Legendary Camp
Camp dates this year will be Sunday, July 27th – August 2nd, 2025.
Interested in becoming a camp counselor? We are currently looking for volunteer counselors to mentor the camp kids this year. Please see the counselor application and pass on to anyone you feel would be qualified for this rewarding job. We are looking for volunteers who are at least 15 years old, can dedicate 1 week to living at camp, responsible, interested in helping kids with special needs, and like free food!
Want to CAMP with us? 2025 Camper Applications will be out soon! Eligible campers are those who have a developmental disability and are between the ages of 8 and 21.
Would you like to help out with camp in any other way (donations, food, setup, cleanup)? Please contact us!
The Optimist Children’s Camp was started in 1967 as a joint project of the Billings area Optimist Clubs. The weeklong camp is held annually outside of Red Lodge, Montana for approximately 50 children with special needs. Volunteer counselors and staff make sure the camp is safe and enjoyable for campers that look forward to attending this camp year after year. During camp, kids have the opportunity to experience activities such as fishing, hiking, swimming and camping in the mountains while giving their families a week long respite from their normal everyday activities. Sponsoring Optimist Clubs include: Billings Breakfast Optimist Club, Heights Optimist Club, Magic City Optimist Club, Lockwood Optimist Club, Big Sky Optimist Club and the newly formed Children’s Camp Club.
Check out the Optimist Camp Facebook page here.
2018 Optimist Camp Week in Review
2018 Grad Interviews
2018 Grad Slideshow
2017 Grad Interviews
2017 – Week in Review
2016 – Grad Interviews
2016 – Week in Review
2015 – Week in Review
2015 – Grad Interviews
2014 – Week in Review
2013 – Week in Review
2013 – Grad Interview
2013 – Grad Interview – 2
2012 – Week in Review
Staff & Volunteers
Alan Niven – Chair
Alan has been involved in the Optimist Camp Club since 2001, and President of the official Optimist Children’s Camp Club since its inception in 2013. Responsible for calling and running club meetings monthly, he is determined to ensure the camp is successful year after year.
Kaylee Bradley – Camp Director
Kaylee has been involved in camp for over a decade! In 2019, she took over as Camp Director. At camp, you’ll often see her surrounded by campers interacting and socializing with her!
Jay Strever – Camp Committee
Jay has been involved in the camp from 2003 – 2017 as club treasurer/secretary, Jay continues to be influential in camp operations by providing his talent to the club and the kids it serves. At camp, you might see him playing golf or bowling with the kids on carnival night!
Brett Schneider
Secretary/Treasurer
Brett got involved in camp the day he went up to see what it was all about. You can usually catch him on carnival night helping with the football toss or at the photo booth. Involved since 2008 after becoming an Optimist member, he continues to be active in the camp.
Travis Heckel – Recreation Leader
Travis has been active in camp for many years and has recently taken the position of “Recreation Coordinator”. He has a passion creating enjoyable experiences in the outdoors for our campers!
Michelle Cormier
Michelle is our rockstar camp club president. This club was formed in 2022 to raise awareness for and generate leads to obtain camp counselors, our greatest need. You will often see Michelle mixing and mingling with everyone she knows, spreading word of the camp.
MANY OTHERS!
This is a placeholder for EVERY PERSON who makes this camp a success. Countless volunteers work tirelessly making camp a success. Send us a bio and why you’ve been involved in camp – we’ll post it here!
Testimonials
I’m Mom of a camper Josie and this was her 3rd year going. She had a amazing time this year and loved it. Smiling in all her pictures and having a blast. I’m so grateful she gets to attend camp and for all the amazing counselors. Thank you so much to you all and to Shawn for making it possible. Josie is looking forward to many years to come.
Sara Tate – Camper Mom
It’s great seeing the children interact with each other in an environment where they don’t have their daily stress. It’s an opportunity for them to truly be themselves and experience what it’s like to be a kid.
Lauryn Boos – Camp Counselor