FireFly Camps and Retreats
FireFly Camps and Retreats, while a new program for CLASS, has an incredible history of providing recreational activities for people with spina bifida and similar/related disabilities. Originally operated by the Spina Bifida Association of Western PA, the mission of the FireFly Camps and Retreats is to provide year-round opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and connection with others.
Located at Camp Guyasuta in Sharpsburg, PA (ACA accredited). Drop-off for weekend retreats is from 5-6 pm on Friday and pickup is from 10-11 am on Sunday. Drop-off for summer camp is from 3-4 pm on the first day and pickup is at 1 pm on the last day.
Youth & teen camps are for ages 6-21 and adult camps are for ages 21 and up. If a camper would like to be placed into a different group due to comfortability, that can be discussed with the camp director and team.
Below are upcoming dates! Please register at least 2 weeks before the start of the camp session.
Adult Retreat: September 25-27, 2026 - Halloween / Fall party! Costumes encouraged.
Youth & Teen Retreat: October 2-4, 2026 - Halloween / Fall party! Costumes encouraged.
Adult Retreat: December 4-6, 2026 - Holiday Party! Bring a small gift for the exchange if you wish.
Youth & Teen Retreat: December 11-13, 2026 - Holiday Party! Bring a small gift for the exchange if you wish.
Adult Retreat: February 19-21, 2027 - Valentine's Day Celebrations
Youth & Teen Retreat: February 26-28, 2027 - Valentine's Day Celebrations
Adult Retreat: April 16-18, 2027 - Spring Fling
Youth & Teen Retreat: April 23-25, 2027 - Spring Fling
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Adult Camp 2026 Photos | 25.16 MB |
| Youth & Teen Camp 2026 Photos | 22.14 MB |
FireFly Summer Camps
FireFly Summer Camps provide a traditional camp experience for individuals with spina bifida and related disabilities. The program combines classic camp fun with a barrier-free atmosphere, creating opportunities to build friendships and enjoy activities many never thought possible.
FireFly Weekend Retreats
FireFly Weekend Retreats extend the FireFly Summer Camp Program throughout the year. These retreats give participants opportunities to reconnect with friends, strengthen lasting relationships, and enjoy time together in a fun, supportive setting. Groups are organized by age.
Paying for Camp
CLASS aims to make camp and weekend retreats accessible for all who are interested. We accept private pay or out-of-pocket payments, waiver funding, and ESY funding.
Due to the generous funding we receive from grants, we are able to change the actual camp cost from around $2,000 per camper to $800 for a week and $200 for a weekend retreat. For those interested in fundraising to help with camp costs or setting up a payment plan to pay off camp little by little each month, please email the director at hspanner@classcommunity.org.
To make a camp payment, click here.
What to Bring
To have the best camp experience possible, we suggest you bring the following items. The one thing you can’t count on is the weather. We recommend bringing a variety of clothing for nice summer days and cool summer nights, as well as clothing that can get dirty. Please refrain from bringing expensive items to camp. CLASS or Camp Guyasuta are not responsible for any lost items.
To ensure you leave with the items you bring, please label all items. It is also helpful for you to make a list of the items (including item quantities) to help you and our counselors pack for the trip home. Please be advised that while we do as much laundry as we can for soiled clothes that need it, campers will go home with dirty laundry.
Clothing
- Underwear
- Bras
- Socks
- Pajamas
- T-Shirts
- Long Sleeve T-Shirts
- Sweatshirt/Lightweight Jacket
- Raincoat/Poncho
- Shorts
- Long Pants
- Bathing Suit
- Nice outfit for the dance (summer camp only)
- Sturdy Tennis Shoes
- Sandals/Flip Flops
Toiletries
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Soap or Bodywash
- Deodorant
- Bug Spray
- Sun Block
- Hair dryer
- Brush/Comb
- Lotion
- Glasses/Contact Lenses
- *All personal care items must be provided
Bedding and Towels
- Sleeping bag or 1-2 blankets
- Fitted twin sheet (2)
- Pillow and case
- Bath Towels
- Wash cloths
- Beach Towel
Other Items
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat or Baseball Cap
- Reusable Water Bottle
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Downloadable Packing Check List | 1.28 MB |
Medication Policy
Medications must come in pre-dosed bags, medicine boxes, or syringes for liquid medications. You will need a med bag for each time you take medication. Please arrive to check in with them pre-dosed. We do not need to see the original bottles.
WE CANNOT AND WILL NOT DOSE ANY MEDICATIONS.
THEY MUST COME PRE-DOSED IN MED BAGS, PILL BOXES OR SYRINGES.
NO EXCEPTIONS!
Please notify counselors at check-in with any updates or special instructions concerning medication distribution and personal care.
Camps & Retreats Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel your reservation, you may do so; however, the following will apply:
- If you cancel before the registration deadline, we will refund 100% of your registration fee.
- If you cancel after the registration deadline, your registration deposit will not be refunded.
- If you do not cancel and do not show up, you forfeit all costs.
This policy is subject to change; all participants will be notified of any changes. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 724-841-9280.
Frequently Asked Questions
Click here to open a complete listing of Camp and Retreat-related FAQs.
FireFly Success Stories
Throughout the week, Rebekah enjoyed a variety of activities, including archery, arts and crafts, and making new friends.
With a perfect 10 out of 10 rating for her camp experience, Jessica’s story is a testament to the positive and transformative impact of our camp.
Overall, Willie’s experience at camp has been life-changing, and he rates it a 100 out of 10.
To anyone considering attending the camp, Noah strongly encourages, “Please come! You’ll have fun, meet new people, and try things you’ve never done before.
For more information about FireFly Camps and Retreats, please contact Haley Spanner, Camps & Retreats Manager, at hspanner@classcommunity.org, 412-683-7100 ext. 2158, 1-888-954-2424, or via our online contact form.
