Camp Koinonia + University of TN Camps

The Koinonia Foundation, in partnership with The Therapeutic Recreation Program of The University of Tennessee, Knoxville puts on both residential and day-camp programs throughout the year. These camps foster independence, cultivate friendship, and provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities in a camp settin.

Camp Koinonia

Camp Koinonia is our longest running legacy camp. In 1977, Dr. Gene Hayes had a vision to create a camp for individuals with disabilities. Over 40 years later, Camp Koinonia continues to grow and is an experience our campers remember forever.

Population

 Campers ages 7 through end of high school of all varying ability levels are welcome to attend Camp Koinonia. We are capable of handling campers that require full care, including everything from g-tubes to changing briefs.

Time + Location

Camp Koinonia will be held April 4-11,2025. We travel to the completely accessible Clyde M. York 4H UT extension campus in Crossville, TN.

Staff

All counselors and activity staff are enrolled in a Therapeutic Recreation course at UT that meets on Thursday evenings during the spring semester. Students learn about different disabilities, goals and objectives, program planning, and behavior modifications in preparation for their week-long experience.

Activities

Returning UT students are given the additional leadership role to plan activities during camp. Activities include canoeing, riding horses, doing arts & crafts, creating mad science experiments, low ropes courses, sports & games, theater, music & movement, cooking, outdoor adventure, archery, game shows, talent shows, scavenger hunts, and of course the dance!

Population

Campers enrolled in grades K-5 are able to attend Camp Isagoge. We are capable of handling campers that require full care, including everything from g-tubes to changing briefs.

Time + Location

Camp Isagoge is our newest program and will be held on Saturday, October 26th, 2024. Location will vary.

Staff

Each counselor is enrolled in The University of Tennessee and has volunteered to work this camp. Students are paired up 1:1 with a camper for the day.

Activities

Activities include fishing, doing arts & crafts, creating mad science experiments, low ropes courses, sports & games, theater, music & movement, cooking, outdoor adventure, archery, game shows, talent shows, scavenger hunts, and of course the dance!

Camp Isagoge

A day-camp program in the Fall for kids with varying disabilities enrolled in grades K-5.

"Camp Koinonia is an experience that lasts a lifetime."

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See our programs

Koinonia Retreat

Koinonia Retreat is a weekend camp for participants ages 21+ in the spring, only for adults in the fall.

Population

Campers ages 21 and older of all varying ability levels are welcome to attend Koinonia Retreat. We are capable of handling campers that require full care, including everything from g-tubes to changing briefs.

Time + Location

Koinonia Retreat is typically held in late October or early November. Retreat dates for this year are November 14-17. Drop-off is on Thursday and pick-up is on Sunday. We travel to the completely accessible Clyde M. York 4H UT extension campus in Crossville, TN.

Staff

Counselors and activity staff are enrolled in a Therapeutic Recreation course at UT or a volunteer with our program. Students learn about different disabilities, goals and objectives, program planning, and behavior modifications in preparation for their week-long experience.

Activities

Activities include canoeing, riding horses, doing arts & crafts, creating mad science experiments, low ropes courses, sports & games, theater, music & movement, cooking, outdoor adventure, archery, game shows, talent shows, scavenger hunts, and of course the dance!

Camp Pricing

Cost of Camps

Camp Isagoge

October 26th, 2024
$55
  • Location: Camp Isagoge
  • Campers: multiple disabilities
  • Grades: K-5
Register now!

Camp Koinonia

April 4th - April 11th, 2025
$480
  • Location: 4-H Crossville
  • Campers: multiple disabilities
  • Ages: 7-21
Register Now!

Koinonia Retreat

November 14th - 17th, 2024
$325
  • Location: 4-H Crossville
  • Campers: multiple disabilities
  • Ages: 21+
register now!

what you may be asking

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have a question? Contact Us
What makes Koinonia camps unique?
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Each camper has their own individual counselor for the entire time. Each counselor is a student at UT who is enrolled in a therapeutic recreation course, is run through a background check, and receives abuse and safety training.
What if my child has never spent the night away from home?
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As a parent or caregiver, this is one of the hardest things to face. We've found that campers enjoy being away from parents and the friendships made and independence gained from the camping experience.
Is medical staff present?
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There is at least one Registered Nurse on site in the medicl clinic at all times during camps. All medical staff are med certified to administer medications, CPR + First Aid certified, and up-to-date on all licensing and certifications.

Are scholarships available?
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Financial limitations should never be a barrier to experiencing one of our camps. Scholarships are available in order to defray some of the cost to attend our camps. Please contact thecampkoinonia@gmail.com for more information on how to apply.

Will I be able to contact my child at camp?
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Yes, but we encourage independence during your camper's stay. Although most of our counselors own smart phones, they are deducted points for using them therefore discouraging use of texting and picture taking. If there is a concern, we may make arrangements before camp for a scheduled phone call. We encourage writing letters before camp and mailing them to the campsite for some good ole fashioned correspondence!
Will I get to contact my child's counselor before camp?
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Yes, it is required before each camp that the counselor complete a phone survey with the parent or caregiver. For our weekend camps, we encourage counselors to meet their camper in person. For Camp Koinonia, we hold a meet and greet called Gym Night on UTK's campus in HPER gym. During this time families and prospective campers have the opportunity to meet the counselor, cabin group, and head counselor. See some of the games we play, songs we sing, and contagious positive energy that is created.