Malta Camp USA
Malta Camp USA is built on the belief that every person is wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) and deserving of a community that fully loves and accepts them exactly as they are. Anchored in the week spent together at camp each summer, Malta Camp USA provides a robust life-long community supporting Guests with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In 2025, Malta Camp USA hosted 48 Guests with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and 100 volunteers. Malta Camp is the only national program for adults with IDD offered free-of-charge to all participants.
With activities like white water rafting, dancing with the New York City ballet, and even riding helicopters, Malta Camp USA gives Guests a joyous and supportive environment to practice independence, build confidence, and make friends.
"Support from the White Cross Ball of New York City and its generous patrons has allowed Malta Camp USA to continue expanding our program, providing a unique no-cost opportunity for community to adults across the country with intellectual and developmental disabilities! With your help, our "wonderfully made" community is on track to grow by nearly 30% this summer and expand the breadth of our year-round programming opportunities. This program is truly life changing for all those who participate. We cannot thank you enough for your help in continuing to expand our reach!"
— Mary Delaney, DM, Camp Director
A Community of Support
Programs for those with disabilities typically end at age 22, often leading to social isolation and depression. Malta Camp USA provides a solution to this problem, as friendships developed at Camp create a robust community of support year-round and longer-term. Malta Camp USA opens doors for many disabled adults who might otherwise lead very “shut-in” lives. It is a catalyst for socialization, travel, and even extraordinary life changes such as finishing education, resumed church attendance, and securing higher-paying jobs. Between in-person outings and frequent virtual reunions, it creates a year-round community of friendship and support for adults with and without disabilities.
This population needs critical support:
2 in 3 adults with IDD are not involved in any community or social groups.
85% of adults with IDD report feeling lonely or depressed—more than 4x the rate of their typical peers.
Once those with IDD turn 22, they typically lose access to the majority of social services and community programs offered to them.
"Malta Camp means a lot to me. It’s an encouraging, and fun community that becomes a family where all of us shine no matter what.
When I have a hard time and need help, I don't feel like my physical and cognitive challenges are a burden. I experience with others my age, authentic and pure compassion, love, kindness, and inclusion. I don’t feel left out or scared I might do something wrong or have a hard time with an activity. We are able to have so much fun and have so many amazing experiences because we are all supported if we need it!"
— Malta Camp USA Guest
A Legacy of Joy
In 1983, the Order of Malta began hosting Malta Camps in Europe, bringing together individuals with and without disabilities from all over the world. Seeing the need to bring a program like this to more people, Malta Camp USA launched in 2022. Starting with a small group of passionate people, Malta Camp USA has grown each year, inviting participants from across the country to join for a week at camp and a lifetime as part of the Malta Camp family.
When begun in 2015, the White Cross Ball of New York City supported the American team’s participation in Malta Camp abroad. Thanks to the support of our generous donors, the Ball helped fund the launch of Malta Camp USA. Malta Camp USA has since grown about 4x in the number of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities served, and plans to continue expanding.
Former Committee member Erin Mairead O'Kane, DM volunteering.
Committee member Michael Smilek, KM volunteers at Camp.
Committee member Ben Malec, KM volunteering at Camp.
Committee members Luisa Majnoni d'Intignano di Poggio Baldovinetti Lee and Christopher Carter Lee volunteering at Camp.