Welcome to Camp Easterseals, a haven nestled in the picturesque region of New Castle, Virginia. Situated amidst the tranquil beauty of Virginia’s natural landscapes, the camp serves as a sanctuary for discovery and growth, near prominent landmarks such as the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains.

Founded with a profound commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities, Camp Easterseals has a rich history that spans several decades. From its inception, the camp has been dedicated to providing a supportive and enriching environment where campers can thrive and explore their potential without barriers.

At the heart of Camp Easterseals lies its mission: “To empower individuals with disabilities to achieve their highest level of independence and inclusion through recreational and educational programs.” This philosophy drives every activity, program, and interaction within the camp, ensuring that all participants receive the encouragement and support necessary to grow.

Camp Easterseals is an inclusive space, welcoming boys and girls of various age groups. Designed to cater to the unique needs of each camper, it offers a diverse range of activities that promote skill development, confidence, and camaraderie among its attendees.

Whether you are looking for a place that fosters personal growth or an environment that embraces diversity and inclusion, Camp Easterseals is a community where every individual is valued and celebrated.

Programs Offered by Camp Easterseals

Camp Easterseals offers a variety of programs designed to cater to the interests and needs of all campers. Each program is meticulously planned to ensure an enriching experience that promotes both personal growth and collective enjoyment. Here’s an overview of what campers can expect:

1. General Camp Programs: These programs are the backbone of Camp Easterseals, providing a traditional camp experience. Sessions typically run from one to two weeks, allowing campers to immerse themselves in a wide range of activities including swimming, hiking, and campfires.

2. Specialty Programs:

Arts: For the creatively inclined, the arts program includes activities such as painting, sculpture, and performance arts. This program encourages self-expression and nurtures artistic talents in a supportive environment.
Sports: Aimed at promoting physical health and teamwork, the sports program includes activities like archery, basketball, and adapted sports that ensure all campers can participate.
Science: This program sparks curiosity and fosters a love for learning through experiments, nature walks, and interactive science projects, making learning both fun and engaging.

3. Length of Sessions: Camp Easterseals offers flexibility in session lengths:

One-week sessions are perfect for first-time campers or those looking for a short but fulfilling experience.
Two-week sessions offer a deeper dive into camp life, with more time for specialized activities and personal development.
Full summer options are available for those who wish to experience the full spectrum of what Camp Easterseals has to offer, with the opportunity to engage in various programs throughout the summer.

Typical Daily Schedule: A day at Camp Easterseals is carefully structured to provide a balanced mix of activities, rest, and meals. Here’s a typical day:

7:30 AM – Wake-up and morning stretch
8:00 AM – Breakfast
9:00 AM – Morning activities (rotates between arts, sports, and science)
12:00 PM – Lunch
1:00 PM – Quiet time/Rest period
2:00 PM – Afternoon activities (specialty program focus)
5:00 PM – Free time
6:00 PM – Dinner
7:00 PM – Evening activities (campfire, storytelling, group games)
9:00 PM – Bedtime preparation
10:00 PM – Lights out

Each day is structured to ensure campers engage in diverse activities that stimulate both their minds and bodies, fostering a sense of community and lifelong friendships.

Accommodations in Camp Easterseals

Camp Easterseals is well-equipped to ensure a comfortable and accessible stay for all campers. Here’s an overview of the accommodations provided:

Sleeping Arrangements:

Cabins: Campers stay in well-maintained cabins that are designed to be both comfortable and accessible. Each cabin is equipped with amenities that accommodate the needs of campers with disabilities. Cabins typically house 8-10 campers along with 2 counselors, fostering a close-knit community feel.
Dormitories: For larger groups or specific programs, dormitory-style accommodations are available, providing a similar level of comfort and accessibility as the cabins. Dorms are often used for special events and group camps.

Dining Options:

Meal Plans: Camp Easterseals provides three balanced meals a day, along with healthy snacks between activities. Meals are served in a communal dining hall, where campers can socialize and enjoy meals together.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the diverse needs of its campers, the camp offers a variety of meal options to cater to different dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options. Parents and campers can discuss dietary needs with the staff before arrival to ensure all requirements are met.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities:

Facilities: The camp is equipped with modern bathroom and shower facilities that are designed to be fully accessible. These facilities are strategically located near sleeping and activity areas for easy access.
Accessibility: Features like grab bars, non-slip surfaces, and wheelchair-accessible showers ensure that all campers can use these facilities independently and safely.

Camp Easterseals prioritizes the comfort and safety of its campers, making continuous improvements to its facilities to ensure they meet the highest standards of accessibility and convenience. This commitment to quality accommodations helps ensure that every camper’s experience is not just enjoyable but also empowering.

