Thanks to a generous Variety Grant, Camp High Hopes in Sioux City has been able to bring even more joy and inclusion to its campers through new, adaptive recreational activities.
Camp High Hopes offers year-round therapeutic recreation programs and respite weekends tailored to individuals with diagnosed disabilities. Each year, the camp welcomes around 300 children and teens to take part in experiences designed to enrich their lives and build meaningful connections.
One exciting addition funded by the Variety Grant was ZTAG, an interactive, accessible game system. Camp staff first introduced ZTAG during a fall weekend camp, where campers with a range of physical and developmental disabilities were in attendance - making it the perfect group to test out the new technology.
One camper, Madison (pictured to the right) is legally blind and immediately connected with the game. Instead of relying on the traditional light and color-based features, the camp used the sound-based version to ensure it was accessible to her. Madison laughed throughout the game and was thrilled to play alongside peers in wheelchairs and with other disabilities. ZTAG helped her feel fully included - like the game was designed just for her. Camp staff were inspired by how the game encouraged communication, collaboration, and inclusive fun for everyone.
Another camper who benefited from the grant-funded additions was Bayleigh (pictured to the left), who has cri du chat syndrome and is non-verbal. Bayleigh is a longtime camper and often prefers low-movement activities due to mobility challenges. But during Wacky Water Thursday - a camp tradition featuring various water-themed stations - Bayleigh found pure delight in a field of foam and bubbles created by the foam cannon.
Initially, the camp had only one foam cannon, which wasn’t enough to meet the high “bubble demand.” With the help of Variety’s support, Camp High Hopes was able to purchase a second cannon, expanding the foam field and the fun. Bayleigh was instantly captivated. She loved the sensation of the bubbles on her skin and joyfully shared them with others. The foam kept her engaged longer than any other activity, creating a truly memorable experience for her and her fellow campers.
Thanks to the support they received from Variety's Grant Program, Camp High Hopes is able to foster inclusion, joy, and unforgettable moments for all campers, regardless of ability. With new tools and technologies like ZTAG and the foam cannons, the camp continues to innovate and expand its mission of creating a place where everyone belongs.
