West Orange, NJ
Day Camp for Kids with Special Needs
Harbor Haven offers a seven-week summer day camp for children aged 3 to 18 with mild special needs, emphasizing social and educational growth in a fun and nurturing environment. The camp runs from June to August and includes programs like Bright Beginnings (3-5 years), Main Camp (6-15 years), LIFE Program, and TravelQuest (both for 16-18 years). It’s located in West Orange, NJ, and aims to make unforgettable summer memories for its campers.
A NJ Summer Tradition Since the 1990s
Harbor Haven, founded in 1996, offers a summer camp designed for children with disabilities, focusing on creating a safe, nurturing environment that fosters social, emotional, academic, and physical growth. With programs tailored to various needs, the camp emphasizes personalized attention, academic maintenance, and therapy services. The leadership team, experienced in special education and passionate about the camp’s mission, ensures a supportive, fun atmosphere for campers. Harbor Haven operates on a private school campus in West Orange, NJ, featuring excellent facilities for a wide range of activities.
Harbor Haven Provides a Nurturing & Supportive Summer Camp Environment
Harbor Haven’s program is a comprehensive seven-week summer initiative for children aged 3-18 with mild special needs. It integrates academic reinforcement, speech and occupational therapies, social skills training, and traditional summer activities. The program is tailored for children with ADHD, language delays, sensory-motor issues, high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder, and other learning challenges. Located in West Orange, NJ, the camp provides a nurturing environment that supports each child’s growth and confidence through structured and fun activities.
Preschool to High School Kids Are Welcomed to Harbor Haven Summer Camp
Harbor Haven’s program offers divisions catering to different age groups, ensuring personalized attention and activities. For ages 3-5, “Bright Beginnings” focuses on comprehensive early development. The “Main Camp” serves ages 6-15, divided into Lower, Middle, and Upper Camps, each with tailored activities and trips. Teens 16-18 can join the LIFE Program, focusing on transition skills and independence, or TravelQuest, a travel program emphasizing social interaction and new experiences.
Traditional Summer Camp Activities at Harbor Haven
Harbor Haven offers a diverse range of activities for campers with mild special needs, including Creative Arts, Food Fun, Athletics, Biking, STEM, Nature Exploration, Performing Arts, Yoga, Karate, Swimming, Water Play, Computer Time, Gaga, and Special Events every Friday. These activities are designed to engage campers in fun, educational, and skill-building experiences, tailored to different ages and abilities.
Speech & Occupational Therapy at Harbor Haven
Harbor Haven includes speech and occupational therapy (OT) in its summer program to prevent regression in communication and motor skills during the break. Trained staff work with children to enhance their receptive, expressive, and pragmatic language skills. Special events and structured activities are used to maintain and expand these skills. A full-time speech therapist and OT are on-site to provide group therapy for younger campers, with options for individual therapy available for campers of all ages.
Health & Safety Are Prioritized at Harbor Haven
Harbor Haven prioritizes camper health and safety with a full-time nurse, AED-equipped facilities, and emergency protocols. Security measures include monitored entrances and thorough staff background checks. Emergency procedures and safety rules are strictly followed, with local emergency services notified of camp operations. Parents are assured of their child’s safety through rigorous health and security protocols.
Lunch Options at Harbor Haven
Harbor Haven offers flexible lunch options where parents can either bring their child’s lunch from Monday to Thursday or opt for paid lunch options, with free lunches from local restaurants on Fridays. The camp, adhering to Kosher laws, prohibits meat lunches inside the school building, requiring non-meat lunches in case of indoor dining. Snacks are provided twice a day, with a variety of options suitable for children on restrictive diets or with food allergies. The camp emphasizes a nut-free policy for all foods served.
Transportation to and from Harbor Haven
Harbor Haven offers centralized pick-up and drop-off using NJDOT-approved buses, following all safety guidelines. Options for parent and school district transportation are also available, with specific procedures for safety and efficiency. For Bright Beginnings participants, special pick-up times are set. The camp emphasizes no eating on the bus, with water or juice allowed. Detailed instructions ensure safe and smooth transportation for all campers.