Special Needs Day Camp at Abundant Life Church
Buddy Week is a four-day special needs summer camp for individuals ages 3 and up.
July 13–16, 2026
9:00 am–3:30 pm
304 SW Persels, Lee’s Summit, MO 64081
Serving families across the Kansas City area
Buddy Week is a four-day special needs summer camp for individuals ages 3 and up.
Each camper is paired with a trained buddy and supported by experienced leaders, creating a safe and structured environment where every camper can thrive.
Throughout the week, campers will experience friendship, fun, and the hope of Jesus in a way that is designed specifically for them. Campers will explore God’s story—from creation to the promise of eternal life.
Our team includes trained volunteers, experienced leaders, and a dedicated medical team who review each camper’s needs before camp begins.
This will be a week full of joy, connection, and moments your camper will look forward to.
Register your camper today—we would love to welcome your family.
Buddy Week is designed specifically for individuals with special needs—not adapted as an afterthought.
Our team provides individualized support, structured routines, and flexible participation so every camper can feel safe, included, and engaged.
We are trained to welcome a wide range of needs, including autism, developmental disabilities, medical complexities, and communication or mobility differences.
If you’re unsure whether Buddy Week is the right fit, we would love to help you decide.
Email BuddyWeek@abundant-life.com and we’ll connect with you before you register.
At Buddy Week, every part of the day is built with your child in mind.
Campers experience a consistent, structured schedule that includes worship, activities, rest, and connection—giving them the support they need to feel safe and successful.
Throughout the day, campers will enjoy:
• A welcoming and supported start to the day
• Worship and meaningful Bible teaching
• Small group time and snacks
• Adapted activities including crafts, recreation, sensory, and quiet play
• Lunch and rest time
• Activity rotations designed for all abilities
• Music, movement, and a fun dance party
Every moment is supported by trained buddies and leaders so campers can participate at their own pace.
No camper sits on the sidelines. Every camper is known, supported, and celebrated.
For more information about how we support your child, see our FAQs or email BuddyWeek@abundant-life.com.
Buddy Week is open to individuals ages 3 and older with special needs, including children, students, and adults.
$200 per camper
Includes:
• Daily lunch and snacks
• Camper t-shirt and gift bag
• All activities and materials
• Individual buddy support
• Medical and behavior support
Scholarships are available
Complete the camper registration form and submit a $50 deposit
Receive a confirmation email with payment instructions ($150 remaining)
Submit medical and support information through CampDoc
All three steps must be completed to reserve your camper’s spot.
Buddy Week happens because volunteers say yes.
When you serve, you become someone’s buddy and help them experience friendship, joy, and the hope of Jesus.
You will build meaningful relationships, support families, and be part of something that makes a lasting impact.
No prior experience is required. Training is provided.
Volunteers must be at least 12 years old.
Serve in a way that fits your schedule:
• One half-day
• Multiple shifts
• Several days
• The full week
Roles include:
• Camper Buddy
• Welcome Team
• Hospitality and meals
• Activity leaders (games, crafts, sensory)
• Medical team
• Support and float roles
Buddy Week is a four-day special needs day camp where individuals with disabilities experience friendship, fun, and the hope of Jesus in a fully supported environment.
Campers must be age 3 or older and have a special need or disability requiring support.
Buddy Week is designed specifically for individuals with special needs.
Siblings ages 12 and older are welcome to serve as volunteers.
Buddy Week supports individuals with a wide range of needs, including:
• Intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Seizure disorders and epilepsy
• Medical complexities, including genetic and rare diagnoses
• Behavioral and sensory support needs
• Mobility differences and adaptive equipment
• Speech and communication differences, including non-verbal communicators and AAC users
• Visual or hearing impairments
If your camper has unique needs not listed here, we would love to connect and help you determine if Buddy Week is a good fit.
Yes. Every camper is paired with a trained buddy or buddy team.
Each camper is also supported by experienced leaders, behavior support volunteers, and a medical team.
Support may include:
Our goal is to create an environment where every camper feels safe, supported, and able to participate.
Each camper is paired with a buddy, and additional support staff are available throughout the day, including activity leaders, behavior support, and medical staff.
Yes. Every activity at Buddy Week is adapted so each camper can participate at their own level.
No camper is expected to keep up—our goal is for every camper to feel included, supported, and successful.
A dedicated medical team is on-site daily, and all camper medical information is reviewed prior to camp.
Yes. Medication administration is handled by our medical team.
We understand that every camper is different, and some moments may be more challenging than others.
Our team is trained to support campers using:
If additional support is needed, our behavior or medical teams will step in to help.
If a camper is unable to continue participating safely, our team will contact parents or guardians to determine next steps.
Yes. We use visual supports, communication tools, AAC strategies, and individualized communication approaches.
Lunch and snacks are provided daily.
Gluten-free options are available. Families may also bring their own lunch if preferred, though refrigeration is not available.
Our medical team can assist with feeding support needs, including tube feeds, as outlined during registration.
All volunteers receive training prior to Buddy Week, including:
• Disability awareness
• Behavior and communication support
• Safety procedures
• Camp schedule and expectations
Volunteers are supported throughout the week by experienced leaders and staff.
Yes. Buddy Week includes daily worship and adapted Bible teaching.
While Buddy Week is a faith-based camp, it is open to all individuals with special needs ages 3+ and all are welcome to attend.
Buddy Week is a drop-off program.
Parents may remain on-site only if they are registered volunteers who have completed training and background checks.
Yes. Scholarships are available based on financial need.
Contact BuddyWeek@abundant-life.com for more information.
Refunds are available until June 1.
After June 1, refunds cannot be guaranteed due to planning and preparation.
Due to severe weather conditions, services will be available online only on Sunday, January 5, 2025. Your safety is important to us—please stay safe and warm at home.
We will be streaming to YouTube and Facebook at 7:45 am, and you can watch the sermon on our website at 7:45 am, 9:30 am, and 11:20 am.
Here are links to watch online –
Facebook: facebook.com/abundantlifels
YouTube: youtube.com/@AbundantLifeLS
Website: livingproof.co/live
