Where individuals experience independent living firsthand

"When I went to camp I did a lot of things for the first time. The other campers and I planned and cooked meals. We learned about money, taking care of ourselves, and being active in the community. I even stayed overnight two nights in a row! Now that I've been to camp, I can picture what it will be like to live on my own one day."

Many adults with disabilities transition to living on their own before having a chance to practice daily living skills in a realistic, independent environment.

Exposure to these essential experiences can not only help to alleviate an individual's fear and anxiety about independent living--it can also lead to more independence in the individual's current environment and a successful transition to a new, more independent living situation.

At CIF's Life Tools Camp, individuals with disabilities experience independent living in a hands-on, residential setting. Daily camp activities focus on life skills training in all of the components of a full life, including meal preparation, money management, transportation, household chores, building relationships, and more.

Campers have the opportunity to attend 1-2 weeks of camp with the option of overnight experiences. The one-week session includes family orientation, a personalized learning plan, participant processing time with a licensed social worker, an exit consultation with recommendations, and a Life Tools Portfolio.

For more information on Life Tools Camp, call 847.328.2044 or contact Margaret Tanenberg.

See pictures from Life Tools Camp 2011!

See pictures from Graduate Life Tools Camp 2012!

More about Life Tools Camp from two participants