OUR CAMP
Camp Wamp is embraced by tall graceful pines and nestled on the banks of Deer Lake in Soda Springs, California. Beautiful flowers and plants grow naturally along the pathways and building entrances throughout the campground. Campers spend each night sleeping outdoors with the stars as their night light.
OUR HISTORY
Camp Wamp has been operated by Stephen and Elizabeth Wampler since 2004. As someone whose life was personally changed by their camping experience, Steve’s dream had been “to be able to own his own camp”. The journey began with the Wamplers offering wilderness camping experiences at various rented campsites in the Sierra Nevada mountains of Northern California. In 2017, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, the opportunity to assume the ownership role of a new campus became an option. They were delighted. The spacious wooded lakefront property is located on is absolutely a dream come true!
Camp Wamp is located on Deer Lake, which, for 55 years was a Girl Scout camp. (Northern California Council). To pay tribute to the rich history of the property, the Wamplers named the facility Camp Wamp at Deer Lake.
The facility was originally built to be a private hunting estate. Although the original hunting cabin has been remodeled and the site continuously updated, there are still several original, authentic pieces that date back to the early 1920s. As the campus continues to be nurtured by the Camp Wamp Staff, our one goal is for children and parents to feel the safe haven that is provided for our campers… a summer camp rich in fun, friendship, learning and adventure. Camp Wamp is proud to be a traditional camp for children with physical disabilities where each child know that… “We’re glad you’re here!” and that our dream will be “A Dream Come True” for Wampers, too! (By the way, a “Wamper” is a Camp Wamp camper, or anyone at camp who catches the Camp Wamp magic. We often say that we have, “Magic Wamp Dirt” on us.
OUR LEADERSHIP
CAMP OWNERS
The Wampler’s have been providing wilderness experiences to children with physical disabilities since 2002.
“We are so fortunate and thankful for the opportunity to be a part of your family. To you, the parents and guardians, we just want to say Thank You for being a part of the Camp Wamp Family. This privilege and responsibility of providing quality camping experiences has guided us through the years and allowed us to serve hundreds of campers and parents. As owners, we agree with many parents who come to see their camper’s experience as an integral part of their growth, as important to their development as the right school, friends, and home environment. Camp Wamp will help make your decision an easy one! Our goal is that you will find Camp Wamp to be a place of fun, friends, laughter and learning. Thank you for the privilege of providing “the camp of choice” for your camper!
OUR STAFF
Steve Wampler, Founder – steve@wamplerfoundation.org
Elizabeth Wampler, CoFounder – edw@wamplerfoundation.org
Mary Trotta, Director – mary@wamplerfoundation.org
Max Park, Camp Director – max@wamplerfoundation.org
Alejandra Bruyere, Asst. Camp Director – ale@wamplerfoundation.org
Accreditations
We’re an ACA-Accredited Camp – not just a member. It’s a big difference!
ACA Accreditation means that your child’s camp cares enough to undergo a thorough (up to 300 standards) review of its operation — from staff qualifications and training to emergency management. American Camp Association collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth-serving agencies to assure that current practices at your child’s camp reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation. Camps and ACA form a partnership that promotes growth and fun in an environment committed to safety. ACA helps member camps provide: Healthy, developmentally appropriate activities and learning experiences Discovery through experiential education Caring, competent role models Service to the community and the environment Opportunities for leadership and personal growth. ACA is THE Camping Industry Standard!
