
- Training(s) prior to camp is required either in-person and/or virtually.
- Transportation will not be provided to or from camp.
- Counselor will be required to
- Encourage Campers with positivity and kindness
- Plan activities to keep campers engaged when in a group
- Oversee and lead Campers without direct assistance of Staff in activities
- Assist in assuring dietary restrictions are met for campers
- Follow documentation regarding individual campers needs
- Supervise Campers
- in a room overnight
- at events or in cabins
- Start early in the morning and end late at night
All attendees are supervised by Counselors and Special Olympics staff. Safety is of the utmost importance and will be supported to adhere to the Special Olympics Athlete Code of Conduct.
Parents will be contacted and may be asked to pick up a camper due to breach of the Code of Conduct such as, but not limited to:
- extreme or aggressive behavior
- cases of theft
- unresolvable unruly behavior
- violations of the Athlete Code of Conduct
2025 CAMPER APPLICATION OPENS IN
Is there a fee or cost to go to camp?
No! There is no cost to attend camp.
- Meals and dorm like housing are provided.
- No additional spending money is necessary.
What Sports are possibly taking place at Camp Shriver?
Sports are often dependent on the weather conditions. Past campers have enjoyed sports such as:
- Flag football
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Bocce
- Pickle ball
- E-sports
Can families of campers stay in Rocky Mountain Village?
No, but there are options if families would like to arrange on their own to stay in the area.
- Closest hotels options can be found in Empire, Idaho Springs or Georgetown.
- Note: we ask families to not return to camp until Sunday unless requested
What are meals like at Camp Shriver?
Meals are served cafeteria style by Easterseals dining staff in a dining area where campers eat with their team.
- Fruit and vegetables are available at each meal.
- Milk is available at breakfast, with water and juice available at all meals.
Easterseals dining service does their best to provide Gluten Free and Vegetarian options at all meals.
- If there are any dietary restrictions, please disclose those on the application so that we can determine if those needs can be accommodated.
- If camper has dietary restrictions that cannot be accommodated, camper will be required to provide their own meals/snacks/beverages.
The following meals are provided:
- Friday
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Saturday
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Sunday
- Breakfast
Healthy snacks are available between meals with gluten and lactose free options available. Campers are welcome to bring their own healthy snack options to camp.
Campers must be able to eat the food provided as served.
- Monitoring of food intake or camp food consistency (pureed, chopped up, etc.) changes cannot be accommodated.
What should campers expect when arriving to Camp Shriver?
Parents are asked to drop off Campers (Athletes and Unified partners) between 9:00-9:15 am at Camp Shriver.
- Upon arrival, check-in at the Main office and follow signs
- A Counselor or Staff member will escort parent and/or camper to room to drop off their luggage
- Campers will change into their team shirt (provided at check in)
- We love our families, but it is time to say “Goodbye” as Counselors or Staff members escort the camper to Camp Orientation.
- Have fun making friends, and start making memories!
What is weather like during camp?
Weather in Colorado is beautiful but can be unpredictable. As camp gets closer we encourage you to check out the weather forecast in Empire using your favorite app or HERE.
