Stepping Stones is one of the oldest and largest camps in the Cincinnati area for children and adults with disabilities. It offers a variety of services for people with disabilities. In addition, because of its size, Stepping Stones has many opportunities both for volunteering and employment.
A group of parents and community members founded Camp Stepping Stones in 1962 to provide day camp opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. No camp offered these facilities in the greater Cincinnati area at that time. The Fresh Air Farm on Given Road in Indian Hill, previously used as a family camping facility, donated land for camp use indefinitely. After the day camps proved successful, Camp Stepping Stones expanded it services to include year-round activities. In 1967 the Rotary Club asked Camp Stepping Stones to administer a second site, called Camp Allyn. It is now called the Stepping Stones Center for Persons with Disabilities.
Stepping Stones continues to offer its summer day camp for persons with disabilities at its original Given Road location. The Camp Allyn location hosts overnight camps throughout the summer lasting a variety of different lengths in addition to day camp activities. Camp Allyn also hosts weekend overnight camps throughout the year. Both locations offer many activities throughout the year, including preschool and adult services.
Camp Stepping Stones provides services to over 1,000 persons with disabilities each year, and relies on the aid of over 800 volunteers. It has become a popular summer volunteer activity for high school students throughout the Cincinnati area. Interested people can volunteer for a variety of activities and roles throughout the year.
In addition to volunteers, Camp Stepping Stones relies on a group of dedicated paid staff members, both at its Given Road and Camp Allyn locations. This includes group leaders, activity coordinators, lifeguards and administrators. Their summer activities and yearlong weekend activities make it ideal for students and people looking for seasonal work.
