Camp Koinonia + UTK 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 setting.
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.
Overview
Population
Campers ages 7-21 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 16-21, 2022. 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!
Camp Isagoge
A day-camp program in the Fall for kids with varying disabilities enrolled in grades K-5.
Overview
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 every Fall. This year's date is October 1st. 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!
Koinonia Retreat
Koinonia Retreat is a weekend camp for participants ages 21+ in the spring, only for adults in the fall.
Overview
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 3-6, 2022. 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 Koinonia is an experience that lasts a lifetime."
Cost of Camps
Camp Isagoge
Camp Koinonia Most Popular!
Koinonia Retreat
Need based scholarships are available. Please contact us for application information!
What is Experiential Learning?
Our students are learning by doing. You can sit in a classroom and listen to lectures about disability all day, everyday, but that doesn't mean the learning has been applied. Experiential learning is the process of learning through experience in a hands-on environment and then reflecting on that experience. That is why we spend so much time doing team building exercises, singing silly songs, studying on disability and then reflecting on the camp experience to truly learn the value of recreational therapy.