The Penguin Theatre Camp is a six-day overnight summer camp experience for children and young adults with special needs and their friends, focusing on theatre activities. The camp is held at Easter Seals’ Timbre Point Outdoor center on Lake Bloomington in Hudson, IL.  The camp and the activities have been modified to accommodate individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities. The daily program includes singing and dancing  sessions focusing on a specific theatre theme and traditional camp activities such as swimming, canoeing, fishing, arts and crafts, hiking, archery, target shooting, horseback riding, and zip-lining. There are also special activities every evening including movies, a scavenger hunt, pontoon boat rides, a pool party, a talent show, and a dance. The camp session ends with a performance for family and friends.

Campers sleep in air conditioned cabins with counselors and teen and young adult volunteers. The counselor to camper ratio ranges from 1:1 to 1:4. There are no restrictions based on the extent of personal care needed. A nurse is on duty full time to administer medications and provide medical assistance as needed. The program is open to anyone age 10 and up, with a reduced fee for campers without disabilities (mentors) who provide assistance with camp activities. Visit the Easter Seals website at easterseals.com/ci and follow the links to “Our Programs” and “Camping and Recreation”  for more information and for the application.