Summer Day Camps
Offered in collaboration with The Westfield Area YMCA, camp discovery provides opportunities to children with special needs to experience a fun-filled integrated summer day camp experience. Children will discover the adventures of camp in an indoor air-conditioned location. Activities include arts & crafts, games, sports, field games, playground time and recreational swimming. Daily outdoor activities will also be scheduled. Each week long session is highlighted with “themed days” and a field trip. To be eligible for the camp children must be able to follow directions and safety rules under proper supervision.

BECOME Program (formerly Camp Open Arms)
The BECOME Program, formerly known as Camp Open Arms, is a three-week camp run by the Occupational Therapy Department at Children’s Specialized Hospital. The camp provides Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIT) for up to 6 hours a day, Monday – Friday for the scheduled 3 weeks. CIT is an approach that can be used to improve the strength and function of an upper extremity impacted by hemiparesis, resulting at birth or from a traumatic brain injury. It involves “constraining” the strong or unaffected arm using a removable cast. This approach allows the child to only use their affected or weaker arm during play activities. Individualized and intensive activities will be provided within a group and one on one setting, each focusing on the child’s ability to use their affected arm alone, or both arms together. Each camper is evaluated prior and following camp to assess changes made. All camp staff are sensitive to each child’s needs and provide support to each participant to help them reach their goals. The camp will incorporate indoor and outdoor games and activities that are challenging but yet successful, and most importantly FUN!
 

All children must be screened and evaluated prior to admission into the camp. Space is limited at all the sites and admission is based on the above criteria and on a first come, first served basis. Download the flyer for registration information. 

Camp Kresge - Overnight Camp  
Camp Kresge is a weeklong overnight camp that is a collaborative effort with the Wilkes-Barre YMCA. The camp is designed for children ages 8 to 12 and is held near the Pocono Mountains. Campers must be able to follow directions and safety rules with the supervision of camp coordinators. Campers must be able to shower, toilet, eat, and dress with minimal supervision.

Owned and operated by the Wilkes-Barre YMCA, Camp Kresge is accredited by the American Camping Association. A certified recreational therapist from Children's Specialized will supervise college students pursuing careers working with special needs children who serve as camp staff. Facilities include: cabins, bathhouse, nature trails, athletic fields, dining hall, lake, and recreation/craft hall. Campers enjoy a wide range of activities including arts and crafts, archery, special events, swimming, boating hiking, athletics, and camp fires. For more information on this camp, please call Bobbi Jo Pansier (732-914-1100 ext. 3740).

Camp Chatterbox - Overnight Camp
Camp Chatterbox is a therapy camp for children, ages 5 -15, who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices and a training program for their parents. Camp Chatterbox gives children an opportunity to interact with other children using AAC systems while learning to use their devices in functional activities. Camp Chatterbox uses the facilities of the Fairview Lake YMCA Camp and Conference Center, in Stillwater, Sussex County, New Jersey.

Each year Camp has a different theme that provides the framework for all therapy and recreational activities. These activities are designed to facilitate device use in a fun and functional environment. Campers are grouped with children of similar ages and abilities. Device use is encouraged throughout the day in the full range therapeutic and recreational activities. Campers also enjoy activities such as swimming, boating, fishing and sports. For further information including fees and registration information, please visit our website.