Fall/Winter/Spring

Via West

Via West provides residential respite care with weekend and week-long special needs camping programs throughout the year. We offer innovative programs and activities that include both learning and outdoor experiences, plus independent living skills and skill building activities that are specifically designed to improve self-sufficiency. PLEASE NOTE: Via West Campus is a peanut/tree nut free campus. Products containing nuts or that are prepared with nut products are not used or stored in our facilities. For the safety of our guests, campers, staff, and visitors with nut allergies, please take care to ensure that any food you bring on campus is nut free.

Spring Respite Days

Spring Respite Days offer fun and nurturing camp activities including crafts, dance, sports, nature experiences, building social skills, and MORE! Please click here for the dates and details of the 2023 Spring Respite Days.

The Program

  • Youth sessions for ages 5-18, young adults and adults sessions for ages 18+, Altitude session for ages 11-18
  • Staffing ratios provided for 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1
  • Program runs from 10:00am-4:00pm

Pricing & Enrollment

  • Private Pay: $165 for 3:1 or $220 for 2:1 or $280 for 1:1
  • If you would like to utilize Regional Center funding, please check with your Regional Center planning team to use your out-of-home respite hours. If the session is indeed funded by the Regional Center, you will only be charged for the enhanced experience – the Supplemental Daily Rate of $75. We have a scholarship fund available for anyone who needs assistance with partial or full payment of the fee. Please click here to request a scholarship.
  • Click below to register online or call 408-243-7861, ext. 214 to register over the phone

Register Now

Special Needs Science Camp

Science overnight/day camps are specifically designed for district special day classes and non-public schools. Curriculum encompasses climate, ecosystem-vegetation/animals, gardens, and green space.

Be sure to get a virtual experience by clicking here.

The Program

  • Students ages 5-22
  • 45-60 minute lessons with 7 rotations including meals and camp circle games
  • Farm-to-table education curriculum
  • Accessible hiking trails
  • Onsite greenhouse
  • Sports court/physical health activities
  • Movement/music
  • Ecology/geology/environmental science

Pricing & Enrollment

  • Pricing is dependent on length of camp, number of students, etc.
  • Click below to request an estimate or call 408-243-7861, ext. 218 to request information over the phone

Inquire

Covid-19 Policies and Protocols

Via West Campus Covid-19 Risk Reduction Procedures for Programs – Updated April 1, 2022

As the pandemic changes, these policies will be updated to reflect best practices or mandates from Federal/State/local authorities, or recommendations from the ACA (American Camp Association)

  • All employees and campers are required to be fully vaccinated in order to attend. Additionally, starting on February 1st, all employees are required to have received a booster shot, per guidelines from the Department of Social Services. 
  • All staff members are required wear a disposable mask (surgical mask, KN-95, or N-95) while indoors, except during meal times, when sleeping, and in outdoor spaces. 
  • We are requiring all campers that can, to wear a disposable mask (surgical mask, KN-95, or N-95). Please, no cloth masks. Via West can provide masks to both campers and staff as necessary
  • Staff and campers presenting with Covid-19 symptoms will not be able to stay.
  • Upon arrival, both staff and campers are required to take a rapid/antigen test.  A negative test is required in order to remain on Via West Campus.
  • Via West has suspended offsite activities that require transportation (prolonged close contact is unavoidable during transportation).
  • Via West requires campers and their families to indicate their understanding of Covid-19 risks.

Current symptoms that prohibit participation in Via West Campus programs for both staff  and campers:

  • Positive Covid-19 test within the past five-days.
  • Fever-greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Sore throat.
  • Persistent cough that cannot be attributed to other causes such as asthma/allergies.
  • Loss of taste or smell.
  • Vomiting for non-behavioral reasons.

Current symptoms that prohibit participation in Via West Campus programs for both staff  & campers when 2 or more symptoms are present:

  • Runny nose
  • Headache
  • Body aches
  • Fatigue
  • Sneezing

Additional requirements:

  • We are requiring that all campers take a rapid test upon arrival at Via West. Negative tests will be required for your camper to remain at camp.
  • Please keep your camper home if they are experiencing any Covid-19 or flu symptoms.
  • We are requesting campers use either disposable surgical masks, KN95 or N95 masks (we will have extra KN95 and surgical masks on site if needed).
  • We ask that you, and especially your camper, practice as much physical distancing and mask-wearing as possible during the coming days in preparation for their stay at camp. 
  • While on campus, staff will continue to monitor for signs or symptoms of Covid-19. 

Other steps taken to decrease risk:

  • Increased cleaning frequency.
  • Increased space between campers in the cabins.
  • Encouraging people to maintain distance.
  • Encouraging frequent hand washing.
  • Camp capacity has significantly been limited.
  • Waived all cancellation fees during the pandemic.

Please be aware, although we are taking steps to limit the risk of contracting Covid- 19 on Via West Campus, participating in group activities, such as camp, still poses a real risk of contracting Covid-19.