Inside a Disability-Inclusive Summer Camp: Lessons in Leadership

Dawn Trapp, CEO of the Civitan Foundation AZ, delivers an inspiring and detailed look into how her organization successfully runs a summer camp for individuals with disabilities. With operations dating back to 1968, Civitan has evolved from a modest two-week camp into a year-round service hub providing inclusive programming, employment training, arts initiatives, and a deeply supportive community.

Dawn shares the journey of navigating decades of change—from shifting public perceptions to compliance with modern licensing, insurance, and risk management needs. The organization made a pivotal decision during COVID to remain open, extending their camp season when many others shut down. “We stayed open… and it was probably one of the best decisions that we made for everybody,” she says, reflecting on how camp served as a safe haven for campers and staff during uncertain times.

Camp Civitan serves a broad age range—from 5 to 83—and a spectrum of disabilities, tailoring programming to meet diverse needs. Dawn emphasizes the importance of respite not just for the campers, but for their families. Many use state-provided respite funding to cover attendance, enabling caregivers to rest, while campers experience joy, independence, and connection.

Staffing is one of Civitan’s most pressing challenges, especially given its rural location. Dawn shares how they addressed this by bringing in international staff and launching the "Grow Our Own" program, cultivating future leaders from within their own volunteer base—some of whom started at age six and are now on staff. Civitan also maintains ownership of its 15-acre camp, which provides long-term flexibility but comes with substantial cost and maintenance responsibilities.

From risk mitigation to community partnerships, Dawn’s candid discussion reveals the complexity of operating a mission-aligned, community-centered facility. Her closing thoughts on legacy and leadership succession reflect a long-view commitment: ensuring Civitan continues to thrive for generations to come.

00:00:00 Welcome with Dawn Trapp  
00:02:06 Keeping Camp Civitan Open During COVID  
00:04:22 Camp is for Everyone – Even Age 81  
00:05:15 How Camp Civitan Got Its Start in 1968  
00:07:18 Services for Campers from Age 5 to 83  
00:08:00 How Camp Provides Respite for Families  
00:10:28 Staffing in a Remote Location  
00:11:29 Recruiting International Staff and Volunteers  
00:13:22 Growing Leaders Through Camp Life  
00:16:20 Owning vs. Renting Camp Facilities  
00:20:26 Risk Management and Safety Protocols  
00:27:03 Dawn’s Vision for the Next Five Years  

 #InclusiveCamps #DisabilityServices #NonprofitLeadership

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