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A Ragtag Campout Becomes a Cherished Tradition
July 27, 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
The tradition continued this summer as campers and staff gathered for two three-day camping trips at Howard Prairie, spending their days fishing, hiking, playing campground games, sharing meals, gathering around campfires, and simply enjoying time together in the great outdoors. Whether casting a line into the lake, exploring nearby trails, or relaxing around camp after a day of adventure, each weekend offered opportunities to build friendships, create lasting memories, and experience the simple joys of camping in Southern Oregon.
One of the highlights of the camping season came during the first trip, when campers caught an incredible 29 fish. 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. During the second trip, campers enjoyed a group hike, more fishing, plenty of campground games, and another weekend filled with laughter, friendship, and unforgettable moments.
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.”
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.
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."
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.
As another camping season comes to a close, the memories will last far longer than the summer itself. From first fish and scenic hikes to campfire meals, games, laughter, and friendships, these weekends remind us that everyone deserves the chance to experience adventure, belonging, and the simple joy of spending time together outdoors. Thank you to everyone who has helped make this cherished tradition possible.
