Camp Orenda

04/27/2026

🌟 We’re Searching For Summer Camp Counselors! 🌟

Camp Orenda is looking for dedicated, compassionate, and energetic individuals to join our team this summer as camp counselors!

At Camp Orenda, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by supporting individuals with disabilities in a fun, inclusive, and engaging camp environment. From outdoor activities to building lasting relationships, this is more than just a summer gig—it’s an experience that will stay with you for life.

💼 What you’ll gain:
• Hands-on experience working with the disability community
• Leadership and teamwork skills
• A rewarding opportunity to make a real difference
• Lifelong memories and connections

📅 Summer 2026 Sessions:
Orientation: June 16
Session 1: June 17–23
Session 2: June 26–July 2
Session 3: July 5–11

📍 Indiana, PA

👉 Apply: Send us a message here on Facebook or email us at [email protected]

💙 Tag someone who would be a great fit or share to help us spread the word!

03/24/2026

We are excited to share that the 2026 Camp Orenda Application is now available: https://tinyurl.com/vfnrdatb

If you attended a session last year, a physical copy of this application was sent out in the mail today as well :)

We welcome anyone to share our application with others that you think may be interested in attending this year!

Kindly note that session dates for 2026 are slightly different from previous years:

🏕 Session 1: June 17 – June 23, 2026
🏕 Session 2: June 26 – July 2, 2026
🏕 Session 3: July 5 – July 11, 2026

We hope you will join us for another fun-filled summer!

09/16/2025

👏 👏 👏

09/13/2025

Research shows that people with disabilities are twice as likely to experience suicidal thoughts and significantly more likely to attempt su***de than those without disabilities.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline offers free, 24/7, confidential support—call, text, or chat 988 to connect with trained counselors who understand and are ready to help. Accessibility features: Supports Spanish speakers; for Deaf/hard-of-hearing people, use relay services or TTY. You are not alone.

Break the silence. Have that difficult conversation. It could save a life. 💜

The link below directs you to a collection of resources that address diverse needs for people with disabilities.
https://www.pittsburghpa.gov/Resident-Services/ADA-Disability-Rights/Disability-Resources-Center

September marks National Su***de Prevention Month – a month to remember the lives lost to su***de, the millions of people who have struggled with suicidal ideation, and acknowledge the individuals, families, and communities that have been impacted.

08/13/2025

This film is a powerful reminder that for marginalized communities—especially people with disabilities—the road is often filled with barriers others never even see. Representation like this matters, and stories like these deserve to be told.

The documentary film "The Ride Ahead" follows Samuel Habib, a typical twenty-one-year-old, itching to move out, start a career, and find love. On his journey into adulthood, he talks to disabled adults who mentor him and give advice that is not only applicable to Samuel, but to any young disabled people starting adulthood.

Created by Emmy Award-winners Samuel and father Dan Habib, "The Ride Ahead" is currently streaming for free on the PBS website and app through September 19 as part of the POV series.

At the 2025 Smithsonian Folklife Festival, we had the pleasure of hosting a screening of "The Ride Ahead" in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History with a talkback afterward featuring Samuel, Dan, and one of his mentors, disability studies scholar Ly Xīnzhèn M. Zhǎngsūn Brown.

Watch the trailer and learn more about the film on the Festival Blog: https://s.si.edu/46BZlhj

Image: Judy Heumann (left) is interviewed by Samuel Habib (right), next to his co-director and father, Dan Habib, in February, 2020. Heumann, the legendary disability rights pioneer, died in March of 2023. Credit: Dan Habib/LikeRightNow Films

08/01/2025

Thank you for visiting and checking out what Camp Orenda is all about. And a big thank you for all your contributions to make Camp Orenda happen!

07/27/2025

35 years ago today, on July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush. AAPD co-founder and disability rights activist Justin Dart was by his side on the White House lawn as President Bush declared, "Let the shameful wall of exclusion come tumbling down."

35 years later, the shameful wall of exclusion still exists, and is being built higher by policies and executive orders that force disabled people into institutions, take away our healthcare, and protect employers who discriminate against us.

The current attack on disability rights makes celebrating the ADA today...complicated. But celebrating the ADA's passage reminds us that the dedication and persistence of disabled Americans have changed this country time and again. Disability advocacy is powerful. Our community is powerful. And in this moment, our power is needed more than ever.

We are so grateful for the ADA and the advocates who fought for it. We will honor and continue their legacy by ensuring the ADA is the floor, not the ceiling, of disability inclusion and civil rights.

In the words of legendary disabled advocate Anita Cameron, "Civil rights aren't given. You have to fight to get them, and then fight to keep them."

We'll be fighting alongside you for the next 35 years and beyond, ❤️ Happy !

Image description in alt-text and comments.

07/26/2025

Camp Orenda and the Indiana PA Lions Club are committed to creating an inclusive, ADA-compliant environment for all.

It’s important to regularly reevaluate, stay humble, and keep listening — because accessibility isn’t a one-time goal, it’s an ongoing responsibility.♿️💙

It’s been 35 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act—yet 😔

The ADA helped break down some barriers, but the fight for isn’t over.

Join in ! Sign our pledge for improved compliance: https://pva.org/get-involved/barriers-still-exist-for-everyone/.

07/21/2025

07/16/2025

Another year of Camp Orenda for the books!

Thank you to everyone - campers, staff, and supporters like the United Way of Indiana County, Indiana County Chapter - A.B.A.T.E. of PA, and, of course, PA Lions District 14-J and Indiana PA Lions Club - who made this transformative experience possible.

Here are some of our favorite moments from Session 1!