Children's Summer Therapy Camp
June 14/15 - August 2, 2025
What is Children’s Summer Therapy Camp?
Bay Cliff Health Camp provides a summer therapy camp program for children in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Children ages 6-17 years old, live here for a full seven weeks each summer for the opportunity to receive one or more of the following therapies: physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech & language therapy. In addition, the campers enjoy traditional camp activities such as arts & crafts, recreation, nature, swimming, and performing arts. Bay Cliff employs staff members who also reside here for the 8-week camp session that includes a week of orientation and preparation. It is an opportunity that goes way beyond the typical summer camp experience. What looks like 7 weeks on a calendar, can count for far more in terms of hands-on experience, learning, and personal relationships.
Camper Eligibility and Requirements
All Camper Criteria
- 6-17 years of age
- Requires no more than minimal daily nursing care
- Breathes without ventilator
- Consistently communicates yes/no with all individuals (familiar/unfamiliar)
- Does not require/receive 1-to-1 support
- Needs skilled therapy intervention (OT, PT, Speech)
- No violence/aggression (physical or verbal) towards others
- Does not demonstrate self-harming behaviors
- Attends school full day, 5 days/week
- Able to transition between multiple activities daily
- Does not elope or run away
- Able to engage in a variety of environments (loud, busy, bright, hot)
- Has the stamina for a busy camp schedule (7am-9pm awake, meals, therapies, activities,
campouts etc.) - Able to adapt to changes in schedule
- Able to live in community (living in a cabin with others, peers touching their belongings,
etc.)
*Please note: Due to our inability to support the communication needs of ASL speakers, Bay Cliff can
no longer accept children whose primary method of communication is American Sign Language (ASL).
Placement Guidelines
- UNIT I: female campers, ages 6 – 17
- UNIT II: male campers, ages 10 – 17
- UNIT III: male campers, ages 6 – 9
- UNIT V: female and male campers, ages 6 – 17
To view our full eligibility criteria click here: Camper Eligibility 2025
Unit I
Campers and their counselors stay in wood-paneled cabins, with a restroom and showers.
Campers in Unit 1 have the unique experience of being able to both learn from the example of older campers, and to be the example as they age, because of the age-span.
Unit II
This unit was recently renovated, with accessible restrooms in the cabins and showers down the hall.
Campers in Unit 2 work on a wide variety of interests and skills, from exercise/strengthening, to sports skills, to chess.
Unit III
This unit was also renovated (along with Unit 2), and each has a covered/screened in porch to escape from the summer bugs.
Not that campers in Unit 3 mind bugs. These campers are often taking adventures into the woods, to the beach or to the frog pond.
Unit V
This is the most accessible unit on camp, with 3 large cabins and 2 barrier-free bathroom/shower rooms.
Campers in Unit 5 primarily use or are working on power mobility, and they tend to be the most close-knit group on camp.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A list of FAQs about summer camp. Questions include duration, communication and services. Let us know if you have more!
