This story originally appeared in SOAR365’s Summer 2026 NEWZ. Click here to view a digital version of the newsletter.
As Camp Baker’s pool nears seven decades of service, SOAR365 plans upcoming improvements.
For over 70 years, SOAR365’s swimming pool has been a source of laughter and fun – especially for the kids and adults with disabilities who come to Summer Camp each year.
“Swimming is always one of my favorite things to do at camp,” says Caleb, who has been attending camp for five years now.
SOAR365’s Summer Camp offers a wide range of fun activities, including horseback riding, talent shows, and arts and crafts. On Camp Baker’s 22 wooded acres, campers with disabilities can go fishing and explore nature, riding the trails on our accessible UTV. Or roast marshmallows and join friends for sing-a-longs at our accessible fire pit.
At the heart of it all is the swimming pool. In the water, movement feels different. Campers who struggle with balance or mobility often experience more freedom, independence and joy in the pool.
“The pool is a big part of summer camp for Caleb,” says his mom, Kirsten. “It would mean a lot if more of his friends could safely experience that same joy he does.”
While there are many summer camp options throughout Central Virginia, options designed for kids and adults with disabilities are hard to find. SOAR365’s Summer Camp addresses that gap – we will serve over 400 people with disabilities at Camp Baker in 2026.
As we think about the future of our programs, we recognize that we have some facilities that need investments. That’s why we are working with an architectural firm to plan enhancements to both Camp Baker and PARK365. Like summer camp, PARK365 offers accessible fun for everyone. The park opened in 2015 and welcomes nearly 10,000 kids and adults a month.
We look forward to sharing more about this exciting project and ways to get involved in the coming months.
To learn more about SOAR365’s Summer Camp at Camp Baker, click here. And to keep up to date on all things SOAR365, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.