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A Ragtag Campout Becomes a Cherished Tradition
July 15, 2026
Every year Living Opportunities Hosts Two Outdoor Summer Adventures
Nearly 20 years ago, what is now one of Living Opportunities' most beloved traditions began as a ragtag camping trip for just four or five men from Supported Living. With one or two staff members leading the way, the group headed outdoors to fish, spend the night under the stars, and enjoy a simple getaway together.
Over the years, that small gathering has grown into a cherished summer tradition. Today, Living Opportunities hosts two co-ed camping trips each summer, welcoming an average of 20 campers per trip. Behind the scenes, a dedicated committee spends months coordinating transportation, meals, equipment, activities, and support, making it possible for people who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities to enjoy camping in a safe, welcoming environment.
The Tradition Continues
That tradition continued this June, when 19 campers and 13 staff members spent three days at Howard Prairie Campground. Throughout the weekend, additional participants and staff joined for the day, with as many as 37 people gathering around camp to enjoy everything that makes camping in Southern Oregon so special. There was fishing, campfires, games, laughter, shared meals, and plenty of time to relax, explore, and simply enjoy being together outdoors.
One of the highlights of the weekend was the fishing. Campers caught an incredible 29 fish, and that evening the day's catch became the centerpiece of a shared dinner around the picnic tables. Stories were exchanged, fish were proudly compared, and everyone celebrated the success of the day together. It was a reminder that some of life's best moments are often the simplest ones, shared with friends around a campfire.
Enthusiasm and pure joy
Employment Services Manager Hannah Layton has seen firsthand what these weekends mean to the people we support:
"I've been participating in the Living Opps summer campouts for a few years now. There is simply no other service we provide that elicits the same level of enthusiasm and pure joy I see when people are outdoors, fishing, swimming, and sitting around a campfire.
"There have been spontaneous dance parties, delicious community meals shared by everyone who attends, and countless opportunities for healthy physical activity. Spending entire days enjoying quality time together is uncommon in the lives of many people we support, and trips like these give them something to look forward to for months."
For many of us, a camping trip is something we can plan without much thought. For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, those same experiences often require accessible equipment, transportation, dedicated staff, and additional support. Without those resources, opportunities like these can be difficult or impossible to access.
Living Opportunities believes everyone deserves the chance to gather around a campfire, catch their first fish, sleep under the stars, and make memories with friends. These shared experiences build confidence, strengthen friendships, and create the sense of belonging that everyone deserves.
For Director of IT and Assistive Technology David Van Hook, who has helped organize the camping trips for 19 years, this year marks an especially meaningful milestone:
"Our goal has always been to make camping and vacation experiences accessible and affordable for people who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities. This year, for the first time, both trips have been fully funded by donors and sponsors.”
David continued, “After helping with these trips for 19 years, I am honored to see what began as a small, ragtag group of campers grow into a full program and a tradition that campers and staff look forward to every year."
That milestone was made possible through the generosity of Living Opportunities' board members, community donors, local businesses, and corporate partners. Over the past two years, their support has helped provide scholarships, replace aging equipment, and continually improve the camping experience.
We are especially grateful to this year's business sponsors, Southern Oregon Subaru, Work Sharp, and Waymo, whose generosity has helped ensure these camping trips remain accessible and affordable for the people we support.
