Camp Lee Mar provides a very structured program with six periods in each day. The program encompasses all the traditional camp activities but, in addition, includes strong speech, social skills, academics, daily living, physical therapy, and occupational therapy programs. These programs are headed by professionals in their fields, and run by current teachers, speech therapists, and students studying each subject. As our campers move into the senior program, we begin working on skills that will assist them in transitioning into their adult life. Our older campers take part in vocational training and job skills activities, with many senior campers holding a job at camp. Due to these programs, many of our campers are at Lee Mar as part of their Extended School Year (ESY).
Please feel free to call camp to discuss your child’s Extended School Year (ESY) program.
While Lee Mar takes pride in our academic-related programs, we also want to make sure our campers are enjoying traditional camp activities and all the adapted special needs summer programs we have to offer. Days at Lee Mar are filled with smiles, laughs, and fun! Whether our campers are in the pool, playing kickball, fishing, painting, dancing, or participating in one of the many other activities at camp, we make sure our campers are having the time of their lives! Our goal is to give the campers an amazing summer experience while working on all areas of independent living skills. Our teachers and therapists are not only found in the classrooms but also at activities, helping to generalize IEP goals during the day-to-day activities at camp. Our campers learn to fold their clothing, make their beds, shower independently, and work on dining-room skills. A seven week camp for special needs kids is the perfect length of time to have great fun while learning and mastering new skills.
Camp Lee Mar is (and always has been) solely dedicated to serving campers with special needs.
Many traditional camps have bunks or small summer programs for special needs kids. Although this may work for some campers with special needs, we find that our campers benefit from our growth-producing, structured program. During the summer we focus on building the social and emotional skills they need to be successful during the school year. Many of our campers are in traditional inclusive school programs during the year due to the skills they gain in our unique program.
Overall Focus – Every game, art project, event, meal, and trip is designed for our special needs campers. Parents know that their child will be included and able to participate to the best of their ability.
Leadership – The priorities and overall structure of a camp starts at the top. Camp Lee Mar’s three directors not only have extensive camping experience, but also have a wealth of experience working with special needs individuals. Additionally, Ari and Lynsey both have children with special needs.
Safe Haven – Our campers have an amazing summer and are in an environment where they are just like everyone else. At Camp Lee Mar we build strong self-confidence and lifelong friendships. Summer programs for special needs kids is what we do!
Counselors – Lee Mar’s counselors come to camp specifically to be with special needs campers. They are motivated to work at a camp for special needs kids and are the best individuals to be working with the campers. Many of our counselors are pursuing careers in the field of special needs.
Staff – Our counselors and support staff arrive a week before our campers and go through intensive training and workshops preparing for the arrival of our campers.