Activities in Camp Easterseals

Camp Easterseals offers a vibrant array of activities designed to cater to a variety of interests and abilities, ensuring that every camper has the opportunity to participate, learn, and have fun. Here’s a detailed look at the activities and special events available:

List of Activities Offered:

Swimming: Supervised by certified lifeguards, swimming activities include free swimming, instructional swim, and water games in the camp’s accessible pool.
Hiking: Nature hikes along accessible trails allow campers to explore the beautiful surroundings and learn about the local flora and fauna.
Crafts: A wide range of crafting activities such as pottery, beadwork, and painting encourage creativity and self-expression.
Sports: Activities like basketball, soccer, and adapted sports are available, promoting physical fitness and teamwork.
Music and Dance: Summer camps can engage in music sessions, including singing, playing instruments, and dancing, culminating often in a camp-wide performance.
Cooking Classes: These classes teach basic cooking skills and nutrition, with campers getting the chance to prepare simple meals and snacks.
Archery: Taught by trained instructors, archery helps develop concentration and fine motor skills.

Special Events or Traditions:

Campfire Nights: Regular campfire gatherings include storytelling, singing, and marshmallow roasting, fostering a sense of community and tradition.
Talent Shows: Campers and staff showcase their talents, providing everyone a chance to shine and share their unique abilities.
Themed Days: From Superhero Day to international day, themed events spark creativity and add an element of fun and educational experience.
End-of-Session Celebrations: Mark the end of each camp session with a celebration that highlights the achievements and experiences of all campers.

Skill Development Opportunities:

Leadership Training: Older campers have opportunities to develop leadership skills through peer mentoring roles and involvement in planning camp activities.
Environmental Education: Programs designed to increase environmental awareness teach campers about conservation and sustainable practices.
Social Skills Building: Through group activities and structured social time, campers enhance their communication and interpersonal skills.

Camp Easterseals is dedicated to providing a rich, engaging, and adaptive environment where campers not only have fun but also grow personally and socially. Each activity is carefully designed to be inclusive, ensuring that every camper, regardless of their ability level, can participate fully and safely.

The staff of Camp Easterseals

Camp Easterseals is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for all campers, and this begins with a dedicated and well-trained staff. Here are the key details regarding the staff structure, qualifications, and training:

Staff-to-Camper Ratio:

The camp maintains a low staff-to-camper ratio to ensure that each camper receives personalized attention and support. Typically, the ratio is one staff member for every two to three campers, depending on the needs and age group of the campers. This ratio helps in providing a safe and nurturing environment, enabling staff to effectively address the individual needs and abilities of each camper.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications:

Recruitment: Camp Easterseals recruits staff through various channels, including postings at colleges, job fairs, and recommendations from educational institutions that specialize in special education and recreation.
Selection: Candidates go through a rigorous selection process that includes interviews, background checks, and reference checks to ensure that they are not only qualified but also have a genuine interest in working with individuals with disabilities.
Qualifications: Staff members typically have backgrounds in special education, therapeutic recreation, social work, or related fields. Many are pursuing or have completed higher education in these areas, bringing both professional insight and personal dedication to the camp environment.

Training and Certifications:

Mandatory Training: All staff undergo comprehensive pre-camp training that covers camp policies, emergency procedures, behavior management techniques, and specific training on the needs of campers with disabilities.
Certifications: Staff members are required to hold current certifications in CPR and First Aid. Additional training may include certification in lifeguarding, wilderness first aid, and specific therapeutic or educational techniques relevant to the campers’ needs.
Ongoing Education: Camp Easterseals also provides ongoing training throughout the camp season, including workshops and seminars on the latest developments in special education and therapeutic recreation to ensure the staff is up to date with the best practices in the field.

This thorough approach to staffing ensures that Camp Easterseals is not only a fun and engaging place for campers but also a secure and professionally managed environment. The staff’s dedication and training are pivotal in creating transformative camp experiences that campers look forward to year after year.

Safety and Health in Camp Easterseals

Camp Easterseals prioritizes the safety and health of its campers and staff, implementing robust protocols and maintaining on-site medical facilities to ensure a secure and responsive environment. Here are the key aspects of the camp’s approach to safety and health:

Safety Protocols and Procedures:

Preventive Measures: The camp enforces strict safety protocols that include regular safety drills, 24-hour security, and the secure design of all facilities to ensure they are both accessible and safe for all campers.
Activity Safety: Each activity is supervised by staff trained specifically for those tasks, with additional safety measures for higher-risk activities like swimming and archery.
Equipment and Facility Checks: Regular inspections and maintenance of all equipment and facilities ensure that everything is in excellent condition and safe for use.

On-site Health Facilities and Staff:

Health Center: Camp Easterseals is equipped with a well-staffed health center that operates 24 hours a day throughout the camp season. The center is staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, including nurses and on-call physicians, who specialize in both general healthcare and the specific needs of individuals with disabilities.
Capabilities: The health center is equipped to handle a range of medical needs, from routine treatments and medications to emergency medical care. It is stocked with essential medications and first aid supplies, and arrangements are in place for rapid hospital transfer if necessary.

Policies on Handling Emergencies:

Emergency Response Plan: The camp has a comprehensive emergency response plan that addresses potential scenarios such as medical emergencies, natural disasters, and other urgent situations. This plan is reviewed and updated annually to reflect any changes in best practices or camp structure.
Training: All staff members are trained in emergency response procedures as part of their initial and ongoing training. This includes how to evacuate campers safely, how to use communication devices, and first-response medical care.
Parental Communication: In the event of an emergency, the camp has a clear protocol for communicating with parents and guardians. This protocol ensures that parents are informed as quickly as possible with accurate and clear information.

