About Camp Connection

 

Camp Applications close on April 30th!


Camps Connection offers recreational overnight and day camps, as well as therapy-based programs throughout the summer for children with special health care needs. These programs provide an opportunity to gain independence, learn new skills, and enjoy common summer camp experiences. 

 

Camp Pal’s Paradise - An inclusive day-camp for ages 6-16!

  • Camp Pal’s Paradise is an inclusive day camp for children ages 6-16 with and without special needs. Come join us for exciting summer camp activities, including cooperative games, arts and crafts, water play, special visitors, and more!

  • Camp is led by CSH Recreational Therapists, as well as trained Summer Camp Counselors and CSH volunteers.

  • All Campers must be independent in ADLs (feeding, hygiene, etc.)

 

2025 Camp Schedule:

  • Week 1: Monday-Friday, August 4th - 8th
  • Week 2: Monday-Friday, August 11th - 15th

  • Camp Hours: 9:00am - 3:30pm
    • Before Care: 8:00 - 9:00am
    • After Care: 3:30 - 4:30pm

  • Location: Mountainside, NJ

 

Apply & Register:

 


Camp Chatterbox – An overnight camp for families with children who use AAC devices as their primary form of communication!

  • Camp Chatterbox is an overnight camp for children and young adults ages 5-21 who use synthesized Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices as their primary form of communication. Join us for a week of social, recreational, and educational activities that promote the use of our communication systems while making new friends and having fun with other campers!

  • Parents and siblings will join the AAC campers for a week-long family camp experience, sharing cabins, connecting with other families, and having fun!

  • Therapy activities and educational workshops will be led by licensed Speech-Language Pathologists, Recreational Therapists, and Special Education Teachers.

 

2025 Camp Schedule:

  • Dates: August 10th - 16th

  • Location: Rising Treetops at Oakhurst in Monmouth County, NJ

Apply & Register:

 


True Grit SCI Program – A week-long residential (sleepaway) program for adolescents and young adults ages 16-21 with spinal cord injuries!

  • True Grit SCI provides goal-directed therapy to teens and young adults with spinal cord injuries. In collaboration with Rutgers University, we host a week-long sleepaway program in Rutgers dorms with therapeutic activities to increase independence, provide opportunities for adaptive sports and leisure activities, new adapted devices, support to pursue further education or to enter the workforce, and education on SCI topics relevant to this age group.

  • Attending True Grit offers a safe experience in staying away from home while experiencing and problem-solving “college life.”

  • Our team consists of expert clinicians in Occupational, Physical, and Recreational Therapy, Nursing, and Peer Mentors.

  • Assistance will be provided to any attendee requiring help with self-care needs.

 

2025 Camp Schedule:

  • Dates: July 13th - 19th

  • Location: Rutgers University Livingston Apartments in Piscataway, New Jersey

 

Apply & Register:

  • All new and returning campers, please contact our SCI Clinical Coordinator, Kassandra Boyd, kboyd@childrens-specialized.org, with any questions or for more information about applications and registration. 

 

 

Questions about Camp?