Greater Richmond ARC’s Camp Baker is a full-service, handicap-equipped retreat located on 22 wooded acres near Pocahontas State Park in southern Chesterfield County. Camp Baker has been serving individuals with special needs since 1929 when it was a respite for undernourished children known as W.W. Baker Summer Camp. In 1957, ownership was transferred to Chesterfield County under the care of Greater Richmond ARC and renamed Camp Baker to serve children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Over the past 50 years, Camp Baker has undergone many renovations. Today it is a barrier-free, fully accessible facility providing a rewarding “rustic” camp experience for individuals with disabilities, as well as Respite Care, Adult Day Support and Afterschool Services. State-of-the-art upgrades include the construction of a dining hall, an outdoor amphitheater and a 62-bed lodge to accommodate campers year-round.
A Lifesaver for Families
“Even though our daughter can’t walk or talk, we can tell she is having a good time at Camp Baker. And the staff doesn’t just take care of her – they take care of us by giving us a break.”
Families with children who have disabilities think of CampBaker as “a lifesaver,” not only because of the support its summer and year-round programs offer their children, but because of the relief it provides to caregivers. The majority of families report reduced stress as a result of CampBaker’s Summer Camp, Respite Care, Adult Day Support and Afterschool Services.
A Safe, Nurturing Environment
“This is the best vacation my son can have because the staff really understands the needs of children with multiple disabilities, whatever they may be.”
Participants ages 6 through adult with disabilities receive care and supervision from our well-trained team of counselors, specialists and program directors. A low staff-to-camper ratio ensures individual attention. Beyond assistance with personal hygiene, meals, toileting and medication management, campers participate in therapeutic, recreational and social activities to achieve these goals:
Develop friendships
Build self-esteem and confidence
Achieve higher levels of independence
Make smart choices and decisions
Improve social skills
Learn the benefits of teamwork
Master new skills for community living
Have fun, fun, fun!
Providing Compassionate Support Services for Families
“Each time my child visits Camp Baker I see improvements. It’s a wonderful place that gives our family a real break and peace of mind. It truly is a big help to us.”
Camp Baker offers a variety of support services for families living with children with disabilities:
Summer Camp –
- Day and Overnight
- Week long summer sessions for children ages 6 through adult. Nursing staff on site provides medical services. Activities include swimming, hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, dance & theatre arts, arts & crafts and a variety sports.
- Respite Care Services
- Emergency Respite: 24-hour care during a family crisis. Please give a four-hour notice to allow for staff scheduling.
- Extended-Stay Respite: One- to two-week stay for youth through adults when they or their caregivers need an extended break from each other. Available during the summer.
- Weekend Respite: 46-hour stay (Friday – Sunday) for children ages 6 through adult who need a break from their caregivers. Assistance with meals, daily living needs, medication, recreational activities.
For more information about Camp Baker Services (Summer Camp, Respite Care, Adult Day Support and Afterschool Services), please call (804) 748-4789 or [email protected] Dates, applications and more available at https://www.richmondarc.org/services/developmental-services/camp-baker-services/