Fairview Lake YMCA Camps & Conference Center

Camp Buckskin, located in Isabella, MN, is an overnight summer camp specifically designed to serve boys and girls between the ages of 6-18 who are experiencing academic and/or social skill difficulties. The camp specializes in catering to children with AD/HD, learning disabilities, Aspergers, or similar needs, providing them with the extra help and support to convert their potential into abilities. With a focus on helping campers become more self-aware and improve their peer relations, the camp has been in operation since 1959, benefiting more than 8,000 children through its therapeutic program.

The Buckskin program effectively utilizes the summer to help campers stay focused, gain knowledge and skills, and improve existing abilities, resulting in a smoother transition to the new school year. The campers receive instruction in a mix of traditional camp and some academic activities each day, progressing through various levels and being recognized for their achievements. Additionally, the camp offers a Personal Growth program that focuses on improving social skill goals selected by parents, with learning opportunities occurring throughout the day to help campers improve their peer relations, interpersonal communication skills, and problem-solving abilities.

As a supplement to the program, parents receive a written report of their child's progress at camp, including insights and observations to help them continue the progress made at camp. This holistic approach ensures that the efforts at camp are consistent with those of the parents and teachers, ultimately leading to strengthened self-concept and improved peer relations for the campers. The camp's focus on personal growth and academic progress makes it an ideal choice for children with special needs, providing them with a supportive environment to develop their skills and abilities.

With a commitment to helping children overcome hurdles and make progress in their peer relations, Camp Buckskin offers a valuable opportunity for personal growth and long-term success. The camp's dedication to providing tailored support for children with special needs aligns with the goal of creating a more accessible and supportive environment for the special needs community.