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.

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES 2025 CAMP SHRIVER

Our campers and counselors made lifelong friends and memories at our largest camp to date. They ziplined, fished, competed in games and used their Joy, Unity, Inclusion, Communication, Excellence (JUICE) to win the Rick Brady Camp Shriver Cup for their team. Congratulations all!

Please fill out our survey to let us know about your experience with 2025 Camp Shriver. We want to make 2026 even better.

2025 Camp Shriver

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.

What do parents need to know about camp?

Parents, you are needed for

  • getting your camper ready. Please familiarize yourself with the Event & Accessibility Guide for camp. This is the best source for most questions.
  • signing up for text messaging to get Camp specific reminders and emergency alerts during Camp Shriver. Joining the text list does not opt you into any other messaging unless you opt-in to a future list. The list is not shared beyond SOCO and camp.
  • getting campers ready
    • Make sure items on their packing list are with them.
    • IF you have any medications, please  make sure they are labeled and ready for drop off with our staff.
  • transportation to camp.
    • Parents are asked to drop off Campers on the first day of camp between 9:00 – 9:15 am. Check-in is at the Main office, follow the signs.
    • Counselors will escort parent and/or camper to room to make a bed, and change into team color shirt.
    • Say goodbye to family as campers are escorted to Camp Orientation.
  • transportation from camp.
    • At the end of Camp, we’ll hold an Open house. Celebrate your camper and their accomplishments! Seating will begin at 8:45 am with program starting promptly at 9:00 am and concluding at 10:45 am. Bakery items, fruit, coffee and juice will be served.
    • All Campers and Families must exit RMV by 11:00 am.

Where should I park when I get there? Where is accessible parking? Do we have to pay for parking?

Public parking is available on site at no cost. See site map for parking locations.

Will I need to bring any money?

Meals and housing will be provided for the weekend. No additional spending money is necessary.

Unified Champion Schools

Maricela Shukie

Senior Director of Unified Champion Schools
Favorite Sport: Soccer
Hometown: Pasadena, CA

Michelle Andricopoulos

Unified Schools Manager
Favorite Sport: Baseball
Hometown: Tucson, AZ

Cory Chandler

Denver Region Unified Schools Manager
Favorite Sports: Football, Hockey and Baseball
Hometown: Littleton, CO

Freda Davenport

Elementary Unified Champion Schools Manager
Favorite Sport: Snowboarding
Hometown: Wheaton, IL
Laura G

Laura Gutierrez

Western Unified Champion Schools Coordinator
Favorite Sport: Basketball
Hometown: Rio Rancho, NM

Sam Parker

Southeast Unified Schools Manager
Favorite Sport: Soccer
Hometown: Newcastle, England

Molly Underly

Northeast Unified Champion Schools Coordinator
Favorite Sport: Soccer
Hometown: South Bend, IN

Chad Compton

UCS Athlete Fellow
Favorite Sport: Soccer & Football
Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO