Our Mission

Here at Camp Willow, our mission is to support growth in children with mental, physical, and developmental disabilities through equine, art, theatre, and music therapy events and activities in a nurturing and safe environment. We believe this is possible by bringing positivity, enjoyment, and connection to children with disabilities and their families by creating free events within their community. Camp Willow was founded in Norfolk, Nebraska.
We are firm believers that abilities outweigh disabilities.

Activities

Making a Difference and Having Fun

Horses

Our goal is to introduce up-close and unique interactions with horses trained to work with persons with special needs who may have never had the opportunity to experience this type of interaction. Kids at Camp Willow learn how to care for, groom, and walk horses alongside professional staff in a safely-equipped area. With access to this resource, children can become empowered by their own abilities and gain the confidence to pursue further learning, connections, and interests with the animals.

art

With our organization’s mission always in mind, we strive to deliver innovative strategies for assisting children in expression and coping through different art mediums. All of our art projects revolve around the staple themes of the camp. The children are guided in their creative process by skilled instructors who promote creativity, both independently and collaboratively. Since we encourage sharing and inspiring, children at the Camp are given the option to bring their works home with them in celebration of their expression.

MUSIC

When words aren’t enough, music can be! Music and rhythms are essential parts of our daily lives. Not only can we express our thoughts and feelings through music, but we can hone skills, reduce stress, increase healing, and build connections. While soaking up musical therapy and activities, our Campers experience therapeutic benefits hand-in-hand. When available, Campers are divided into smaller groups for a more personalized experience that is catered to their individual needs to gain the full benefits of music therapy and express themselves.

THEATRE

Fun is the forefront of our theatre activities! Children participate in theatre activities such as acting games, costume and prop selection and creation, skit writing with friends, and sometimes a final performance for their families. Professional acting coaches from across the country facilitate this portion of Camp with a focus on developing confidence in the children's expression and talent they discover at the Camp and beyond.