Goal of the Respite Program: Camp Orchard Hill serves children with special needs in several settings throughout the year. Our program focuses on building skills and gaining confidence through outdoor experience with opportunities to participate in activities alongside typically developing peers. In our welcoming and fun atmosphere, individuals benefit from increased independence, activity and exercise, the opportunity to interact and develop friendships, and the chance
to engage with positive adult role models. And caregivers benefit from a reliable and consistent break.

Need more details?
Email [email protected] or call us with questions (570) 333-4098.

RESPITE THROUGH OUR BEST WEEK EVER DAY CAMP PROGRAM (JUNE-AUGUST)

Ages: Completed Kindergarten – Completed 9th grade or age 15 (Campers with 1:1 services remain eligible for summer programs while they are eligible for school services – generally age 21)

The program: Day Camp provides campers with respite services in a fully inclusive setting. Our Special Needs Grant provides eligible campers with funding for two weeks or 10 days of coverage. Individuals attend with their 1:1 BHT coverage for support and are placed in groups based on their grade level, alongside typically developing peers. We encourage campers to participate in as many activities as they are able and encourage BHT’s to keep the campers close to the group using alternative activities when needed.

The details: Campers must be able to navigate uneven terrain and be potty independent or provide an agency caregiver to assist with toileting.  If a camper is eligible for behavioral support services in the school setting, they must have that same support for the full time they are at camp.  Campers with 1:1 services remain eligible for Best Week Ever summer programs while they are eligible for school services (generally age 21).

The process:

  • From January-March (or until available funding is distributed), complete our Special Needs Grant Request Form
  • Watch for your approval email with instructions to complete your reservation
  • Register for your days or weeks of Day Camp and email to let us know that you booked your spot! (Grant weeks can be booked as full weeks, or on our per-day model with a two day per week minimum.)
  • We will manually apply your grant payment for the first two weeks or 10 days of camp.
  • Campers may book additional weeks of camp at our published rate as long as 1:1 coverage is available

RESPITE THROUGH OUR RESPITE SATURDAY EVENTS (FALL AND SPRING MONTHS)

Ages: Kindergarten – 12th grade or age 21. (Campers remain eligible for Respite Saturday while they are eligible for school services – generally age 21)

The program: During the off-season months, Camp Orchard Hill serves individuals with special needs in an exclusive setting. We intentionally keep events small in order to provide excellent support and supervision. Individuals attend with their 1:1 BHT coverage for support. Camp Orchard Hill provides a fun program of indoor and outdoor activity as well as professional staff, a nurse and program team to provide a smooth experience. This program is a partnership with S.A.F.E. and Camp Orchard Hill.

The details: Campers must be able to navigate uneven terrain and be potty independent or provide an agency caregiver to assist with toileting.  If a camper is eligible for behavioral support services in the school setting, they should bring that same support to Respite Saturday.  Camp Orchard Hill may be able to provide 1:1 coverage for Respite Saturday. These slots are limited and available on a first come, first served basis during the registration process. Some campers may also
be approved to attend Respite Saturday in a group setting. Campers remain eligible for Respite Saturday while they are eligible for school services (generally age 21).

The process: We will send an email prior to the fall events and prior to the spring events, to invite families to register for Respite Saturday through our registration software. The registration link will also be available on our website. We ask parents to contribute $25 to help cover the cost of each event. However, you may reach out directly if this cost will prohibit your camper from attending.