These safety and health measures demonstrate Camp Easterseals’ commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment, allowing campers to focus on enjoying their experience with peace of mind for both themselves and their families.

Cost and Registration in Camp Easterseals

Camp Easterseals aims to provide an accessible and enriching camp experience for all. Understanding the financial aspects of attending camp, they have established a transparent cost structure and registration process, along with options for financial assistance. Here’s what you need to know:

Cost of Attendance:

The cost of attending Camp Easterseals varies depending on the length of the session and the type of program chosen. Typically, costs include all lodging, meals, activities, and round-the-clock care.
Prices might range from $500 for a one-week session to $1,500 for a full summer program, depending on the specific offerings and session durations.

What it Includes:

All costs are inclusive of accommodation, meals, program materials, and any special event fees. There are no hidden charges, and all camp activities are included in the upfront cost.

Registration Process and Deadlines:

Online Registration: Families can register their campers through an online. The registration process includes filling out health and dietary forms, emergency contact information, and any specific needs or accommodations the camper may require.
Deadlines: Registration typically opens several months before the start of the camp season, with deadlines usually set a month before each session begins to allow for proper planning and staffing.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies:

Payment Plans: Understanding that the cost might be prohibitive for some families, Camp Easterseals offers structured payment plans that allow families to pay the camp fee in installments leading up to the session start date.
Refunds and Cancellation: A full refund is generally available if cancellation occurs within a set period before the camp start date, often around one month. Specific policies can vary, so it is important to review these during registration.
Cancellation Due to Illness or Emergency: In cases of illness or emergency that prevent a camper from attending, special considerations for refunds or credits for future sessions are typically offered.

Scholarships and Financial Aid:

Camp Easterseals provides scholarships and financial aid opportunities to ensure that no camper is turned away due to financial constraints. These scholarships are awarded based on need and availability of funds.
Families are encouraged to apply early for financial aid as funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Camp Easterseals strives to make its programs affordable and accessible, ensuring that finances do not hinder a child’s ability to benefit from their transformative camp experience. Interested families are encouraged to contact the camp administration for more detailed information on costs, financial aid, and any available discounts or sponsorships.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Easterseals

Preparing for camp can be an exciting time for both campers and their families. Camp Easterseals provides comprehensive guidelines to ensure that everyone is ready for the camp experience. Here are essential preparation tips, packing advice, and important rules to consider:

Packing List:

Clothing: Pack enough clothes for the duration of the stay, including weather-appropriate attire like rain jackets, swimwear, and comfortable shoes for various activities.
Bedding: Include items like sleeping bags, pillows, and any necessary linens (check if these are provided by the camp).
Toiletries: Essentials such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and sunscreen. Don’t forget any personal care items that ensure the camper’s comfort.
Medications: Clearly labeled and accompanied by dosage instructions. All medications should be handed over to the camp health staff upon arrival.
Miscellaneous: Flashlights, bug spray, water bottles, and hats for sun protection.

Rules and Policies:

Technology Use: Camp Easterseals generally encourages a technology-free environment to help campers engage fully with their surroundings and peers. Devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops are usually discouraged or only allowed at certain times under supervision.
Visitation: For the safety and security of campers and to foster independence, visitation during sessions is typically limited or scheduled in advance with camp management. Parents are encouraged to respect these guidelines to ensure a smooth experience for all campers.
Behavior Expectations: The camp enforces policies regarding respect, inclusivity, and safety. Campers are expected to follow these rules to maintain a positive and supportive environment.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents:

For Campers:
- Engage in Pre-Camp Activities: If available, participate in any pre-camp meetups or orientations to familiarize yourself with the camp environment.
- Pack Together: Parents and campers should pack together to ensure that nothing important is forgotten and to discuss the purposes of each item being packed.
For Parents:
- Stay Positive: Discuss the upcoming camp experience positively to help alleviate any anxiety your child may have about being away from home.
- Set Expectations: Clearly communicate what the camp will be like focusing on the fun activities and new friends to be made.
- Open Communication: Ensure your child knows how communication will be handled while they are at camp, such as through letters or scheduled calls.

Preparation is key to ensuring that the camp experience is enjoyable and stress-free for both first-time and returning campers. Camp Easterseals works closely with parents and campers to provide all the necessary information and support needed for a successful camp adventure.

Camp Easterseals stands as a beacon of inclusivity, learning, and adventure in the heart of New Castle, Virginia. With its comprehensive range of programs, highly trained staff, and dedication to safety and accessibility, the camp provides a nurturing environment where campers with diverse abilities can thrive. Whether engaging in arts, sports, or nature exploration, every camper finds activities that spark joy and encourage personal growth.

The camp’s commitment to each individual’s independence and the supportive community it fosters make it more than just a summer destination—it’s a place where lifelong friendships are formed and where every camper is celebrated for their unique strengths. The holistic approach to camper experience, encompassing fun, education, and personal development, ensures that every stay at Camp Easterseals is memorable and impactful.