Testimonials
In their own words: parents, campers and staff on what Camp Paivika means to them.
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Parents & Caregivers
“Thank you for your sanctuary. Our daughter looks forward to Camp Paivika all year. She is full of excitement when she knows time is near; she feels joy when she is there and enjoys staff’s love and warmth. Our daughter leaves each session with sadness; she is leaving people who accept her no matter what and she savors the memories made. Looking ahead to next year! Camp Paivika gives each camper something to look forward to and makes them feel special. We are truly blessed to have found Camp Paivika.”
— Angela, camper parent
“Our children have attended Camp Paivika since 2011. It’s a blessing to have respite time to ourselves without worrying about our children’s care. We know that they are well cared for by the highly trained and caring staff at Camp Paivika.”
— John and Robyn, camper parents
“My testimonial rates Camp Paivika 5 out of 5 stars. The very best special needs camp with a great staff. Activities geared to each individual’s abilities. A parent can feel safe leaving their child in their care for a week. Parents enjoy a week of R and R while your child has fun and makes new friends.”
— Sue, camper parent
“My son looks forward to Camp Paivika every year! He loves the caring and upbeat staff, the camaraderie with his fellow campers and all the amazing activities Camp Paivika offers. When I pick him up he glows with self-confidence!”
— Ariane, camper parent
“My son and his friend started coming to Camp Paivika in 1999 at the age of 10. Summer 2019 marked their 20th year at Camp Paivika. He looks forward to camp, planning and packing with great anticipation of what has become his “home away from home.” He’s able to just be himself, enjoy the fellow campers and camp counselors he meets each summer. While he is away at camp, I have total trust he is being supervised and cared for by the Camp Paivika staff and well-trained counselors. During these camp sessions his father and I take this much needed opportunity to go on vacation, reconnect as a couple, reflect and be ready to welcome him when we reunite.”
— Elenor, camper parent
“To my daughter, Camp Paivika is EVERYTHING! She begins talking about camp the moment she gets home from her job; she eats, showers, and spends family time talking about camp. You guys don’t understand what Camp Paivika does for my life; it is very liberating. It is a gift from Heaven. It is a community of individuals who can relate to one another. Camp Paivika provides me, as a loving mother and 24-hour caregiver, an opportunity to have a little “me” time. Without Camp Paivika “me” time would not exist.”
— Sandra, camper parent
Campers
“I was extremely nervous to go to camp for the first time last summer. I planned to go for three nights but loved camp so much I asked to stay for five nights. Now, this summer I want to go for NINE nights! Camp Paivika is a WONDERFUL program!”
— Ben, camper
“At Camp Paivika I learn independence and how to advocate for myself. The strong bond the campers share with the counselors is unbreakable. The staff members act far beyond their roles as staff by creating ever-lasting friendships with us. This has shown us that friendships cannot be interfered with by the concept of “age” or “disability.””
— Joshua, camper
“I like Camp Paivika because it gives Mom and Dad a break. It also gives me a break and I can get away from home for a while. I love the archery, swimming and arts & crafts. And I LOVE Kelly!”
— Ashley, camper
“Camp Paivika helps me learn independence. I also experience new things that I have never done before. The difference between the other camps and Camp Paivika is like night and day. Camp Paivika provides a safe, happy, and healthy place for me and all the campers it cares for. It is staffed with dedicated workers who take great care of us.”
— Sarah, camper
“I love Camp Paivika so much! I was proud of myself because I was nervous to go on stage for the talent show, but I did it and everyone clapped for me. I really love my counselors and Carly and I cannot wait for next summer!”
— Sierra, camper
Staff
“Paivika is the one place in the world that I feel most at home. It is cultivated in love, fueled by compassion and committed to growth and fun for both its campers and staff. I hold with me the Paivika spirit in everything I do and wish the rest of the world had even just a little more Paivika in their lives! It is truly magical.”
— Brooke, staff member
“To me, Camp Paivika is a home away from home. It’s somewhere I feel welcome and happy. The last two summers working at Camp Paivika have been the best summers of my life.”
— Tyler, staff member
“Camp Paivika has a special place in my heart. I have worked with some of the most amazing people. I have made memories that will last a lifetime.”
— Mackenzie, staff member
“Working at Camp Paivika is an incredible experience. I guarantee that working here for a summer will make you a better human being.”
— Christian, staff member
“Camp Paivika is always the biggest highlight of my year. So many great memories and lifelong friendships are made here. Without Camp Paivika the world just wouldn’t be the same.”
— Angelo, staff member