Frequently Asked Questions
What services do you provide?
- Summer Camp: week-long sleep-over sessions begin Sunday afternoons and end early the following Saturday morning. June-August.
- Summer Day Camp: Monday through Friday 9am - 5pm June - August.
- Weekend Getaways run five weekends in the fall and five weekends late winter / early spring.
2010 - 2011 Weekend Getaway and Summer Schedules
Fun Camp Getaways: Feb. 26-28; March 12-14; March 26-28; April 9-11; Oct 8-10; Oct 22-24; Nov 5-7; Nov 19-21; 2011 March 4-6; March 18-20; April 1-3; April 15-17.
Adventure Camp Getaways April 23-25; Sept 24-26. 2011 April 29-May 1
Summer Fun 2010 Sessions: June 6-12; June 13-19; June 20-26; June 27- July 3; July 4-10; July 11-17; July 25-31; August 1-7; August 8-14. Adventure Camps: Level 1/ June 27-July 3; Level II/ July 18-24; August 15-21
Day Camp: June 14 - August 20 Monday through Friday 9AM - 5PM
Call Camp Joy at 610-754-6878 to register, inquire about transportation and camp fees, and other concerns. Limited financial aid may be available. Campership aid does not cover the cost of 1:1 service.
Who Goes to Camp JOY?
Children, youth and adults ages 6 years to 70+ with developmental/intellectual disabilities (e.g. mental retardation, autism spectrum disorders, brain injury, neurological disorders, Angelman and Down syndromes, etc.). We specialize in serving people whose disabilities range from mild to profound. The majority of our campers need help with daily tasks.
Adventure Weeks serve campers who are higher functioning, ambulatory, verbal, and continent; will stay with the group; and benefit from community field trips and action-oriented fun. Participants must be able to communicate effectively.
What's a day at Camp like?
We believe in "Summer Fun for All". We adapt traditional camp activities so that people with disabilities have a great time. It's all about new friends, positive experiences, and outdoor adventure. Activities include swimming, pony rides, outdoor games, arts & crafts, nature exploration, storytelling, music, dancing, and evening activities. Check out our Photo Gallery. Meals are served family-style, and we accommodate most special diets.
Our recreational focus is balanced with personalized attention to each camper's needs. The majority of our campers may need supervision and/or assistance with daily tasks, including mobility, communication, health care needs, feeding, dressing, showering, and toileting. We manage incontinence, too. Our nurses respond to many different health care needs, and a hospital is 15 minutes away.
My son or daughter uses a wheelchair...
No problem! Nearly one-third of our campers use mobility devices. Camp Joy is barrier free with extensive paved trails. Our cabins, lodges, and activity areas have access ramps (even the horse corral!). At the pool, a built-in ramp helps non-ambulatory campers enter and exit the water safely.
Where is Camp Joy? In the woods, of course! We share the woods with deer, wild turkeys, and some bugs as well! The 57 acre site is about an hour from Philadelphia and Harrisburg; 1.5 hours from Trenton; about 3.5 hours from New York City, Baltimore, and parts of Delaware.
Do you provide transportation?
Our ability to provide transportation for sleep-over campers is limited. We do not provide Day Camp transportation. Please contact us for more information.
Does Camp JOY allow visitors?
YES! Just call us 24 hours ahead of time. We allow parents and family members to visit. Families may visit between breakfast time and 9:00PM. We also provide folks unfamiliar with Camp Joy the opportunity to tour the camp while in session with one of our senior staff members. call us to schedule an appointment --contact us!
What about the staff?
Most of our staff are college students; many are training to become special education teachers, doctors, therapists, social workers, or psychologists. While their backgrounds vary, their common strengths include maturity, sensitivity, and the motivation to provide active, compassionate care. Usually, each counselor supervises two or three campers. If a camper requires more intensive supervision, please contact us before the camping session to discuss the camper's needs. We'll advise you of 1:1 staffing availability and additional costs.
What are the fees?
Transportation for all Fun Camps and Adventure Camps is $54.00 round trip from either Media or Downingtown. We do not provide transportation for Day Camp.
| 2010 Programs | Fee | 1:1 Service if applicable |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 Late winter/early spring Fun Camp Weekend Getaways | $402.00 | $804.00 |
| 2010 Spring Adventure Camp | $446.00 | N/A |
| 2010 Summer Fun Camp | $1206.00/wk | $2412.00/wk |
| 2010 Summer Day Camp | $154.00/day | $308.00/day |
| 2010 Summer Adventure Camp | $1338.00/wk | N/A |
| 2010 Fall Fun Camp Weekend Getaways | $402.00 | $804.00 |
| 2010 Fall Adventure Camp | $446.00 | N/A |
Is there financial assistance for Camp Joy campers?
Pennsylvania Residents - - Camp Joy is a vendor for the state of Pennsylvania under the Federal Waiver Program. Check with your supports coordinator for eligibility requirements and funding for camper respite services.
Camperships - - Limited camperships are available. To apply, just include a letter with the registration application (included in the camp brochure) stating your financial request and why the financial assistance is needed.
Other Options - - Further aid may be available from local, county, and state MR/DD agencies and organizations in your area.
From a camper's mom...
"Tracey really enjoys her time at Camp Joy. From the counselors to the cook, all of the staff are so friendly, well prepared, and eager to help the campers have a great, safe time. It's so gratifying to see the counselors and other campers greet her by name, and it's even more touching to see her respond with such a big smile. We NEVER worry when Tracey's at Camp Joy: we know that she's in such good hands. She has really benefited from all the camp activities, and it's amazing how many new friends she's made! Tracey always looks forward to coming to Camp Joy... thanks for being such a big part of her life."
For a program brochure and camper application, contact us. Also, feel free to call or email us anytime: 610.754.6878 www.campjoy@dejazzd.com
