Camp Spectacular – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

General

 

Who is the Camp Director?

Meet our Camp Director: Corwin Sullivan-Rocha

 

What is Camp Spectacular?

Camp Spectacular is a fun, inclusive summer camp program operated by Center for Disability Services in Glenville, NY. The camp offers children a safe, engaging environment filled with recreational activities, creative projects, and opportunities to build friendships.

 

Who can attend Camp Spectacular?

• Camp Spectacular is open to children entering 3^rd grade through 12^th grade. The camp welcomes:
• Children with autism spectrum disorders including Asperger’s Syndrome, high functioning autism, and PDD-NOS.
• Children that have average or above average language skills
• Children that have demonstrated self-management skills in community and school settings

Who cannot attend?

•  Children that exhibit aggressive or self-abusive behavior
•  Children that are a flight risk
• Children that require a constant one-to-one aide

Who works at camp?

• The program is administered by the Clover Patch Camp director Corwin Sullivan-Rocha.
• Camp is coordinated and facilitated by a licensed clinical social worker with decades of experience working with children with autism spectrum disorders.
• Daily activities and curricula are led by special education teachers and senior camp counselors.

What is the process for hiring camp staff?  Will my child be safe?

• All potential camp employees complete a comprehensive application, including disclosure of criminal history and a complete background check (federal and state sex offender registries).
• Each applicant completes a personal interview with camp administration.  Three references are checked for every candidate.
• All employees are continually assessed during their employment at camp to ensure exemplary performance.

Where is the camp located?

• Camp Spectacular is held at 55 Helping Hand Lane in Glenville, New York.

What are the camp hours? Is there before-camp or after-camp care?

• Camp hours are from 9:00AM – 4:00PM. There is no before-camp or after-camp care for Camp Spectacular

What activities are offered?

Campers enjoy a wide range of activities, including:

• Arts & Crafts
• Music & Drama
• Playground Equipment
• Sports & Outdoor Recreation
• Swimming

What is the camper-to-staff ratio?

• We maintain a low camper-to-staff ratio to ensure safety, supervision, and personalized attention. Our ratio is 4 campers to 1 staff.

What should my child bring each day?

• Campers should bring:
• Lunch and snacks
• A refillable water bottle
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable clothes and sneakers. Campers must wear close-toed shoes; no crocs or flips flops are allowed to be worn on the campgrounds.
• Swimsuit and towel

Does the camp provide lunch?

• No, families provide lunch and snacks each day.

What safety measures are in place?

• Camp Spectacular is operated by the Center for Disability Services and is licensed and inspected annually by the New York State Department of Health. Inspection reports are on file at the Saratoga County Department of Health office in Ballston Spa, New York.

Application & Check-In

 

What is the cost of Camp Spectacular?

• Tuition for Camp Spectacular is $425.00

How do I register?

• Enrollment can be completed through our ‘Camper Application, Fees and Dates’ page located:https://cfdsny.org/our-services/camp-spectacular/application
• Camp is available on a first come, first served basis. Acceptance into camp is contingent upon review of the application by the camp director, social worker and medical advisors.

Are campers allowed to attend more than one session?

• Campers will be admitted to additional sessions based on the Camp Director’s approval and available space.

When is the camp application due?

• As soon as possible. There is no application deadline, however, to ensure a spot on the roster early application is strongly advised. It is not advised to hold an application while waiting for an annual physical. If a physical is delayed or scheduled for a date close to camp please contact the camp office to discuss options.

How will I know if my camper’s application was received?

• You will receive a confirmation of receipt to verify that we have received your application. This only confirms that it has been received, not that the camper is enrolled. You will receive an acceptance packet as a final confirmation. The “No News is Good News” adage does not apply to camp applications. If you have not received conformation within two weeks of mailing the application contact the camp office to verify receipt.

If items are missing from the application, will I be notified?

• A letter will be emailed with the status of your camper’s application and any missing items will be indicated.

How will I know if my camper has been accepted?

• An acceptance packet with details about the session (when to arrive, what to bring, directions, etc.) will be emailed to you upon approval of a complete application.

What happens if the camp session we want is full?

• If the camper’s application is received after capacity has been reached, the child will be placed on the waitlist. If space becomes available, campers will be moved off the waitlist in order of acceptance with preference given to campers not already enrolled in multiple sessions. 

Do you accept credit cards?

• We can accept checks on the camp premises. Credit cards (Master Card, Visa and Discover) can be used to make payments over the phone by calling Lori Hunt in our finance department (518) 437-5513.

What is the cancellation or refund policy?

• If an enrolled camper cancels prior to the beginning of the session the camp fee will be refunded. If a camper is sent home due to medical reasons determined by the camp health director, the camp fee will be prorated and refunded. If the camper does not wish to remain at camp, or if the camper is sent home due to behavioral issues, a refund will be prorated and refunded contingent upon the filling the vacancy.

What if my child has medication or medical needs?

• Our medical staff consists of a medical director and nurses (RNs and LPNs) on site. The medical staff dispense medications, provide routine treatments (e.g. diabetes management, nebulizer treatments, etc.) and attend to emergency and non-emergency situations (e.g. seizure management, bug bites, illness).
• The Health Office is a comprehensive facility complete with a treatment room, observation/quarantine rooms and private bathroom. Emergency equipment is readily available and portable. Ellis Hospital is 15 minutes from camp.
• All medications must be in their original, pharmacy-packed containers. Medications will not be accepted in any other containers. 
• All medications (including over-the-counter medications) need to be clearly labeled with camper name, drug name/strength and current dosage
• All medications and treatments must have a signed Physician’s Order or a copy of the most recent script.
• Please send only a travel supply (7 days) of accurately labeled medications. We will accept monthly birth control packs.
• All medications must be turned in and reviewed with the nurse during check-in, including all prescription and over-the-counter medications and vitamins. Please do not leave any medications in luggage.
• Please supply any specialty medication supplies necessary for the camper.
• Unused medications/supplies will be returned on the day of departure.

What should we bring for check-in?

• Both a caregiver and the camper must be present at check in. Please bring any outstanding paperwork and all medications.

Can I bring the health forms with me when the camper checks in?

• We require that the health forms to be submitted two weeks prior to attendance. This gives the clinical staff time to review the forms and request any necessary items.

Is transportation provided?

• Transportation to and from camp is the responsibility of the camper.

Are staff trained and background checked?

• Yes. All Camp Spectacular staff are trained, background-checked, and experienced in working with children.

Communicating with my Camper

 

What is your cell phone policy?

• Personal cell phones are not allowed at camp. Please do not send a cell phone with your camper.

What if my camper becomes homesick?

• It is not unusual for young or first time campers to be homesick. We do our best to keep campers active and involved in fun and exciting activities. If the homesickness persists, the Camp Director may call to let you know what is happening and seek helpful suggestions. We strongly discourage campers from speaking directly with family and/or caregivers. Telephone calls tend to cause homesickness – not cure it.