Inside a Disability-Inclusive Summer Camp: Lessons in Leadership

Send us Fan MailDawn Trapp, CEO of the Civitan Foundation AZ, delivers an inspiring and detailed look into how her organization successfully runs a summer camp for individuals with disabilities. With operations dating back to 1968, Civitan has evolved from a modest two-week camp into a year-round service hub providing inclusive programming, employment training, arts initiatives, and a deeply supportive community.Dawn shares the journey of navigating decades of change—from shifting public perceptions to compliance with modern licensing, insurance, and risk management needs. The organization made a pivotal decision during COVID to remain open, extending their camp season when many others shut down. “We stayed open… and it was probably one of the best decisions that we made for everybody,” she says, reflecting on how camp served as a safe haven for campers and staff during uncertain times.Camp Civitan serves a broad age range—from 5 to 83—and a spectrum of disabilities, tailoring programming to meet diverse needs. Dawn emphasizes the importance of respite not just for the campers, but for their families. Many use state-provided respite funding to cover attendance, enabling caregivers to rest, while campers experience joy, independence, and connection.Staffing is one of Civitan’s most pressing challenges, especially given its rural location. Dawn shares how they addressed this by bringing in international staff and launching the "Grow Our Own" program, cultivating future leaders from within their own volunteer base—some of whom started at age six and are now on staff. Civitan also maintains ownership of its 15-acre camp, which provides long-term flexibility but comes with substantial cost and maintenance responsibilities.From risk mitigation to community partnerships, Dawn’s candid discussion reveals the complexity of operating a mission-aligned, community-centered facility. Her closing thoughts on legacy and leadership succession reflect a long-view commitment: ensuring Civitan continues to thrive for generations to come.00:00:00 Welcome with Dawn Trapp  00:02:06 Keeping Camp Civitan Open During COVID  00:04:22 Camp is for Everyone – Even Age 81  00:05:15 How Camp Civitan Got Its Start in 1968  00:07:18 Services for Campers from Age 5 to 83  00:08:00 How Camp Provides Respite for Families  00:10:28 Staffing in a Remote Location  00:11:29 Recruiting International Staff and Volunteers  00:13:22 Growing Leaders Through Camp Life  00:16:20 Owning vs. Renting Camp Facilities  00:20:26 Risk Management and Safety Protocols  00:27:03 Dawn’s Vision for the Next Five Years   #InclusiveCamps #DisabilityServices #NonprofitLeadershipFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: [email protected] us on the web:The Nonprofit Show