A study conducted a nationwide evaluation of 15 residential camp programs designed for children, youth, and young adults with mild to severe disabilities. The study involved 2,184 campers (ages 7-19) with disabilities and was undertaken to further validate evaluation instrumentation, evaluate residential camp programs for children with disabilities in major regions of the country, and implement a dissemination plan to communicate project results nationwide. Results from the study indicate that campers made notable achievements in effective and recreational/living skills as judged by impartial observers, their counselors, and their parents. Nationwide, campers of varying ages, disabilities, and ability levels demonstrated high levels of enjoyment and participation in most program activities, and were affected positively by the camp experience. Campers with more severe disabilities were able to perform recreation skills at relatively high levels of independence. Campers also made positive gains in the camp setting in various areas of personal development that were carried over to the home and community setting, including communication, independence, and self-esteem. Lastly, the combined results of all measures revealed that increased independence was the predominant outcome for the campers. Implications of the findings are discussed, including the benefits of organized residential camping. (Contains 47 references.) (CR)