MS Camp for Kids
“It’s awesome seeing my friends every year – I can’t wait for next year!” ~ Camper
“My kids really enjoy camp and it’s a great respite for us – thank you for having this program!” ~ Parent
MS affects not only the person diagnosed, but family members too. In Wisconsin that means there are more than 10,000 families – and children of those 10,000 families – living with the repercussions of the disease… the added responsibilities, the limited finances and the unpredictable nature of how it will affect their lives from one day to the next.
MS Camp for Kids helps children take a break from all of that with scholarships for kids to attend accredited Wisconsin summer camps. From soccer to horseback riding to swimming and more, you and your child make the choice!
How the program works:
- Determine which accredited camp your child wants to attend.
- Submit a completed MS Camp for Kids Scholarship Application to the Wisconsin Chapter.
- All applications will be reviewed. If approved, a check will be made payable and mailed directly to the designated camp along with your camp application. (You are responsible for submitting any additional required forms to the camp.)
- We cannot reimburse you for payments already made to the camp.
A limited number of scholarships are available. Scholarships will be evaluated on an ongoing basis pending available funding.
Criteria to participate:
- Children must be between the ages of 8-14* and either have multiple sclerosis or have a parent or guardian who has been diagnosed.
- Camp duration is limited to one week maximum.
- One week-long day camp or overnight camp is acceptable. (May not be used for multiple one-day camps.)
- Camp scholarships available only for camps in Wisconsin.
- Camp must be accredited.
- Parent/guardian is responsible for transportation.
- Completed MS Camp for Kids Scholarship Application and a copy of application to the camp the child wishes to attend must be submitted to Wisconsin Chapter.
Currently scholarships are estimated to range from $300-500, but not exceed $800.
The availability and selection of any accredited camp is available to all parents. The right to select the accredited camp of your choice rests with the parent. Any liability resulting from that choice will be maintained by the legal parent of the child(ren).
In addition to the numerous camps offered throughout the state, the Wisconsin Chapter is again continuing its relationship with Camp Minikani this year. Children may choose to attend Camp Minikani or its sister camp, Camp Matawa.
The Wisconsin Chapter is also partnering with the Upper Midwest Chapter for its MS Youth Camp, June 18-23 at Camp Icaghowan (near Amery, Wisconsin), a week-long opportunity for young people who have a parent with MS, or who live in a household with a person who has MS, to share a summer adventure, build friendships and have fun together. Different age restrictions apply.
For more information, contact Meghan Schnabl (meghan.schnabl@nmss.org, 262-369-4420) or Jeremy Otte (jeremy.otte@nmss.org, 262-369-4424).
*Exception is Camp Icaghowan.