Camp Riley

Summer camp without limits

Camp Riley empowers children with physical and cognitive diagnoses by providing life-changing experiences in a camp environment tailored to their individual needs. Campers shatter perceived limitations, make new friends, and reach higher achievements, returning home with an increased sense of independence and confidence.

Interested in attending?

Applications for Camp Riley are now available for our Summer 2026 sessions. Families are invited to apply online using the application link below.

Apply for Camp Riley

Home away from home

Each summer, hundreds of campers with physical and cognitive diagnoses make their “home away from home” at one of our eight Camp Riley sessions, enjoying facilities and activities at camp that are designed to be barrier-free. Since 1955, Camp Riley has operated at Bradford Woods and has been made possible through the generous support of Riley Children’s Foundation. Additionally, Riley Children’s Foundation ensures that no camper is turned away due to financial need.

Physicians practicing at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health provide 24-hour medical coverage for Camp Riley, including medical and nursing directors, resident physicians, nurses, and a pharmacy team.

1955Camp Riley started at Bradford Woods in 1955, and we've been serving campers ever since.

8We host eight unique sessions of Camp Riley summer camps, each designed with campers in mind.

320+More than 320 campers enjoy a barrier-free experience at camp each year.

Our Camp Riley sessions

Camp Riley 1 – Campers 8–18 years old with physical disabilities needing a 1:1 ratio

Camp Riley 2 – Campers 8–18 years old with physical disabilities needing a 1:2 ratio

Camp Riley 3 – Campers 8–18 years old with physical disabilities needing a 1:3 ratio

Camp Riley+ – Adults 18 and over with a physical disability needing a 1:1 ratio

Camp About Face – Campers 8–18 years old with craniofacial anomalies

Camp Hi-Lite – Campers 8–22 years old with Down syndrome needing a 1:2 ratio

Camp Independence – Campers 8–18 years old with Sickle Cell Anemia and other blood disorders needing a 1:5 ratio

Camp Kan Du – Campers 8–18 years old with a cognitive level ranging from 0-48 months and with physical disabilities needing a 2:1 ratio

Beyond the Woods Mentor Program

The Beyond the Woods mentor program is for teens age 14-18 with a physical disability that are part of the Venture session of Camp Riley. This year, we are also starting a session of Beyond the Woods for Camp About Face Campers! Campers are matched with adult mentors who have been through similar life experiences and can act as a source of empowerment and a resource for campers on a variety of topics, including personal challenges, next steps in education and career, and more.

For more information about the Beyond the Woods program, please call us at 765-342-2915.

 

A legacy for kids

Campers using wheelchairs are loading and unloading from a pickup truck that says "Camp Riley" at the beach. The photo appears to be from the 1960s.

The first Camp Riley took place in August 1955, and provided two weeks of camping for 42 girls and boys with physical disabilities. For all except one or two of the children, it was their first camping experience. Many of the early medical camps were oriented towards youth with polio or diabetes. During these early camps, a burro and a descented skunk often entertained campers. While we don't have any skunks or burros at camp today, we continue in the rich tradition of serving campers started in the 1950s by creating a safe, barrier-free space where campers can be kids, expand their limits, and make relationships that last a lifetime.