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OVER 45 YEARS OF NON-STOP SUMMER FUN FOR EVERYONE
Camp Sunny Side enrollment forms are currently available!
MISSION STATEMENT
At Camp Sunny Side our mission is to provide an exciting summer program for individuals with disABILITIES, ranging from 13 years of age through adult. To develop and facilitate a fun filled memorable experience of age-appropriate activities, recreational, as well as educational. Trained staff will create fun activities for socialization to ensure each camper can thrive among his or her peers while participating in some of these highlighted areas:
- Music and dance
- Performing and creative arts
- Health and Wellness through athletics, fitness and nutrition
- STEAM projects with science, technology, computers
- Social Skills for essential life planning, sign language
- Special Events and Celebrations
All these key components will provide the opportunity to meet the goals of our campers, promote the necessary interaction and socialization and guarantee new friendships that will last all year long.
Registration
Please note that our registration process has changed. All applications and payments for camp will now take place online. See the registration link below. Camp Sunny Side/Camden County is not a qualified provider with the State Department of Developmental Disabilities and does not participate in the fee for services program.
Please be prepared to submit the following forms which will be due May 24, 2024.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Camp Sunny Side is a nonprofit program which originated in 1976. In the beginning it was held at the Hopkins House on South Park Drive located at Cooper River Park in Collingswood New Jersey. Soon after, there was a demand for a larger area, so camp relocated to the grounds of the Berlin Environmental Studies Center and remained there until 1991. As popularity grew and attendance continued to increase a search began for a new and more compatible facility. In the summer of 1992, with the support of The Camden County Board of Commissioners, Camden County College became the new home for Camp Sunny Side and will be entering its 31st year anniversary at the college and 47th year overall.
We will continue to monitor COVID-19 exposures and guidelines recommended by the CDC and NJDOH. Any changes that may question the safety of our campers may force us to pause and alter the plans to reopen.
Population we Serve
Camp Sunny Side is designed for individuals with disABILITIES that live, work or attend school in Camden County, and we welcome out of county applicants if space permits. Ages range from 13 years old, through adult. Our age and classification requirements are very diversified, and we do have an application process. Many campers return each year, and we are familiar with their personalities, which helps to form groups age appropriately. If a camper has special interests, hobbies or activities that may help us meet his/her needs we welcome any and all information.
We do adhere to the following policies and strive to accommodate all applicants.
- All new applicants must be interviewed, and it will be at the discretion of the Camp Administration whether or not we can meet your campers’ level of assistance necessary.
- Camp Sunny Side staff is not permitted by law to administer any medication.
- Any required self-administered emergency allergy medication/epi pen/allergy/inhaler…must be accompanied with a physician’s statement, approved by the administration and held in a secure place with the designated Health Director.
- Camp Sunny Side does not have the resources to provide 1:1 staffing for those campers in need. If an individual requires 1:1 staffing in their classroom or any other setting, it is required that this individual must be accompanied by a support person to ensure his/her needs are met.
- Campers must be able to use bathroom facilities independently and campers that require assistance, (buttons, zippers, etc.) must submit a written statement from parent/guardian granting permission.
- We strive to ensure that our campers are safe and have an enjoyable and comfortable summer experience. Unfortunately, we are not equipped or trained to restrain campers or manage behavior issues. If a camper poses a threat to himself or others and repeatedly violates camp policy the Camp Administration will move forward to dismiss this camper until further examination of the incident.
Facility
Camp Sunny Side is held on the Campus of Camden County College in Blackwood NJ and operates daily occupying many of the classrooms on the first floor of Madison Hall. Hours of operation are 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, daily, Monday – Friday. There is no camp on July 4.
Camp activities primarily take place indoors, so we meet Rain or Shine. We are fortunate that there are acres of spacious outside grounds which surrounds the campus, so we are able to make it a priority to plan outside activities when the temperature cooperates.
Our Staff
Camp Sunny Side has a team of superior staff, composed of certified teachers, experienced and trained specialists and students in college planning to enter the education system. All applicants provide proof of credentials, complete a CPR and First Aid course and agree to the required background checks and required training sessions.
The present administration has been involved with camp over 20 years. They are responsible to implement the necessary standards established by the NJDOH to operate a summer camp. Along with their team of Specialists in Art, Music, Physical Education, Life Skills, and Computer Learning, you can count on a schedule packed with fun filled memories to last all year long.
