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Three smiling campers.

FireFly Camps and Retreats

While a new program for CLASS, has an incredible history of providing recreational activities for people with spina bifida and similar/related disabilities. The mission of the FireFly Camps and Retreats is to provide opportunities throughout the year for personal development, skills building, and family respite. 

FireFly Summer Camps provide a traditional camp experience for individuals with spina bifida and related disabilities. The program combines traditional camp fun with skill development in a barrier-free atmosphere regardless of disability. For many, it is an opportunity to be with friends and experience activities never thought possible. A primary focus of the program is to work on teaching health care, life management, pre-vocational, and interpersonal skills. These skills are taught indirectly through goal-oriented activities such as cooking, art, sports, nature, archery, swimming, and discussion groups. Each summer program has a specific theme with targeted goals and objectives. The individual does not need to be independent in self-care routines to participate. Groups are determined based on age and interests. FireFly Retreats are an extension of the FireFly Summer Camp program. Retreats enable participants to get together with friends throughout the year. The emphasis of the program is on developing and maintaining friendships. Groups are based on age. 

While the transition of FireFly under CLASS’s umbrella has brought some behind-the-scenes changes, the core of SBAWP’s and FireFly’s mission still continues to beat with the same passion. Sue Garver, FireFly Director, is a vital component of the program. She has continued to run the FireFly Camps and Retreats with unwavering dedication. While the overall framework of the program is evolving, the day-to-day experience for campers remains consistent and enriching. Regardless of financial pressures, FireFly Camps and Retreats firmly believes in the value of their programs and will not compromise on quality by cutting costs or imposing restrictions of campers’ eligibility based on their medical needs. This commitment ensures that the unique and essential support provided remains steadfast. CLASS is equally dedicated to maintaining this high standard of excellence. 

Sue shared her joy in seeing the campers thrive. She particularly cherishes moments like “seeing them ziplining on day one. The amount of trust they have to have, and their first taste of freedom. They are flying.”  Through the week, campers build relationships, spend time with peers, and become comfortable in themselves. Sue loves watching as their personalities truly emerge during their time at camp.

 

Noah’s Camp Experience

Noah has been attending FireFly Camp for about ten years, and his experience has been truly impactful. “Every summer, I look forward to meeting new people and reconnecting with old friends,” he says. Originally from Illinois, now living in Pennsylvania, Noah enjoys the diversity and camaraderie at camp. One of Noah’s main suggestions for improvement is broadening the recruitment spectrum to include campers from different states and cities. “Meeting different people makes the experience more interesting,” he notes.

Noah’s dreams and aspirations are clear; he wants to work with a children’s program on PBS, either in front of or behind the camera. With a major in communication media, he is passionate about making a difference. “Camp has helped me feel more like a ‘regular’ person, being with people like me,” he reflects. Despite some challenges with accessibility, Noah feels supported by the staff. “They help by going slower when traveling with me and ensuring I’m okay,” he shares. The staff’s kindness and inclusivity make him feel welcomed. “All the hugs and genuinely nice people, they don’t bully me; they treat me like an actual person,” he adds.

The camp has significantly impacted Noah’s confidence and independence. Although he still faces ongoing issues, he acknowledges the growth he has experienced. “I’ve learned how to act more like a normal person and do things on my own outside of camp,” he says. Noah has made about four close friends at camp, some of whom he stays in touch with outside of camp.

A memorable moment for Noah was the first time he met his friend Travis. While he missed seeing Travis this past year, he enjoyed meeting new friends and the overall camp experience. He rates his camp experience an 8.5 out of 10, feeling that it is a “home away from home.”

To anyone considering attending the camp, Noah strongly encourages, “Please come! You’ll have fun, meet new people, and try things you’ve never done before. Fear is only in the mind.” His story is a testament to the camp’s positive and transformative impact, helping campers build self-confidence and lasting friendships.

 

The Power of a Campership

A campership to FireFly Camps and Retreats holds immense power, acting as a catalyst for personal growth, skill development, and a profound sense of belonging for individuals with spina bifida and related disabilities. It’s more than just a financial aid; it’s an investment in a transformative experience that extends far beyond the camp boundaries. 

A campership opens the door to a space where physical limitations are minimized, allowing campers to engage in traditional camping activities like ziplining, cooking, and sports without impediment. This fosters a sense of freedom and possibility that many may not experience in their daily lives. 

Camps and Retreats facilitate opportunities for campers to connect with peers who share similar experiences, creating a powerful sense of camaraderie and acceptance. Noah’s story perfectly illustrates this, as he cherishes meeting new people, reconnecting with old friends, finding a home away from home and finding connections which often develop into lasting friendships. For many campers, FireFly is a place where they can truly be themselves. The supportive staff and inclusive environment help camper become more comfortable in their own skin, allowing their personalities to emerge and fostering great self-confidence. 

Beyond the individual camper, camperships also provide valuable family respite, offering a period of support and relief for caregivers while ensuring the camper receives enriching and specialized care. The commitment of FireFly and CLASS is not to compromise on quality or impose restrictions based on medical needs meaning that a campership guarantees access to a high-standard program, ensuring every eligible camper receives the essential support they need, regardless of financial pressures. 

 

How Can You Be a Part of FireFly?

Sponsor a Camper for a year!

A yearlong campership includes two Spring Retreats, two Fall retreats, a trip to Kennywood, and a full week camp during the summer. FireFly Fundraising Goal: $5,400 per camper, per year.

Sponsor One Campership Experience for FireFly Summer Camp

A week of summer camp costs $3,000 per camper.  FireFly Fundraising Goal: $3,000 per camper

Sponsor One Campership Experience for a FireFly Weekend Retreat

A Weekend Retreat costs $600 per camper. FireFly Fundraising Goal: $600 per camper

 

Looking for Hands-On Options?

  • Register to attend
  • Become a counselor or volunteer
  • Donate to the Wishlist Campers have the opportunity to participate in many traditional camp activities include arts and crafts.  We need many different supplies, consider donating new supplies, gift cards, or make a fiscal donation to cover a portion of these costs.  Any fiscal donation will help with covering these costs.
    • Acrylic paint
    • Canvas panels for painting
    • Cricket paper
    • Jars or wine bottles for crafts
    • Glass containers for crafts
    • Pony beads
    • Construction paper
    • Wax for candle making
    • Soap for making soap
    • Glue guns and glue
    • Scissors
    • Paper products, plates, bowls, paper towels
    • Tin foil
    • Parchment paper
    • Plastic tablecloths for painting
    • Gallon and sandwich zip lock baggies
    • Clorox wipes
    • Baby wipes

 

Save the Date

  • Summer Camp – Adults (full)
    • June 29 – July 5
  • Summer Camp – Youth and Teen
    • July 6-11
  • Fall Retreats - Adults
    • Sept 26-28
    • December 5-7
  • Fall Retreats – Youth and Teen
    • October 3-5
    • December 12-14
  • Spring Retreats
    • TBD 2026