Campsite Initiative - "Kindle Ranch"
A Special Place For Children With Special Needs

Click Here to Download the Kindle Ranch Flyer

What Is Kindle Ranch?

Kindle Ranch will be a unique camping and retreat facility specially designed for children and adults with chronic illnesses and disabilities.  Project Kindle, the nonprofit managing Kindle Ranch, will work in partnership with special needs groups to provide a range of fun and therapeutic programs in a barrier-free, green environment.

Kindle Ranch will be built to accommodate children of all abilities.  It will feature wide, paved walkways to assist wheelchair travel and special equipment to enable maximum participation in program and physical activities.  It will also host a state-of-the-art health center at the heart of the camp, and available to campers requiring daily treatment or medication.  All buildings and restrooms will be fully accessible and the camp facility will accommodate at least 250 guests for overnight stays.

Kindle Ranch will also be built green, which will open the eyes of the campers and communities about sustainable living possibilities and the importance of caring for our environment!

Who Will Attend Kindle Ranch?

Kindle Ranch will be the home of Camp Kindle, a camping program for young people impacted by HIV and AIDS.  In addition, Kindle Ranch will host other organizations that sponsor camping programs for those with conditions such as asthma, burns, cancer, cerebral palsy,development disabilities, epilepsy, hearing and sight impairments, kidney disease, heart disease, or muscular dystrophy.  Groups will attend week-long sessions during the summer and day/weekend retreats in the spring, winter and fall.  Many nonprofit groups who share Project Kindle's mission for Kindle Ranch of enriching the lives of those with special needs will utilize this camp.

Why A Special Needs Camp?

Many nonprofits offering camp programs for children with chronic illnesses or disabilities are settling for second best when it comes to the camp facilities available to host their programs.  Often, we find ourselves retrofitting the campsite to fit the needs of our clients.  We spend a lot of extra time, energy and funds to make the best out of the camp facility we are renting. Although every child loves their week at camp, many are constantly reminded of the things they cannot do.  This is why a 100% barrier-free camp is so important.  At Kindle Ranch, every child will feel normal and be able to participate in every activity regardless of their limitations.  We understand the freedom to experience the great outdoors without limitations provides much more then recreation and leisure to someone who lives with a chronic illness or disability.  It improves their social and communication skills by encouraging a cooperative spirit toward activities, friendships building and sharing of the feelings and needs.  Children who deal with chronic illnesses or disabilities often feel alone and isolated.  At Kindle Ranch, they will be normal and appreciated for who they are.

Campers will gain independence during this time away from family members and full-time caregivers.  This translates into improved self-reliance and self-confidence at home and in their communities.  At the same time, caregivers can enjoy a period of respite-physical rest and renewal of spirit-while knowing their loved ones are safe and enjoying themselves.

How Will Kindle Ranch Operate?

Kindle Ranch will be a new program under Project Kindle.  Project Kindle is a not-for-profit that has been in operation since 1998.  Project Kindle operates several programs focusing on children and families impacted by HIV and AIDS.  Camp Kindle is a summer camp program offering cost free week long camp sessions for children ages 7-15 infected with or affected by HIV or AIDS.  Kindle Ranch will become home to Camp Kindle.  Because we have rented camp facilities since our inception, we understand the struggles nonprofits who offer weekend retreats or one weeks camp programs often face in finding a facility which can accommodate the needs of their clients, offer them a competitive rate and dates to host their program.  In the spirit of collaboration and need, we will partner with other nonprofits to offer them a home at Kindle Ranch for their camp programs.  This unique partnership will allow the camp to be utilized fully throughout the year.  In addition, the Kindle Ranch partners will no longer have to struggle with finding a safe, accepting and accommodating home for their camp program and clients. Kindle Ranch will truly be the "Disneyland of Camp Facilities".