An Exceptional Place Where Exceptional People Can Be Themselves

After emigrating from Bulgaria in 1928, Alexander Angel Krem graduated from George Williams College in Chicago with a degree in recreation and group work. It was during his studies that Krem developed his central ethos: Recreation isn’t simply time off, it is re-creation – a time to gain self-knowledge and clarity.

During his career as a special education teacher in San Leandro, Krem lamented how his students were held to restrictive schedules that lacked the freedom of their neurotypical counterparts. Krem learned that most of his students had never been camping, an essential independence building experience that Krem prioritized for his own sons. Determined to provide developmentally disabled students the same freedom and autonomy that was afforded to their classmates, Alexander Krem established Camp Krem in 1957 in Boulder Creek.

Camp Krem’s winning formula is founded on the idea that all people deserve a space to be accepted for who they are, to self-actualize, to gain independence, and to develop confidence. Today the camp’s mission is supported by a diverse portfolio of programs and activities.

“Arts and crafts, sports, games, dance, drama, music therapy, hiking, going in the swimming pool, spending time with our farm animals. Our philosophy is to have a lot of options available but give the campers complete freedom of choice,” says Alexander Krem’s granddaughter and current Camp Director, Christina Krem DiGirolamo. “Our campers’ lives are very structured, and they don’t always get the choice of how to spend their time. At camp, we want as many options available as possible, and for the campers to be able to choose. It’s a really wonderful chance for campers to enjoy activities they don’t always have the opportunity to try.”

Through their daily free-choice activities to the more structured animal and music therapy programs, Camp Krem offers a critical learning experience for those with developmental disabilities. Their Summer Camp and Year-Round Respite programs are open to all campers, regardless of age, disability, or income. Many of their campers return year after year.

“We’re creating a place for exceptional people to be themselves,” says Christina Krem DiGirolamo.

Staying true to the Camp Krem mission means not only prioritizing recreation but also prioritizing accessibility. This is a space where learning opportunities are created for individuals who are often sidelined and financial aid is made available for low-income families. After all, everyone deserves to go to camp.