Photo Credit: Camp Lee Mar
Camp Lee Mar, founded in 1953, delivers innovative camping experiences for children aged 7-21 with special needs. The private, 7-week residential summer camp offers a unique curriculum that combines strong academic and speech programs with traditional camp activities. Campers flourish in Camp Lee Mar’s structured environment where they work on social and life skills in a comfortable and secure setting.
As a special needs camp, Camp Lee Mar understands the need to individualize each camper’s program. Careful study is made of parent input, school IEPs, and camper interviews, allowing the camp to tailor programming based on the interests and needs of each child. Campers find comfort and friendship with children of similar age and functioning level and are encouraged to learn new skills and have new experiences. Focus is placed on building friendships that last throughout the year and campers develop skills for coping with the dynamics of group situations.
Camper Profile
Campers at Camp Lee Mar have a variety of diagnoses, including Developmental Challenges, Learning Disabilities, Down Syndrome, Williams Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Social Communication Disorder, Fragile X, Sensory Processing Disorder, and Prader-Willi Syndrome.
Activities
In addition to educational and developmental activities such as speech, academics, and daily living, Camp Lee Mar offers numerous traditional camp activities such as swimming, sports, outdoor experiences, and art, among many others.
Counselors and Staff
Each group has a 3:1 camper to counselor ratio. There is always at least one RN and one LPN at camp, assisted by two nursing students. A pediatrician visits Lee Mar twice per week to check on campers. Numerous additional staff members such as kitchen, maintenance, housekeeping staff are also on site.
Transportation
Campers can be dropped off at camp or take the camp bus from New York City at Lincoln Center. Arrangements can also be made for pick up at Stewart International Airport in Newburgh, New York.
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance may be available through scholarships. Contact the camp as soon as possible to learn more and submit an application.