Choosing to send your child to a private special needs camp is the same as choosing to send a child to a private mainstream camp. There may be cheaper day programs in your area, or there may be free school programs that your child may be eligible for, but a private camp (regular or special needs) usually has an area of specialty. Think mainstream sports camps, academic camps or art and theater camps.
Choosing to send your child to a private special needs camp like Camp Lee Mar is a financial commitment, but you are providing your child with a specialized camp experience. Our camp provides traditional camp activates alongside a full academics program, career and vocational training program, daily living skills and social skills program.
When considering the cost of a private special needs camp parents often consider the fact that this experience is an “early intervention” to their child’s adult life. The chance for their child to be independent and work on new skills with all of the support and understanding they need, in an environment away from home. This experience helps develop self-advocacy, self-confidence, and of course, some amazing friendships. All of these skills are vital to their child’s transition to independence and adulthood.
Many of our campers are eligible to remain in the school system until age 21, when they will move on to employment or independent living. In this case, Camp Lee Mar becomes their “college experience”- Personal growth, independence and friendships away from home.
The cost of Camp Lee Mar is comparable to many mainstream camps in our area, but offers much more in regard to specialized programming, professional staff with experience in the field of special needs, and individualized goals for each camper.
Additionally, parents fund private special needs camps in many different ways. Each year we have parents who privately pay for camp, parents who use waiver funding, parents who use Camp Lee Mar as their child’s ESY (Extended School Year) and parents that may fit the requirements for a partial scholarship through Camp Lee Mar.
If you have any questions we would be happy to answer them!
Written by Lynsey Trohoske
My name is Lynsey Trohoske, I am the assistant director at Camp Lee Mar. I have three amazing children, my middle child happens to be on the autism spectrum and is a camper at Lee Mar. I joined camp as a counselor in 1998 and loved the campers and their families so much that Camp Lee Mar became my second home!
