15th Annual Her Power! Her Pride! Her Voice!
July 23–26, 2026 · Camp Fish Tales, Pinconning, MI
A four-day overnight event where middle and high school girls (cis, trans, and non-binary) with disabilities come together to find their power, celebrate disability pride, and use their voice. All staff are disabled women, trauma-informed, and background-checked. We provide personal attendant services, a 24-hour nurse, and inclusive menus for medical and religious dietary needs.
Quick Facts for Parents and Guardians
- Who: Middle and high school girls with disabilities (cis, trans, and non-binary)
- When: July 23–26, 2026 (four days, three nights)
- Where: Camp Fish Tales, Pinconning, Michigan
- Cost: $60–$100 suggested (Ayisha Ashford Scholarship available; cost is never a barrier)
- Included: Lodging, all meals, personal care attendants, 24-hour nurse, t-shirt, art supplies, and all programming
- Emergency contact during event: Theresa Squires Metzmaker — 517-599-4088
See What Her Power! Is All About
Hear directly from past participants about their experience at camp.
What Happens at Camp
At this interactive four-day overnight event, girls use art-based activities to challenge society’s messages about disability, undo stereotypes, and shatter myths about what it means to be a girl with a disability.
Together, participants will:
- Find their POWER
- Celebrate disability PRIDE
- Use their VOICE
Participants explore topics like ableism, sexism, and other forms of oppression and how they show up in the media we consume. Through facilitated activities, they decide for themselves what it means to be a teen girl with a disability. Girls also learn about assistive technology (AT) and how it can enhance their lives.
Beyond the workshops, the four days are packed with planned activities, guest speakers, campfires, Sunday Fun Day (our Paralympics of summer camp games), bunk time, and shared meals. Expect laughter, new friendships, creativity, and really good food. Please note: there is no swimming at Her Power!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
Her Power! is committed to making sure cost is never a barrier to participation. Your payment is all-inclusive, it covers food, lodging, personal care attendants, program costs, t-shirts, and art supplies. Suggested registration options:
- Girls paying from their own money: $60
- Families supporting a girl’s attendance: $90
- Organizations supporting a girl’s attendance: $100
- $100 or more if able (amounts above $100 are tax-deductible donations)
Please make checks out to “Her Power” with “Her Registration” in the memo line. Michigan Disability Rights Coalition has an Ayisha Ashford Scholarship fund for girls who need financial assistance. If cost is a concern, please call Theresa Metzmaker at 517-599-4088.
How do you keep my child safe?
All Her Power! staff are disabled women, trauma-informed, and undergo full background checks every year. We provide personal attendant services and have a 24-hour nurse on site. Girls may be sent home for behavior that does not foster a positive, caring, safe environment — and parents/guardians are responsible for timely transportation home in that case. No smoking, alcohol, weapons, or illegal drugs are permitted at camp.
What about food and dietary needs?
Staff provide all meals and snacks, girls don’t need to bring money for food. Let us know about any allergies, medical diets, or religious dietary needs on the registration form. All food is prepared with care in a home kitchen.
Can my daughter bring her phone? Can I call her during camp?
To protect the community we create at Her Power!, cell phone use (including texting) is not permitted. If a girl brings a phone, staff will either send it home with a parent at check-in or collect it and return it at check-out. Phones that are required as accommodations are welcome, though this accommodation must be talked through with staff ahead of time.
Phone calls to or from participants are only permitted when arranged through facilitators, typically if a girl needs reassurance or is having trouble. For emergencies during camp, parents may call Theresa Squires-Metzmaker ahead of time, her phone number will be provided after registration.
Can parents visit during camp?
Parents and guardians are welcome to tour the camp on opening and closing days. We ask that parents and friends not visit during the weekend itself, unless they have arranged personal care support with the facilitators ahead of time.
What should my daughter leave at home?
Anything valuable or irreplaceable, MDRC and Camp Fish Tales are not responsible for lost items. Please leave electronic devices at home (other than electronics needed as accommodations).
Is transportation provided?
Her Power! is not able to provide transportation. If transportation is a barrier, our staff is happy to send a message to other participants to see if carpooling is possible.
How do I register?
Registration is not confirmed until the registration form is complete and payment (or scholarship) has been confirmed. If you have any questions or concerns before registering, please reach out — we’re happy to talk things through with you.
Suggested Packing List
Michigan weather is unpredictable, and we use paint and other art supplies throughout the event. so pack clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Don’t bring brand-new favorites you’d be sad to ruin.
Assistive Technology
Bring anything that supports your independence and comfort:
- Wheelchairs, braces, walkers, body jackets, splints
- Shower chair
- Toileting lids or adaptive toileting equipment
- Hearing aids and extra batteries
- Communication devices (Bliss board or other AAC)
- Adaptive feeding equipment (scoop bowl, special utensils)
- Disposable pads (enough for the stay plus extras)
- Bedpan, commode, or urinals as needed
- Hoyer lift
- Calming or soothing tools
Clothing
Pack for four days, with options for both warm and cold weather:
- Jeans, pants, and shorts
- T-shirts and sweatshirts
- Socks (bring extras)
- Underwear and bras
- Pajamas
- Belts
- Clothes that can get wet, plus a full change of clothes
- Rain jacket, cape, poncho, or umbrella
- Gym shoes or walking shoes
- Hat
- Laundry bag
Shower Supplies
- Shower chair (if needed)
- Soap in a container
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Flip flops for the shower
- Bath towel and washcloth
Personal Items and Everyday Essentials
- Feminine products
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Comb or brush
- Deodorant
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Sunblock
- Prescription glasses and/or sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Water bottle
Sleeping
- Sleeping bag
- Pillow
- Blanket
- Sheets for a twin bed (bring extras if bedwetting is a possibility)
Ready to Join Us?
Registration is open for Her Power! 2026. We can’t wait to meet you.
Questions? Email herpower@mymdrc.org and we are happy to talk through any questions or concerns.