"Supporting Children and Teens with Developmental Disabilities in an Inclusive Summer Camp Setting."

Inclusive Camping
Summer camp is an integral part of SCARC’s Recreation program, and has proven to be a defining force in the lives of the children who attend. It is SCARC’s philosophy that children with disabilities, should have the opportunity to experience inclusive summer camp.

SCARC’s inclusive camping program matches campers, ages 4-14, with developmental disabilities, with one-on-one or one-on-two SCARC camp counselors; who provide the individualized supports necessary to join the inclusive camp population. Each SCARC camp counselor has participated in a three-week training program and has been trained as a member of the camps’ staff.

The camp program incorporates many Sussex County area day camping programs to provide campers and their families with a variety of programs and specialties. These programs have included: Blue Mountain Day Camp, Camp Warwick, Camp Auxilium, and Lindley G. Cook 4-H Camp.

In cooperation with such camps, campers can enjoy activities such as: Archery, Dance, Sports & Games, Hiking, Nature, Sailing, Windsurfing, Riflery, Swim Lessons, Rock Climbing, Dance, Camp Songs, and Campfire Cooking.  Horseback riding is also available at select camps, but does incur an additional charge to families.

Each year, the dedicated SCARC Administration staff write grants, apply for funding, and search out private donations to pay for camp.  Past funding sources have included The Ingeborg A. Biondo Foundation, The Autism Fund, ALCOA, the SCARC Foundation, area school districts, and many generous private donors.  Any family wishing to send their child to camp may contact SCARC for potential funding.

If you are interested in giving your child the summer of a lifetime, please contact the SCARC Office for more information.

 
Camping for Teens
An exciting program that provides social and community interaction for young adults, ages 15-21.

While most traditional camping programs only serve campers up to age 15, SCARC has designed a program specifically for 15-21 year olds. This program, “Summer Experience,” strives to include teens with Developmental Disabilities into the community. This mobile group meets each morning to depart for a trip into the community, such have included: Camel Beach, The Bronx Zoo, Steamtown, NY Aquarium, Museum of Natural History, High Point State Park, Movies and the Mall, NJ State Fair, and many more!

The typical staff to participant ratio is 1 staff to every 2-3 participants, while the group consists of 8-10 participants; giving each individual the opportunity to form lifetime friendships with peers.  Each session of Summer Experience lasts for two weeks and is truly an experience to be had!

If you are interested in giving your teen the summer of a lifetime, please contact the SCARC Office for more information.