Summer Camps and Events for Children and Young Adults Living with Autism and Developmental Disabilities.
Sunshine Nevada Camps
Camp I Am, Camp TLC, and Camp Shine are free summer camps for children and young adults living with autism ages 6-25. Over the last 20 years, thousands of children have experienced summer camps and events thru Sunshine Nevada. Camps are filled with singing, dancing, laughing, love, education and social experiences. It’s a place where children and young adults with autism can be themselves and be included. The campers, and even the volunteers, would both agree that camp is one of the times they look forward to most each year. Many would say that camp has helped shape their perception on life, community, and what matters most in this sometimes hectic world.
Sunshine Nevada Mission, Passion and Purpose
OUR MISSION, PASSION, AND PURPOSE
Our mission is to create a traditional summer camp experience for children living with autism. Our passion and purpose is to develop a sense of belonging for these children and young adults.
Social isolation is a crisis in the special needs community.
We all have a fundamental need to belong, but it is common for children with autism to be bullied or shunned. Families feel isolated and kids are excluded from common social activities: no playdates, parties, or sleepovers. No dates or dances. And no summer camp!
We know that relationships give our lives meaning, purpose, and encouragement in difficult times. We grow by relating and being with others. Our summer camps work hard to create an environment to address these concerns.
Striving to be the ‘World’s Greatest’
“We ask campers and volunteers to take a piece of camp home with them and help make the world a kinder place.” - Christopher Bache, Camp Director
Sunshine Nevada Volunteers
Sunshine Nevada is 100% volunteer-run and operated.
We couldn’t do it without our camp family comprised of hundreds of volunteers.
Sunshine Nevada Pre-Camp Planning Committee
While the camp season is only a few weeks, the camp committee works for months planning and detailing every minute of the day. Below are those volunteers who serve on our pre-camp planning committee to help us get ready for the campers.
Alyssa Yocum - 'Chatterbox'
Victoria Centineo - 'Noodles'
Noelle Wasiak - 'Tippy Toes'
Blake Hardy - 'Dr. Twerk'
Donnie Loggins - 'hmmmm'
Josie Covel - 'Scrubs'
Brittany Berrellezza - 'Ms. America'
Tait Ecklund - 'Thundercat'
Antonio & Evan - 'Pizza & Bagel'
Alyzza Suarez - 'Sweets'
MaryGrace Rendina - 'Latte'
Amber Suarez - 'Kicks'
Katie Johnson - 'Shrink'
Join the Pre-Camp Team Today!
Why don’t we use our real names at summer camp?
We use camp names so campers and volunteers alike can forget about the challenges and stresses that everyday life brings, and step outside of who they usually are, to be able to fully immerse themselves into the camp experience.
Sunshine Nevada Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors has been volunteering their time for more than 10 years.
Christopher Bache - 'Brooklyn'
Jessica Loggins - 'Google'
Jeff Burns - 'Spidey'
Parent Testimonials
TESTIMONIALS FROM CAMPER PARENTS
Who Witnessed The Magic of Camps
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“I just wanted to thank you for giving me the opportunity to witness such an amazing group of not only volunteers but campers. I am humbled and most of all ecstatic to have been a part of this weekend. The smiles on these campers faces, as well as on my sons will be a memory of mine for a lifetime. Brooklyn, Jeff, Jessica, and every volunteer and Sunshine of Nevada are the true ANGELS of the spectrum, I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to be a part of it. You are all ROCKSTARS And I will see you all again.”
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“This was my first year at camp. Before I knew what it was like, I was hesitant about volunteering, but by the end of camp I was already making plans to come back. As the father of a 12 year old on the spectrum, I understand how important it is for kids like him to have a safe place that they can have fun and be themselves. The staff and volunteers pour their heart and soul into making this a special place for the campers, and it’s so inspirational to see how the campers respond to this and shine. I hope to be able to join my son here for years to come, and would be honored to be able to contribute to creating amazing experiences for these kids.”
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"What an adventure! It is very obvious the amount of time, energy and planning that goes into organizing this camp. As a parent and volunteer I was in awe of the amount of love that the organization put into customizing the experience for all the individuals on the spectrum and their individual needs. The organizers and volunteers of this camp are truly heroes with the biggest hearts. We are extremely lucky to have this one of a kind opportunity for our special needs families here in our community."
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“I had the privilege of first-hand experience at camp this year. I cannot explain in words how much my soul was touched by the incredible people that give themselves to this community of children. I left camp with beautiful memories and a desire to do more and be more. The love that camp was filled with is not typical anywhere else that I have ever found. Watching these kids step outside of their comfort zones, being encouraged and cheered on, brought tears to my eyes more than once. My life has been profoundly changed by the experience. I am grateful not only for my son, I’m grateful for all the other parents that have the opportunity for their children to experience this incredible camp.”
Our AMAZING Sponsors
Without you, none of this would be possible.
Sponsors
Brett Torino & the Torino Foundation
The Marlon Charitable Foundation
Las Vegas Rotary Foundation
The Thomas Nelson Abdella Foundation, Cort & Sheila Christie,
Super Bowl GameDay Grants, The Raiders Foundation,
Alexios Security Solutions, Desert Lifeguard Management,
Eide Bailly, Port Of Subs, Brad Benesh, Terence O'Connor,
Michael Kopelman, Jennifer Samuel, Allen Glatts,
Michael Wade, Kroger, Brooklyn’s Best Pizza, Lucky Cat BBQ,
Magura’s Pizza, Great Buns Bakery, Jennifer Stroebel,
Terri Yocum, WBF Management, Bad Girl Baking Company,
Aloha Kitchen, McDonalds, Branch Benefits Consultants,
Thomas Nelson Abdella MD Foundation, Hector Marmolejo,
Mica Berg, Sport Social, Inclusion Fusion, David & Gina Jackson,
Advanced Neuro Connections, Home Sweets Bake Shop,
FEAT of Southern Nevada, Wynn Resorts, Shandrea Williams,
Accent T-Shirts, TLC Transportation, Pinkbox Doughnuts,
...and to our Sensei, Kari Tillman!
...and the HUNDREDS of VOLUNTEERS WHO MAKE CAMP POSSIBLE.
We ❤️ and appreciate you all!