RAD Camp

Rising Above Disabilities

By Katrina McDowell on Oct 8, 2024 in Giving

RAD Camp, a Yardi-supported nonprofit organization established in 2014 in Irvine, Calif., is a testament to the power of community support. It rises above disabilities for adults and children with developmental disabilities, serving all developmental disabilities from autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, and more with its programs and overnight summer camps. This life-changing volunteer experience for the community is a collective effort that encourages independence, growth, and, most importantly, fun!

“Based in Orange County, our nonprofit hosts the largest and most affordable overnight summer camps for individuals with developmental disabilities in California,” said Meghan Clem, co-founder of RAD Camp.

RAD Camp owes its success to the over 700 volunteers who support this predominantly volunteer-run nonprofit. Most of its counselors, between the ages of 16 and 25, play a crucial role in providing a much-deserved break for caregivers. Their dedication and commitment ensure that RAD Camp is the only option for consecutive respite nights in a calendar year.

“We believe that by offering young people this life-changing experience, we contribute to creating compassionate and capable young community members,” said Clem.

Funding from Yardi goes towards the general operation of RAD Camp. The contribution helps cover access to its 24-hour on-site medical care, provides campers with three meals a day plus snack time, special diet accommodations, RAD Swag (including themed T-shirts, water bottles, and backpacks), daily programs and activities, nightly team-building exercises, housing, and security. Though the actual cost per camper is high, RAD ensures every camper receives a sponsorship and pays the registration fee. However, for those with financial constraints, RAD does not hinder families from joining and will cover the total amount if a camper cannot give the requested fee.

“We could not be more thankful for the support received from Yardi! Any donation amounts are appreciated as we continue to spread the gift of RAD,” expressed Clem.

Numbers Don’t Lie

Regarding retention rates for RAD Camp, recent statistics show that 86 percent of volunteers return, and 50 percent have volunteered for five years or more. In addition, 22 percent of volunteers select careers or college majors to serve people with special needs. This year, RAD Camp celebrated its 10th anniversary with “The RADDEST Decades” and offered two programs, RAD Camp (ages 22+) and RAD Jr. (ages five to 21). RAD Camp welcomed back 98 junior campers and 128 RAD campers for the summer camps—its largest camp to date, growing by an estimated ten percent in the past five years!

RAD was recently nominated and selected by the award-winning Octane Non-Profit Accelerator program that analyzes non-profits’ impact, sustainability, and fundraising strategy. The Octane Accelerator program is supported by global executives from Edwards Life Sciences, Johnson and Johnson Med Tech, First Foundation Bank and more. Through the 6-week program, RAD was given an extensive evaluation based on its current infrastructure and financial model on how it optimizes resources, builds capacity, and contributes to the community.

“We are proud to say that we scored in the top percentile against all other non-profits that have completed the program, including scoring 100% in Performance, Executive Competency, Business Model, Sustainable Competitive Advantage, Clarity of Mission, Prospects for Financial Stability, and Program Differentiation,” explained Clem.

Volunteer Opportunities

Those interested in becoming a volunteer at RAD Camp, either as a summer camp counselor or a shift as a kitchen angel or nurse, please sign up for its newsletter for more information.

Find future non-profit profiles at https://www.yardi.com/blog/category/giving.

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