A year-round outdoor recreation and education program for the moderately and severely retarded begun in 1972 at Craig State School in Sonyea, New York, is summarized in this report of development of the program, its success, and recommendations for the future. The program builds progressively from a nature trail hike to a day camping program one day a week for six weeks, to overnight camping in a public park area. Overnight and day camping experiences covered include both summer and winter recreation. The report briefly describes residents taking part in the first year (IQ, age, physical condition, social characteristics), hiking and camping activities, and participation levels. For the day camping, a day-by-day summary is provided, with recommendations that camping at this level should be coed for good group interaction and that residents should be carefully selected for compatibility, be scheduled and available for the six consecutive weeks, and be dressed in suitable clothes and shoes. Evaluation of the overnight community camping experience indicated that the public exposure and community living experience was invaluable to residents. Benefits showed by participants included improved attention span, new skills, development of group spirit, physical improvement, and growth in self-confidence. Suggested solutions to problems encountered by staff are contained throughout. (RS)