Planning for Summer, 2014

Part 1: Camps
Though this winter weather may make us feel that summer will never come, past experience leads us to believe that in a few months we will again enjoy warmer weather and the return of beach season in Cape May. As lovely as that thought is, for many families it also means that it’s time to start planning for activities to keep their children and young adults occupied on those hazy, lazy days of summer. For individuals with disabilities and their families, finding a fully accessible, adequately staffed camp can present a special challenge.
Regarding funding, some camps may offer partial or full scholarships or fees may be covered for individuals who qualify for state-supported respite services. DDD’s Family Support program may help families with some of the cost of day or overnight summer camps as long as the camp has a contract with DDD or is on the DDD’s list of “Qualified Providers.” The type and amount may vary by region across the state. Before requesting funding for camp, a family should always ask the Department of Education for an extended school year for their child. The deadline for requesting funding assistance for summer camp this year is May 5.
Autism Speaks administers its funding program in a different way. Their Baker Summer Camp Program selects eligible camps in the U.S. to identify qualified campers and offer scholarship funds for financially disadvantaged children with ASD. Individuals may not apply for the program. Instead you should encourage the camp you would like your child to attend to apply for a scholarship fund. Applications must be submitted electronically using the Autism Speaks Online Grant System. Deadline for applying is March 10.
A sampling of New Jersey camps, some more specialized than others, is presented below. A more comprehensive list of camps for those with special needs can be found at the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities at http://nichcy.org.
Camp Merry Heart (sponsored by Easter Seals)
Located on 123 acres in Hackettstown, N.J., this camp is completely accessible for wheelchair use including a wheelchair accessible pool. Other facilities include cabins, camping sites, large indoor and outdoor recreation areas, and a 1.5-acre lake for boating and fishing. Merry Heart can accommodate both youth and adults with disabilities. Fees range from $575 for a three-day stay to $2,150 for a 12 day stay. Full or partial scholarships are available to those campers who qualify. For more information visit the N.J. Easter Seals website (www.easterseals.com/nj) or contact Mary Simpson (Registrar) at 908-852-3896 ext. 222 or Todd Thompson, Director, at ext. 225.
Camp No Limits
The mission of the No Limits Limb Loss Foundation, which sponsors this camp, is to educate and empower young people (ages three to 17) with limb loss to discover and develop a healthy, happy and independent life style. Camp No Limits provides a unique family camping experience that offers parent and child peer support, adapted recreational activities and state of the art prosthetic education. In 2014, the camp session in North East, Md. will run from Aug. 29 to Sep. 1. Fees are $350 per camper and siblings and $300 per parent/adult. Scholarship applications are available online. Registration deadline is six weeks before the start of the session. For more information, contact Mary at 207-240-5762 or campnolimits@yahoo.com.
Camp Oakhurst
This camp serves children, teens and adults with physical and developmental disabilities, including autism. The campus is fully accessible and barrier free. For children ages eight to 19, there are three 2-week sessions to choose from. Space permitting, a camper may stay for more than one session. For those over 19, there is one 1-week session offered in the summer. Fees may be covered for individuals who qualify for state-supported respite services. For others, scholarships may be available or the fee may be adjusted according to family size and income. Call 732-531-0215 for more information.
Camp Sun N Fun
The Arc of Gloucester County runs this coed camp on North Tuckahoe Road in Williamstown, for children and adults with developmental disabilities, ages eight to 80. One and two-week sessions are offered from June through August, starting from $500 up to $650 per week. Amenities include air-conditioned cabins, an air-conditioned dining/recreation building and an on-site medical facility staffed 24 hours per day. Contact the Director, Terri Wilson, at 856-629-4502.
Camp Sparkle
This is a week-long summer camp sponsored by Gilda’s Club of South Jersey in Linwood for children ages three to 12 who are affected in any way by cancer. Each day has a different theme but all are geared toward support, education and fun. For more information on this and other “Noogieland” programs, contact Lori Stranges (609-926-2699; Lori@gildasclubsouthjersey.org.)
Helen Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children
Named in memory of an Avalon resident, this camp is housed in a three-story home just one block from the ocean in that community. Children ages seven to 16, housed in semi-private rooms, enjoy a variety of activities provided not only by staff but also by area businesses. A typical stay is in one-week increments. For more information, call 609-967-3605 or contact your local Lions Club to ask for sponsorship.
HI-STEP Summer Social Skills Camp
In its 15th year, this program, offered at the Evans Elementary School in Marlton by Behavior Therapy Associates, is in session from June 30 to Aug. 8. It is designed for children ages six to 16 who have difficulty displaying appropriate social and problem-solving skills. All are carefully screened prior to acceptance. Contact histep@comcast.net or 732-873-1212.
Next Time — Part Two: Summer Internships
Pierson writes from the Cape May County Department of Aging and Disability Services