Parents of children with disabilities often struggle to find summer camps that meet their child’s needs, especially adult children who have outgrown traditional programs. Providing inclusive, recreational and skill-building opportunities, Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania offers two unique summer camps for individuals with disabilities.
Registration is currently open for Camp Lily-Berks, a 6-week day camp program for campers ages 8-21 held on Mt. Penn, and Growing Green, an overnight camp in the Poconos for individuals age 10 to adult. Learn more about both at https://bit.ly/ESEPCampInfo.
“Families can register for one week or all six, providing their child with a valuable social and recreational experience, and meaningful educational support,” says Emily Gonda, Operations Manager at Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania.
“Parents can ask their child’s IEP manager to add Camp Lily to their extended school year plan in order to continue meeting important service plan goals. Growing Green is a unique overnight camp experience. Our counselors are specially trained and equipped to support campers with disabilities so they can experience the typical summer camp activities all young people enjoy. This level of care and attention empowers campers to push beyond familiar boundaries to try new things and connect with their peers.”
This summer, Camp Lily-Berks will provide swimming and playtime in the newly improved swim pool area and Playtown, arts and crafts, games, music, educational programs and a host of other activities, with special guests to teach workshops and entertain.
Camp counselors will receive training from Easterseals’ Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) to ensure each camper receives the support and care they need to succeed and maximize their enjoyment, with a 3:1 camper to counselor ratio. New this year, Camp Lily will incorporate financial literacy into its programming, teaching campers the value of money and importance of savings. Reinforcing positive behavior, the program allows campers to earn “camp bucks” to spend at the camp store.
Held at the Pocono Educational Environmental Center in Dingmans Ferry, PA, Easterseals Camp Growing Green provides opportunities for growth and development in a safe, nurturing environment staffed by qualified, trained counselors.
Campers gain environmental awareness and learn organic gardening in specially designed gardens while also enjoying traditional camp activities like hiking, canoeing, arts & crafts, games, music, and campfires. Life and social skills are reinforced, as living away from family members and with peers helps campers discover their inner resources and builds self-esteem. The first week of Growing Green, held June 30-July 5, is geared towards the interests of older campers (40+).
“For nearly 100 years, Easterseals Eastern PA has been committed to meeting our consumers where they are,” says Mindy McCormick, President & CEO of Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania. “We strive to build trust-based relationships with the children, parents, schools and community partners we serve. We have been offering summer camp programs for over 70 years and are continuously making improvements to ensure campers are meeting and exceeding their personal goals, and families can trust us to care for their child.”
Registration for Camp Lily-Berks and Growing Green is now open. Weeks fill up quickly, so register now to get your choice of dates. Visit https://bit.ly/ESEPCampInfo to enroll a camper today.
The United Way of Berks County provides funding to support five Easterseals programs, including Camp Lily Berks, Outpatient Therapy, Specialty Medical Clinics, Make the First Five Count and Hang Time.
