A Fun, Supportive, and Empowering Environment for Youth with Down Syndrome

Camp Super Smile offers people with Down syndrome (ages 10+) four days and three nights of summer fun, social connections and knowledge about their health care.

Camp Super Smile, developed in conjunction with the Department of Pediatrics and the Department of Genetics of Children’s National Medical Center, is a new addition to Brainy Camps. The goal of Camp Super Smile is to create a safe environment where campers have lots of summer fun, while reducing their social isolation, increasing their knowledge and understanding of their health care, and improving their self esteem.

Parents can feel comfortable that their children are under the care of trained and experienced doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. The campers work directly with the professional staff to become better self-advocates and self-managers of their health. In addition, they learn from peers and adult volunteers who live effectively with Down syndrome, acting as role-models the campers can emulate and giving them hope for their futures.

Campers participate and choose from activities including hiking, archery, arts and crafts, canoeing, team sports, a low and high ropes confidence course, Camp Olympics, swimming, yoga and drama. Support groups and educational programs promote the acquisition of knowledge, skill development and social connections.

Download the Camp Super Smile brochure here.