Recreation, Camps and Summer Programs in NJ

Families in New Jersey usually find inclusive recreation and summer programs through their municipal recreation department, county special-needs or therapeutic recreation programs, Family Support Organizations, parent groups and disability organizations. Planning early matters, because registration for summer often opens in winter or early spring.

• Your town's recreation department, which may offer inclusive or adapted programs
• County therapeutic or special-needs recreation programs
• Your county's Family Support Organization and local parent groups
• Disability and diagnosis-specific organizations that publish seasonal listings
• YMCAs, Special Olympics New Jersey, Miracle League fields and adaptive sports programs
• School district summer programming, which is a separate process decided by the school team

1. 1Start early

   Many summer programs open registration in the winter and fill quickly. Ask each program when registration opens and how to be notified.

2. 2Write a one-page profile of your child

   Strengths, what helps, what to avoid, communication, medical needs and emergency contacts. Share it with staff, and keep sensitive details to what the program truly needs.

3. 3Ask specific support questions

   Use the questions below. Vague reassurance is not the same as a plan.

4. 4Ask about cost and assistance

   Ask about fees, scholarships, sliding scales and refund policies. Never send payment or ID information through a form like ours.

5. 5Plan the first day

   Ask about a visit beforehand, a shorter first day, or meeting the staff who will work with your child.

• What is the staff-to-participant ratio?
• What training do staff receive for disability support?
• Can my child bring a personal aide, and what is required?
• How are medications, feeding needs and toileting handled?
• What is the plan if my child becomes overwhelmed?
• How will you communicate with me during the program?
• Is the facility physically accessible for my child?
• What happens if my child cannot stay for the full day?

• Is this program inclusive, adapted or specifically for children with disabilities?
• What supports can you provide, and what would you need from us?
• What does a typical day look like?
• How do you handle behavioral or medical situations?
• When does registration open, and is there a waitlist?
• Are there costs, and is any financial assistance available?

• Vicabell does not screen, inspect or endorse camps or recreation programs.
• Inclusive in a brochure does not always mean the supports your child needs are in place; ask specific questions.
• Availability, staffing and costs change every season; confirm directly with the program.
• Do not send medical records, insurance IDs or Social Security numbers through any website form, including ours.

• Call your municipal recreation department and your county recreation office this week and ask what inclusive programs they run and when registration opens.

• What Is Respite Care in New Jersey?
• What Is a Family Support Organization (FSO) in New Jersey?
• Sibling Support in New Jersey
• EventsFamily-friendly activities and workshops in New Jersey.
• Find ResourcesCounty organizations and statewide programs.

• Autism New Jersey Statewide information and referral, including recreation and program questions.
• SPAN Parent Advocacy Network New Jersey's Parent Training and Information Center, including family support programs.
• Special Olympics New Jersey Statewide sports and recreation programming for people with intellectual disabilities.