Summer Camp

Community Engagement Summer Camp

Hope Lesko Discovery Center

June 3 - August 9, 2024

Monday through Friday | 10:00am - 4:00pm

650 W International Airport Rd, Anchorage

Camp Summary

Campers will head out in the Anchorage community for 10 themed weeks of fun and engaging activities, including art, music, sports, wildlife, cultural traditions, outdoor adventures, and more! Hosted by our Community Engagement Center from June 3 - August 9, all community members up to age 20 are welcome to attend. This camp focuses on social, motor and listening skills, and on creating a fun and educational experience.

Camp Activity Fees

$100 per week when receiving approved Medicaid services*
$200 per week when not receiving Medicaid services*

*Camp fee includes activity costs, camp supplies, and community field trips. Each five-day ceramics class is an extra fee of $250.00. Each five-day dance class is an extra fee of $50.00.

Financial Aid

We offer needs-based financial aid for families who demonstrate financial need. To apply for financial aid or a scholarship, please complete the designated application form and submit it to our Lesko Discovery Center at 650 W International Airport Rd, Anchorage, AK 99518 or email it to [email protected]. Financial aid applications must be submitted by May 20 and will be reviewed by Hope's Executive Team. Financial assistance is made possible by a 'Camps Initiative' grant from The Alaska Community Foundation in partnership with Rasmuson Foundation.

Click here to apply for financial aid

Behavioral Expectations for Group Service Recipients

If you are interested in applying for Hope's Community Engagement Summer Camp, please review the following document for insights on our Group Day Habilitation policies. At our camp, we prioritize creating an inclusive and enriching environment where youth can thrive through engaging group activities. By understanding the behavioral expectations and the criteria for participation and benefit, you'll discover how our program can support your child and prioritize growth and development. It's important that we understand your child's support needs in advance of Camp, so we can determine whether or not we will be able to accommodate each individual's needs.

Read Behavioral Expectations Policy

Sign up today! We hope to see you there!

Apply for Summer Camp

Apply for Financial Aid

View Registration Packet

Looking for a meaningful summer job?

We are now hiring for caring, enthusiastic candidates to help provide a full summer camp experience for youth who experience developmental disabilities. Build your resume in a value-based non-profit organization. The staff hours for this position are Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm. The pay range is $16.97 - $19.53. Click below and search for the 'Community Engagement Specialist' position.

Apply Here

Summer Camp Themed Weeks 2024

June 3 - June 7

Enjoy the joy of movement while improving balance and motor skills. Campers will be able to get out and move their bodies in different ways. Activities this week will be both indoors and outdoors.

June 10 - June 14

This week will be great for those who love animals. Campers will head to the Reindeer Farm, Conservation Center, The Alaska Zoo, and the Willow Ranch to see and learn about animals.

June 17 - June 21

A week of water activities gives our campers the chance to try new water sports and learn valuable water safety information while having lots of fun with friends.

June 24 - June 28

Campers will visit the beautiful world of service animals. We will learn about service dogs of all kinds, equine therapy and even therapy goats! Join us as we discover how animals help us even when we don't know it.

July 1 - July 5

(Closed Tuesday, July 4)

Campers will be immersed in the wonderfully complicated history of Alaska. We will visit historic sites, participate in traditional activities and even do a little gold panning. It's all about the past!

July 8 - July 12

Ceramics: We are partnering with Turnagain Ceramics to learn the basics of ceramics! Participants will make projects to take home.

Dance: We are partnering with Momentum Dance Collective to learn dances like hip hop, line dancing, modern dance, and maybe even some cha cha.

July 15 - July 19

($329.00 additional fee)

Ceramics: We are partnering with Turnagain Ceramics to learn the basics of ceramics! Participants will make projects to take home.

Dance: We are partnering with Momentum Dance Collective to learn dances like hip hop, line dancing, modern dance, and maybe even some cha cha.

July 22 - July 26

Join us to learn about everything that flies. Airplanes, birds, kites, and insects. No stone will be left unturned while we learn what it takes to take flight.

July 29 - August 2

Time to celebrate the Olympics!! This week we will host our own Olympic games! We will try different types of sports, including team and individual activities.

August 5 - August 9

This week celebrates each and every camper. We will party and discover each person's unique talents while practicing our skills so we can end the week with an amazing Talent Show!

We hope to see you there!