SPOT Summer Camp Guide

Summer Camps & Programs in New Jersey -

Camp Excel (Westwood)
$5200/6-week program
Camp Excel is a comprehensive program that includes academics to promote growth and avoid regression over the summer months, therapeutic activities to assist in making friends and keeping friends, sports to develop skills and build self-esteem and recreational activities just for fun! Throughout the day, staff members provide encouragement and guidance in using appropriate social skills, giving children the opportunity to experience in the moment learning, learning that stays with them. They recognize the importance of family involvement and offer weekly Parent Groups to provide parenting information and support; they also offer siblings groups for brothers and sisters to express their feelings regarding their special needs sibling.
Contact: 732-281-0275 or info@ CampExcel.com

Easter Seals New Jersey Camp Merry Heart (Hackettstown)
$1016 to $1982/week
Located on 123 beautiful acres, Camp Merry Heart provides a safe and supervised setting for individuals with disabilities and special needs to participate in a wide variety of recreational activities. Camp Merry Heart opened its doors in 1954, with 26 campers and was one of the first of its kind, offering a camp experience to individuals with disabilities. Since 1967, recreation and respite services have been provided to over 30,000 people with disabilities or special needs.
Contact: 908-852-3896 or rschumann@nj.easterseals.com

Harbor Haven (West Orange)
$4995 to $6595/7-week program
Harbor Haven is a 7-week co-ed summer program for 3-15 year olds with mild to moderate special needs. The program is dedicated to the concept that all children benefit from the magic of summer activities. The most important elements of traditional summer activities are combined with structured support and helping kids to maintain and expand social, educational and communication skills. Harbor Haven prides itself on offering continuous opportunities for each child to grow, explore, develop new skills and form friendships, all within a safe, nurturing and accepting environment. It also serves as a bridge between one school year and the next, offering a valuable way to prevent regression in children with learning, social and communication issues. Harbor Haven is especially known for “Bright Beginnings,” their 3-5 year old division, which is uniquely constructed to provide mildly delayed young children with a comprehensive approach that addresses all of their issues. Parents and professionals know that the earlier the work begins on a child’s needs, the more likely he/she will “catch up” with typical peers.
Contact: 908-964-5411 or info@harborhaven.com

Camp Haverim at the JCC on the Palisades (Tenafly)
$1050 JCC Members $1325 Nonmembers, Ages 3-21
This two-week program is for children, ages 3-21 with a variety of special needs including autism spectrum disorder, varied communication and learning differences, moderate cognitive/intellectual challenges and developmental disabilities who attend 11 months of special schooling. Camp Haverim provides social skills training, swimming, sports, music, art and dance, in addition to academics. Head teachers, assistants and volunteers provide a one-on-one ratio.
Space is limited. Priority is given to returning campers, participants in Special Services programs and JCC members. Groups are formed according to age, so all age groups may not be served.
Intake interview required. Those campers on the wait list, whose age group has openings, will receive calls for intake interviews. JCC membership is not required for this program.
Camp Haverim accepts payment from approved DDD and other Social Services Agency Providers as well as full payment from sending SCHOOL DISTRICTS. Scholarships/financial aid is available on an as needed basis.
Contact: Colleen Lofaro, ProgCamp Haverim Coordinator x1490 or clofaro@jccotp.org

Camp Star (Springfield)
This 6-week day camp serves kids ages 6-21 with developmental disabilities in the Union County area. In existence since 1957, Camp Star is located within the community in Rahway River Park. The park provides campers use of a large playground, an Olympic size pool and a reserved area full of shaded picnic tables. (On rainy days, camp is held indoors at a local school.) Daily activities include music, arts & crafts, physical education, nature exploration, and swimming. Camp Star also provides numerous group trips and field trips for the campers. The staff is comprised of dedicated teachers and college students with backgrounds in various fields such as special education, art, social work, education and psychology. New camper applicants are interviewed before admission to determine whether the staff can adequately meet the needs of the child. Applications for financial assistance are available and will be considered on a case by case basis with proof of income.
Contact: 973-315-0000 or lcoakley@arcunion.org

Summer PALS at JCC on the Palisades (Tenafly)
This summer ‘After School Program' is intended for children and teens with special needs attending extended school year programs during the summer. This program may not be suitable for all children with special needs. Priority is given to participants in the JCC Special Services programs. Program participation must be approved by the director. New candidates require an intake interview to determine if the program is a good fit. The JCC provides experienced and trained staff to work with your children. Summer PALS activities include...Swimming, Cooking, Fitness and FUN!!!
Contact: Shelley Levy, Special Services Director, ext. 1489 or slevy@jccotp.org

Summer Camps & Programs in New York -

Big Apple Day Program

EBL Coaching Summer Skills Building Program

Standing Tall

West End Day School Summer Program