Families can officially start counting down to summer fun as registration for Camp Lakeside’s 2026 season is now open at camplakeside.org.
Located on 158 scenic acres along the shores of Lake Eliza in Valparaiso, Camp Lakeside is an inclusive summer day camp where school-aged kids with disabilities and their neurotypical peers come together for eight memorable weeks of adventure. Guided by the belief that recreation is a right and inclusion is a choice we make every day, Camp Lakeside offers a safe, structured and joy-filled space where every camper is welcomed, celebrated, and truly belongs.
Camp runs weekly from June 8 through July 31, Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each week features a unique theme — from The Circus Comes to Town and Out of this World to H2O Olympics and Holiday Hoedown — while core camp traditions stay consistent to help campers build confidence, friendships and life skills.
A Camp Experience for All Abilities
Camp Lakeside maintains a 1:5 staff-to-camper ratio, with trained counselors, educators and leadership staff dedicated to creating meaningful inclusion experiences. Campers enjoy:
- Archery and nature exploration
- Waterfront activities and pontoon rides
- STEM projects and hands-on art
- Gardening
- Team-building and social skill development
- Opening and closing camp ceremonies
“Inclusion isn’t something we say — it’s something we practice every day,” said Nichole Schaefer-Murray, Director of Adventure (Camp Director). “Camp Lakeside is where kids of all abilities make friends, try new experiences and go home tired, happy and proud of themselves.”
Tuition & Registration Details
- Weekly Tuition: $225 per week
- Week of July 4th (4-day week): $180
- A 50% deposit is due at registration, with the remaining balance due one week prior to each camp session
Registration is now open and families can learn more and register at camplakeside.org. Weekly camp sessions are $225 per camper and families are encouraged to register early, as weekly sessions fill quickly.
For families needing extended hours, Camp Lakeside offers flexible options:
Early Bird (Morning Care)
- Partial (8–9 a.m.): $20/week
- Full (7:30–9 a.m.): $30/week
Night Owl (After Camp Care)
- Partial (3–4:30 p.m.): $30/week
- Full (3–5:30 p.m.): $45/week
Extended care is available only for campers enrolled in day camp and must be registered by the week.
Inclusion Services & Support
Camp Lakeside partners closely with families to provide accommodations and individualized support within the camp environment. Inclusion services range from minimal to moderate support, with a commitment to maintaining a safe and positive experience for all campers.
When campers come home dirty, tired, and full of wonderful experiences and stories — that’s when Camp Lakeside knows it has done its job. Splash. Explore. Smile. Summer Fun Starts Here.