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Via West Campus (formerly Camp Costanoan)

Click below to see the 2013 summer schedule:

Click here to see a visual representation of the 2013 summer schedule (PDF)

Click here to for 2013 summer availability (PDF)

Click below to see the 2012-2013 fall and spring program schedule:

 

Click here for 2012-2013 fall and spring program availability (PDF)

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Indoor and Outdoor Fun at Via West Campus

Via West Campus offers year-round day and residential program that gives adults and children, ages 5 and older, with physical and/or developmental disabilities and special needs a chance to learn and grow amid fresh air and scenic surroundings. Our programs emphasize “Living Healthy” themes that include nutrition, physical activity, health awareness and self-management. Via West covers 13-wooded acres in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains in Stevens Creek County Park, just 15 miles west of San Jose and 45 miles south of San Francisco. The facility has six modern and accessible sleeping lodges equipped with bathrooms, showers and heaters. There is a spacious main lodge where dining and large group programs take place. There are two pools (one of which is fully accessible), a health center, fire circle, creative arts and performing arts buildings. There also is a sports court, nature pavilion, horse corral, platform tent site and hiking and nature trails.

We offer weekend programs during the school year as well as summer sessions ranging from 4 to 8 days. Participants are assigned to lodge groups based on age, gender and ability levels. 

Via West is a unique community. We believe that all children and adults benefit from experiencing the natural world first hand. The environment provides infinite possibilities for developing and strengthening communication skills and social functioning through exploring, playing, problem solving and socializing as members of lodge and activity groups, and in one-to-one or small group interactions. We utilize lodge group living and communal dining, creative and performing arts, gardening, aquatics, recreation, outdoor living skills, nature hikes, talent shows and other special events. These activities encourage and support our participants and help them realize their potential and become active participants in their communities.

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Week Long Summer Programs

During the summer sessions, our participants enjoy a well balanced schedule of activities. They also are given the opportunity to choose additional activities that target their interests. The participant-to-staff ratio is based on physical care and behavior needs, which are assessed and determined by senior staff prior to participation. Supervision and support for the majority of participants falls between 3:1 and 1:1 ratios. Each participant is assigned to a staff member who guides him or her in activities, offering encouragement and assistance when needed. Sessions range in length from 3 to 7 days.

In the summer we sometimes offer specialty sessions. Past specialty sessions have included: Autism, for ages 8 – 20 that focuses on communication and skill development; Downs syndrome, for participants ages 8 – 20 with a focus on skill development and recreational activities; Young Adult Leadership Development, for ages 18-30 which seeks to develop leadership and independent living skills.

Sign-ups for summer sessions are taken on a first come-first served basis.

Registration Forms for Summer 2013

 

Parent Forms

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Fall and Spring Weekend Programs

Our weekend programs begin at 5 p.m. on Fridays and end at 3 p.m. Sundays. We offer between 9 and 12 weekend sessions between September and May of each year. The participant-to-staff ratio is based on physical care and behavior needs which are assessed and determined by senior staff prior to participation. We provide 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1 staffing ratios. Each participant is assigned to a staff member who joins him or her in activities, offering encouragement and assistance when needed.

Special weekend themes are planned for each session with activities tailored to accommodate all skill levels. Over the weekend session, participants enjoy activities such as creative arts, performing arts, nature hikes.  Additional activities are planned around each session’s themes exposing participants to new experiences.

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Employment Opportunities

Via is always looking for qualified applicants for our summer and weekend respite programs. We offer wonderful opportunities for growth and development working in a fun, outdoor setting. Students interested in behavioral sciences, education, rehabilitation, medical fields, allied health, nursing, social work, recreation, and human services can gain valuable “hands on” experience in working with individuals with developmental disabilities. In addition, many schools accept the work you will be doing as fieldwork hours for occupational therapy courses, education, social work and a variety of other fields of study.

 Please see our Employment Opportunities page for current job postings.

 

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Volunteer Opportunities

Via West thrives thanks to our hundreds of volunteers. Their selfless giving of time and care to children and adults with developmental and/or physical disabilities makes them tremendous role models and mentors. For ways to give your time and resources to Via West, please visit our Get Involved section.

If you have any questions about our Via West volunteer program, please contact Leslie Davis at ldavis@viaservices.org

 

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Community Service Program

Via West collaborates with several local high schools to provide more than 150 students with the opportunity to serve their communities every year. The purpose of the community service program is to give students a chance to engage in direct “hands on” service to individuals with disabilities. The program focuses on disability awareness, leadership and personal skill development, while giving students the opportunity to participate in community service.

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13851 Stevens Canyon Road, Cupertino CA 95014

                                       

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