Camp Wigwam

Please note that registration for overnight trips will be conducted on a first-come-first-served basis.

Ahka Lacka Ching! NSSRA is heading back to Camp Wigwam on Bear Lake in Waterford, Maine for Summer 2025. Campers can enjoy swimming, tubing, fishing, and boating on Bear Lake, plus scenic views after hiking Hawk Mountain. We’ll also take on the climbing wall, archery, and spend evenings around the campfire with s’mores! Offsite, we’ll watch a baseball game in Portland, have a Karaoke dinner, and visit town for souvenir shopping—enjoying all Maine has to offer! With over 40 years of experience, NSSRA is proud to continue this unforgettable adventure at the American Camping Association accredited Camp Wigwam.

New participants must attend an NSSRA overnight trip before the Camp Wigwam registration deadline for readiness assessment. A mandatory meeting for new participants will take place one week before camp. Participants will share cabins with peers; however, single cabins can be arranged by contacting Lacey Allen at (847) 509-9400 x6833 or lallen@nssra.org before the registration deadline.

In July, NSSRA will email a trip waiver and information packet, which must be returned with payment. Participants must independently manage daily living skills, follow scheduled activities, and function at a 1:4 staff-to-participant ratio. This trip is not recommended for those who tire easily when walking. The fee includes transportation, meals, lodging, and various activities.

Trip Eligibility

Participants must be able to meet general trip expectations for all overnight trips. Specific trip eligibility is listed in the program guide information. For all trips lasting longer than three days and two nights, participants must attend an NSSRA overnight trip prior to the registration deadline for the desired trip in order for NSSRA staff to assess the individual’s readiness for the trip. Assessments will be completed at the end of all trips to determine eligibility for future trips.

General Trip Expectations

For NSSRA overnight trips, participants must be able to:

• Meet all expectations outlined in the Code of Conduct while participating in group activities.
• Follow all scheduled activities and demonstrate appropriate social skills with peers and staff.
• Carry out daily living activities with or without staff assistance as needed.
• Respectfully share living space with other participants and staff members.

Registration Deadline

• Friday, May 2

Please note that registration for overnight trips will be conducted on a first-come-first-served basis, meaning that spots will be filled in the order that registrations are received. There will no longer be a lottery system in place for trip registration. Don’t wait to sign up for these amazing opportunities!

Trip Housing

Participants may be expected to share rooms and possibly beds with peers of the same gender. Specific housing details are listed in the trip information. To arrange for a single room or bed, if available, please call the trip contact listed in the program guide by the designated registration deadline. An additional fee may apply for these arrangements.

NSSRA staff may not be present in all rooms during downtime, personal care/hygiene time or overnight. Room assignments will be made at the staff’s discretion. Participants are expected to stay in their rooms and be respectful of their roommates. To arrange for a staff member to be present in the room overnight, please call the trip contact as listed in the program guide by the designated registration deadline.

Activities of Daily Living

All participants are required to adhere to NSSRA participant expectations for the duration of the trip. Depending on the trip, NSSRA staff are available to provide different levels of reminders, prompting and assistance for activities of daily living (i.e. toileting, showering, brushing teeth, dressing and feeding). Specific expectations for carrying out activities of daily living on trips are listed in the program guide information.

Questions?

For any questions about trips, please contact Lacey Allen at (847) 509-9400 x6833 or lallen@nssra.org.