Daily Schedule
A typical day at camp begins at 9:00 am and campers and staff join together. Once attendance is taken and everyone is present campers break into their groups. Campers are assigned to small groups of 8 – 12 campers, based upon their ages and abilities. Each group is assigned a counselor and counselor aide to lead their group though their daily activities, structured in 40-minute sessions, rotating in Art, Music, Computers, Phys. Ed and Social Skills. Of course, Lunchtime, Free time and Special Events are mixed into the schedule maybe consisting of carnival day, making your own ice cream sundae, Karaoke sing a-longs or an off-campus bus trip to the movies or the Gloucester Twp. Pool. This summer we will be introducing an exciting new “STEAM “project that promotes learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, in a super fun way. At 2:45 everyone gathers again to make their departures by 3:00 pm. They share some laughs, maybe break into the camp song, a special version of “Don’t Worry Be Happy” and then say goodbye to their friends until the next day.
Enrollment Information: Enrollment forms are currently available.
- Dates of operation: June 24 – July 26, 2024
- Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Location : Camden County College, Madison Hall, Building #5, 200 College Drive, Blackwood, NJ 08012
- Rates : $75.00 per week – 3 week minimum
What We Offer
Camp Sunny Side is held on the Camden County College Campus in Blackwood and we have access to the entire facility. Our days are planned in the air condition classrooms, but we do plan outside activities when weather permits. We offer our campers an array of age-appropriate sessions which include art projects, music and dance, sign language, athletics, science and computer learning, life skills and much more. Our highly experienced staff will provide the necessary tools to encourage participation so our campers can have the most fun and achieve their highest potential at any age.
Art
A very special part of Camp Sunny Side is art class. Campers and staff work together on a variety of projects such as painting ceramic pieces, designing jewelry, molding clay or simply using acrylics to paint beautiful pictures. Many art projects are based upon a special camp theme and are showcased for our annual family night celebration.
Music and Dance
Everyone loves to sing and dance. Our music instructor selects music of many styles, types and genres to get the gang “movin and groovin” “and singing out loud” Campers come together and use their imagination to perform musical skits around pertaining to the camp theme like Heroes, Summer Fun, and our special version of “Don’t Worry Be Happy”
Physical Education Health and Fitness
Staying active and healthy can make you feel good and give you energy. At Camp Sunny Side our goal is to encourage campers to participate in healthy activities like kickball, baseball, basketball, dance, yoga, golf and more. Our experienced staff is trained to work closely with each camper, recognize and assess his/her abilities and if needed, adapt activities to build confidence and self-esteem.
Computer Learning and Fun
Camp Sunny Side has access to the campus computer learning center almost every day. Our trained instructors teach basic computer concepts and formatting tools that can be utilized in a fun and creative way. Using their skills and imagination, campers compose invitations and greeting cards, and design colorful banners and posters, which then become decorations for camp themed activities and special events.
Life/Social Skills
Practicing essential life skills is a very important session at Camp Sunny Side. Our dedicated staff teach communication skills and how to function in daily situations like, maintaining personal hygiene and doing household chores, dressing for a job interview, planning a night at the movies and most importantly knowing how to stay safe by calling 911 if an accident occurs. Campers really have fun when learning turns into a game of jeopardy or wheel of fortune and everyone is a winner.
Sign Language
Sign language can easily be implemented into our everyday activities which makes learning fun and easy. For example, during cooking class create a list of ingredients and utensils needed or plan a scavenger hunt and send them searching for foods from the grocery store and teach signs like that. They will be so engaged.
Special Events
There are so many fun things that happen at Camp Sunny Side, but “Family Night “is hands down the best. Campers and staff work side by side to highlight a special chosen “theme” and prepare fun-filled evening to showcase all of their projects and celebrate with their family and friends.
Another favorite event is “Carnival Day” where campers join together and enjoy fun games and activities, like ring toss, face painting, a day at the spa, and more.
In addition, every week we head off campus to see a fun movie or splash around the Gloucester Twp. Pool or just make our own tacos or have a pizza party.
S.T.E.A.M. is an acronym that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics. You may have heard of STEM – We’ve included Art too because design and creativity is part of everything we do. The goal of STEM/STEAM is to develop critical thinking and design skills to prepare learners for the 21st century. This includes engineering design challenges, art activities, exploring science, experimenting and more hands-on-fun.
Camp Sunny Side Job Opportunity:
Certified/Special Ed Teachers: 5 week summer camp for special needs teens and adults.
June – July 2024. Special Ed preferred not required. To apply call 856-216-2127 or email karen.weidner@camdencounty.com
Contact Us
Office and Year-Round Mailing Address:
Camden County Events and Community Outreach
Programs for Individuals with disABILITIES
1301 Park Blvd
Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08002
856-216-2127
Website: Camdencounty.com/specialneeds
Summer Only:
Camp Sunny Side
Camden County College
College Drive/Peter Cheeseman Road
Blackwood, New Jersey, 08012
Room 101 Madison Hall Building # 5 (Connector Building)
856-227-2200 x4617
Ongoing Virtual Camp Sunny Side:
friendsofcss@gmail.com
856-216-2127
