Splash, climb, grow: CSULB’s Camp Nugget celebrates 55 joyful summers
It's 9 a.m., and the East Gym at Cal State Long Beach is already full of movement. A warm-up circle of children bounces to music led by future teachers. In the Japanese Garden, campers take turns on yoga mats or lean over the watch koi fish under the shaded pavilion. Across campus, a counselor and child climb the rock wall together — pausing at the top to cheer before heading to the pool.
Welcome to Camp Nugget: a joyful, inclusive day camp for children with disabilities. For 55 years, it has provided a supportive space where kids ages 5 to 17 can move, play and connect — regardless of physical, mental or developmental challenges.
Hosted by the Department of Kinesiology, Camp Nugget runs four mornings a week for four weeks each summer, transforming classrooms, gyms and outdoor spaces into a vibrant and supportive community. Activities include swimming, yoga, arts and crafts, sensory games and small-group movement — all adapted to the special needs of each camper. The camper-to-staff ratio is at least 3-to-1, said Camp Nugget Coordinator Melissa Bittner, who is also an associate professor.
“Camp Nugget is unique because many children with disabilities would not be able to attend a summer camp without the support of specially trained staff,” Bittner said. “Most of the staff are pre-service adapted physical education teachers, general physical educators or related service professionals — like speech-language pathologists or physical therapists. With that level of expertise, we can support full participation for every child.”
The camp isn’t just a gift to local families. Students earn practicum hours while learning how to lead small-group instruction, modify lessons in real time and engage with children whose needs range from mild to complex. With philanthropic support and annual donations, the camp has expanded from serving 50 to 150 children, added peer mentors and 20 junior-counselor positions filled by young adults with disabilities.
This year’s session wrapped up on July 11 with a three-part awards ceremony recognizing every camper. It marked another milestone for a program that keeps shaping lives — one splash, smile and shared high-five at a time.
