Summer Camps
Children's Specialized Hospital will offer both overnight and day camps for children with special healthcare needs this summer. A weeklong overnight camp will be offered near the Pocono Mountains of White Haven, PA. Day camps will also be provided in Westfield and in Toms River, NJ. Please check the Calendar the Events for the current dates.
Camp Kresge 
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, low ropes course, lake, and recreation/craft hall. Campers enjoy a wide range of activities including arts and crafts, archery, special events, swimming, boating hiking, low ropes course, athletics, and camp fires.
- Cost includes 3:1 camper to staff ratio
- Cost includes optional transportation home from camp only at the end of the week (Friday) to Mountainside or Toms River. The family is responsible for dropping campers off at camp at the start of the week on Sunday.
For more information, please call 1-888-CHILDREN (244-5373), ext. 3740 .
Westfield Day Camps
Camp Sunshine and Summer Fun Camp are day camps for children with physical or developmental disabilities, offered in collaboration with the Westfield YMCA. Camp Sunshine is for children ages 5 and 6; Summer Fun Camp is for children ages 7 to 11. Campers will participate in arts & crafts, swim lessons, theme weeks, games, sports, recreational swim, and field trips. To be eligible for the camp children must be able to follow directions and safety rules under proper supervision.
For more information on these camps, please call 1-888-CHILDREN (244-5373), ext. 5484 .
Toms River Day Camp
Pals Paradise is a unique, weeklong day camp, where children with physical or developmental disabilities can register a sibling or friend to attend the camp. Activities include arts & crafts, cooperative sports, music, social games and special activities. The camp is held at the Christ Episcopal Church in Toms River. Campers must be between the ages of 5 to 13. The cost per week is $225 per child and financial assistance is available.
For more information on these camps, please call (732) 797-3821 .
Camp Chatterbox
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.
Dates are June 20 -26, 2010
For further information including fees and registration information, please visit our website at www.campchatterbox.org./Camp_Chatterbox/Welcome.html or contact Jbruno@childrens-specialized.org.
Counselor & Therapist Opportunities
Camp Chatterbox hires a core of creative and highly motivated individuals to work as counselors and speech therapist for the Camp Chatterbox Program. Staff must have some background working with children with physical impairments. They are required to attend 1½ days of training (Staff training June 18 - 20, 2010) prior to the arrival of the campers. Applicants must be a team player. If you would like to work in this special camp program, please visit our website at www.campchatterbox.org./Camp_Chatterbox/Welcome.html and download an application and reference forms. Early application is recommended. Counselors & therapists are paid for their participation in the program however they are responsible for travel costs associated with their travel to and from Camp.
Visit the Camp Chatterbox Web Site
Camp Open Arms
Camp Open Arms is a 3 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!
Admission Criteria:
- Ages: 4 – 13 years (younger children will be considered based on each site. Please contact the site representative for specifics)
- Diagnosis of hemiparesis (Other diagnoses may be considered on an individual basis)
- Must be able to lift up the weaker arm to help hold/stabilize an object
- Ability to interact well with peers
- Sustained attention for activity
- Ability to follow directions
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.
For further information, please contact:
- Debra Kochberg (Mountainside) 1-888-CHILDREN (244-5373) ext. 5623
- Gina Freeman (Toms River) 1-888-CHILDREN (244-5373) ext. 3832
- Heta Parikh (Hamilton) 1-888-CHILDREN (244-5373) ext. 2115
