For families and their children with disabilities or special needs, all they want is for people to see them as individuals. Not as the child with Cerebral Palsy, or the child with Down Syndrome, or whatever the disability or special need maybe. Whatever challenges they must face. It is only part of who they are.
We are fortunate to have three camps in New Hampshire, two of which are residential, that understand this desire. The mission of these three camps is to allow children with disabilities or special needs to be campers in a traditional camp setting while supporting their needs.
Easter Seals Camp Sno-Mo has been serving children and youth (11-21) for forty years, and understands the importance of allowing their campers to be just that campers. Camp Sno-Mo is located on 3600 acres in Gilmanton Iron Works, New Hampshire. The camp is home to the Daniel Webster Council Hidden Valley Boy Scout Camp.
Thanks to the sponsorship of New Hampshire Snowmobile Association, Camp Sno-Mo is able to produce a traditional camping experience with such activities as swimming, canoeing, sailing, archery, fishing, crafts, and more. In the evening, campers can be found enjoying a camp fire or participating in game night or whatever the activity maybe.
The amazing staff and facilities allow this to happen. Allison Neal of New England Tutors was fortunate to meet the Regional Camp Director, Robert Kelly. The passion he exhibited for Camp Sno-Mo and the campers amazed her. We suggest watching their video below to see just how amazing this camp is.
Interested in sending your child to Camp Sno-Mo? Below is a list of sessions they offer. Financial assistance is also available to those who are in need. To find out more about Camp Sno-Mo visit their website: http://www.easterseals.com/nh/our-programs/camping-recreation/camp-sno-mo.html
Easter Seals Camp Sno-Mo 2015 dates
Session 1: June 28 – July 3
Session 2: July 5 – July 10
Session 3: July 12 – July 17
Session 4: July 19 – July 30 (12 day session)
Session 5: August 2 – August 7
Session 6: August 9 – August 14
Session 7: August 16 – August 21
Another wonderful camp is Camp Allen http://campallennh.org/ located in Bedford, New Hampshire. Founded back in 1931 as a retreat for young girls who were blind, Camp Allen now serves individual of all ages with developmental and physical challenges. Yes, all ages. They provide a traditional residential camp experience to approximately 450+ campers per summer, and offer 1:2 or 1:1 ratio staff to campers.
Like Camp Sno-Mo, the campers at Camp Allen get to experience the joys of an overnight residential camp with activities such as boating, swimming, exploring the surrounding wetlands, music, crafts, and more. This rustic camp offers accessible lodging, pool, bathrooms, and staff from all over the world that is well trained to understand their campers’ challenges.
The difference between the two camps is Camp Allen does offer a variety of sessions that include day camp for those who are unable to stay overnight, adult sessions only, a kids and teen session and more. The sessions and camp fees can be found on their website by clicking on the link provided: Camp Allen 2015 Summer Camp schedule.pdf.
Camp CARD NE (https://campcardne.shutterfly.com/) is a summer camp experience that helps improve self-confidence by directly teaching social skills. They provide counselors who offer traditional camp activities such as hiking, exploration and games combined with social thinking skills like perspective talking and understanding social communication and relationships. Campers have fun while learning important life skills. They offer two camps; basic summer camp as described above ages 10+ and the work experience camp for ages 16+ that adds real life work experience in a structured, safe setting. Campers are hired as an ‘Apprentice’ and work in CARD NE established enterprises such as their hotdog stand, landscaping, home maintenance and junior counselors. For detailed information on dates and costs email us or call 844-638-8867.
Just like any other traditional residential summer camp, each of these camps offer their own unique camping experience. The important factor here is they allow their campers to put aside their challenges and enjoy the life of summer camp.
