13-06-2025
Angel Camp gives kids with disabilities a place to shine
Each summer, Angel Camp at the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA in Rockwall gives kids with intellectual and developmental disabilities something that isn't always easy to come by: a typical summer camp experience – canoeing, swimming, crafts, archery – all with the support they need and at no cost to their families.
The camp is designed for kids ages 8 to 18 who are able to dress and use the restroom on their own. With a low counselor-to-camper ratio of 1:5 and a team of highly trained staff, Angel Camp offers a safe, structured environment where kids can just be themselves.
'Our goal is to give children a place where they feel happy, safe and loved,' said Angel Camp director Shannon Lefebvre. 'Where their disability isn't the focus, just their ability.'
Campers spend their days doing everything from outdoor education and water activities to arts and crafts based on weekly themes. They have dress-up days, field trips and even get visits from local firefighters and police officers.
'We love when the fire trucks come spray us down on water days,' Lefebvre said. 'And our outdoor education program has really grown, we love teaching the campers about the world around them.'
Angel Camp runs in six one-week sessions through July 25 with a break the week of July 1. Campers attend Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., bringing their own lunches and getting a snack after swim time. Each session is capped at 20 campers and spots fill up quickly. New campers choose one week to attend but enrollment is only confirmed after a brief in-person meeting with Lefebvre, the camper, and a parent or guardian.
As of this week, four of the six sessions are already full.
Though the program is free to families, it's made possible through donations to the YMCA Annual Campaign and the camp relies on community support to keep growing.
'We thank our community for their support during the YMCA campaign to grow our camp each year.' Lefebvre said.
To learn more about Angel Camp, visit or reach out to the director at slefebvre@
