Exciting changes are underway at our Riverside campus! From modernized cabins to expanded sensory spaces, this comprehensive renovation will enhance safety, accessibility, and program quality for all participants. Here’s a sneak peek at what to expect for Summer 2025 and beyond.
Major Renovation Highlights
- Accessible Cabins:
- Converted four existing cabins into universally accessible lodges with roll-in showers, widened doorways, and adaptive bunks.
- Each cabin now includes private counselor suites to ensure enhanced supervision and support.
- Sensory Learning Lab Expansion:
- Doubled square footage of our indoor Sensory Lab.
- Added new zones: a tactile wall station, immersive light-and-sound dome, and flexible therapy alcoves.
- Outdoor Adventure Zone:
- Upgraded low-ropes course with ADA-compliant elements.
- Installed a new zip-line and adaptive swing set in the challenge field.
- Dining Hall Modernization:
- Expanded seating capacity by 30%.
- Introduced an allergy-safe prep station and visual menu boards to support dietary restrictions.
- Green Energy & Sustainability:
- Solar-panel array on the recreation center roof expected to cut electricity costs by 25%.
- Rainwater harvesting system for landscape irrigation and garden programs.
Benefits for Participants
- Inclusion: Children with mobility challenges can fully participate in cabin life and adventure activities.
- Sensory Supports: The expanded Sensory Learning Lab offers more individualized break options and facilitates small-group social-skills workshops.
- Safety & Comfort: Renovated cabins and dining facilities emphasize universal design, allowing participants of all abilities to navigate independently.
- Environmental Education: New green features will be integrated into STEM clusters—campers learn about renewable energy, conservation, and sustainable agriculture.
Timeline & Access
- Phase 1 (Completed): Accessible cabins and dining-hall upgrades (Winter 2024).
- Phase 2 (Underway): Sensory Lab expansion and Outdoor Adventure Zone (Spring 2025).
- Phase 3 (Summer Finish): Landscaping, garden installations, and final safety audits.
Campers attending Session B onward will enjoy the full suite of enhancements.
How You Can Help
- Capital Campaign: We’ve raised $1.2 million of our $1.75 million goal. Donations to the “Build the Future” fund are tax-deductible—learn more at [yourwebsite.org/renovation].
- Volunteer Build Days: Join staff and community members on May 18 for a volunteer day to paint cabin murals and plant pollinator gardens. Sign up at [yourwebsite.org/volunteer].
- Share the News: Follow us on social media for live renovation updates, behind-the-scenes tours, and camper reactions.
Our Riverside campus is evolving to meet the needs of today’s diverse learners. We can’t wait for you to experience these improvements firsthand—here’s to a brighter, more accessible future!