Camps for Kids with Special Needs

Camp for Children with Life-Threatening Illness

So many kids dream of visiting Florida and the state's many exciting attractions. A non-profit organization in Florida is helping children realize those dreams. Called Give Kids the World (www.gktw.org), the organization fulfills the wishes of all children who suffer from life-threatening illnesses. Kids and their families come from around the world to experience a cost-free visit to central Florida attractions. Families at the GKTW village enjoy a stress-free week together in their own private villa, where all of their needs are met.

So often, when attention is given to an ill child, the siblings are sometimes forgotten. One of the unique traits of the GKTW village is the special attention that staff gives to the siblings of the Wish children. At the village, these siblings and family members are all treated equally—from personal gifts left on their beds, to being tucked in by Mayor Clayton (the six-foot-tall rabbit who resides over the village), to special dinners. Parents even have the luxury of spending a night out, alone, while the GKTW cares for their children.

The resort itself offers an array of daily, on-site activities for its special guests to enjoy—from meals in the Gingerbread House and movies in the safari-themed theater, to playful evenings in the Castle of Miracles' Fe-Fi-Fo-Fun room, to the nature trail and interactive water park surrounding a wheelchair-accessible swimming pool.

GKTW will celebrate its 20th anniversary and birthday celebration featuring the world's largest gingerbread man on March 7, 2006. That day also marks the 75,000th family that will pass through the doors of the resort.