Frequently Asked Questions:

Where is Camp Reece Located?

Camp Reece is located by Lake George in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains in Upstate New York.

When was Camp Reece founded?

Camp Reece was founded in 2016 as part of The Reece School, one of the oldest special education schools in New York City. Alumni, parents, and the community wanted a place where children with learning and developmental challenges can experience the adventures of a traditional sleep-away camp in a differentiated and growth-encouraged environment. 

How are staff selected and trained?

Our staff goes through a rigorous interview and screening process before being hired. We hire professionals who work in related fields – such as psychology, social work, teaching, occupational therapy, etc – or university students from around the world who are working toward a career in one of these fields. In addition to their professional and educational background, we select staff members who have experience teaching/coaching in the program areas we offer at Camp Reece.

Camp Reece provides staff with a significant training period that is led by instructors who have experience both with camp and in working with children who are differently abled. All staff members are required to complete a comprehensive background and criminal check prior to arrival at camp.

What is the Duration of Camp Reece?

At Camp Reece, we offer two three-week sessions OR a full summer session, lasting six weeks. We believe that our campers need a certain amount of time to establish friendships and positive relationships – this is why we do not offer sessions shorter than three weeks. We aim to build and develop social skills so that campers have the opportunity to make new friends and keep them for years to come.

How do campers get to and from camp?

We offer round trip bus service from two locations: Manhattan and Westchester County. For our campers who wish to fly, Camp Reece is accessible via Albany International Airport in New York, where our staff will be waiting at the gate to meet your child as they step off the plane. Of course, parents who would like to drive their children to Camp Reece are welcome to do so. Please see our website for more information.

How do you know Camp Reece is the right camp for your child?

In addition to the camper reports we request from parents, each camper and their family are met by the admissions team. This is for the benefit of the camper and family, as well as Camp Reece, to ensure that Camp Reece is the most appropriate fit for your child.

Is there financial assistance available to offset camp costs?

Funds will be raised to help provide financial assistance to campers who qualify. We solicit money from foundations, agencies, and companies that are part of our community. Campers requesting financial assistance are required to complete the financial assistance form and submit proof of income. We award assistance in a way that attempts to allow as many campers as possible to attend summer camp. Scholarship money is awarded based on several factors including annual household income, family size, and extenuating financial circumstances. Because this assistance is based on resource availability, we may not be able to offer a scholarship to everyone who applies.

Who goes to Camp Reece?

Reece campers range in age from 10-17 and, similar to the students at Reece School, include boys and girls with learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, and high-functioning autism. Most of our campers live in New York City and the surrounding area but we accept children from all over. 

How are programs structured?

The Camp Reece program has been designed to provide campers with a dynamic program of activities tailored to age and ability. We provide a highly structured environment that keeps our campers both interested and invigorated, from sun-up to sun-down, July to August.

How are children grouped?

Our children are typically grouped by age; however, we also take into consideration the abilities of each individual camper. We consider the group dynamics and how a specific camper will fit into a group in order to provide them with the best possible opportunity for personal growth.

How are campers placed in dorms?

We have an in-depth registration process that ensures every camper who comes to Camp Reece has the opportunity to succeed socially. We use all of the information from the registration form and the face-to-face meeting to assess which group would be the best match for each camper.

What activities do you have at Camp Reece?

Camp Reece has three categories of activities: adventure, arts and sports. Specific activities within these categories include soccer, tennis, swimming, water skiing, white water rafting, high ropes, animation, and video production just to name a few. We also offer many traditional camp experiences. You can learn more about our programs here.

What is the weather like?

During the camp season our weather is generally around 80 degrees. We plan extra swimming and water games when it gets extremely hot. All of our dorms have large fans to keep everything cool when the temperatures climb and, when needed, we have resources with air-conditioning for certain activities.

What is the camper to staff ratio?

Campers are organized in groups of ten with each group being led by three counselors. During specific activities, program specialists join the group to provide increased instruction, coaching, and support.

Is there laundry service available?

Campers are provided times when their group will do laundry, which is supervised by the group counselors. We have staff to provide emergency laundry service when necessary.

My camper has a food allergy. Do I need to send special foods?

We are able to accommodate most dietary needs for the campers’ meals. Campers who are lactose intolerant, diabetic, or on a gluten-free diet are encouraged to bring appropriate snacks.

Do you have a camp store? Can I get camp clothing?

Each child will receive a Camp Reece t-shirt and sweatshirt. Information, including website links, to assist with ordering will be sent to parents prior to the start of camp. If needed, some additional clothing can be purchased on site. Campers are supervised when making purchases.

Here are a few tips to ensure that everything returns home with the camper.

1. Don’t over pack. Campers will do laundry on-site.
2. Don’t bring new or expensive clothing – this is camp, we will most likely get dirty!
3. Don’t send anything that you consider irreplaceable – grandma’s quilt, family photos, jewelry, etc. 
4. Clearly label all of the camper’s belongings with a full name. First and last initials are little help in ensuring items return home. 

Is there a lost and found?

Yes! We make our best effort to send each camper home with the same items with which they arrived. Despite our best efforts, things do occasionally get left behind. The lost and found will be located at the camp office. Items will be held until the end of the camping season, pending calls to claim items left behind.

How are medications administered?

Camp Reece has a full time nurse and an on-call doctor. All of our administration team are fully trained to respond to emergencies and are medication certified. In any emergency situation, we have a relationship with the Saratoga Springs Hospital, which is four minutes from campus and affiliated with Albany Medical Center.

How should medications be brought to 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 prescription

All medications must be turned in and reviewed with the nurse during check-in, this includes prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as any vitamins and supplements. Please do not leave any medications in luggage.

Please provide any specialty medication supplies necessary for the camper.

Unused medications/supplies will be returned on the day of departure.

On the first day of camp, the first dose of medications will be dispensed at 4:00 pm.

Do I need to send my camper’s medications/nutritional supplements?

We do not supply prescribed medications or nutritional supplements. Please bring enough for your camper for the session in the original containers.

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

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

Will I get homesick at camp?

There are so many great things to do at camp that you might not have time to get homesick; however, if you start feeling a little homesick, please let us know and we will have our counselors support you and, together, work on strategies to help you feel better.

Are the other campers friendly?

We create an inclusive, community atmosphere for you, your families, and staff so that your relationships will last a lifetime. Our goal is for you to return year after year and spend your summers with the friends you made at Camp Reece.

What do we do all day?

Have lots of fun!

When will I get to speak to my family?

We have parents’ days once each three-week session. We encourage you to email home and share experiences and projects. We have an awesome website where staff can upload your photos on a daily basis so you can share with friends and family the experiences, activities and fun you are having at camp.

Can I bring my DVD player, PSP, Gameboy Advance, Nintendo DS?

If you would like to bring one of these items to camp, please keep in mind that it is your property and it is your responsibility to look after. Please remember that due to the busy nature of our schedule, the only time you would be free to use them would be during rest hours.

Can I bring my iPod, Nano, MP3 player, etc.?

Yes! Our campers love to talk about and listen to each other’s music. We are happy to have you bring along music to share. Once again, Camp Reece does not assume any responsibility for loss/damage to any of these devices, so it would be your responsibility to make sure it is safe and well looked after.

What is the food like?

The food is amazing! The Executive Chef does a wonderful job creating up to seven food stations in the dining hall for campers. We can provide different diet options, including our farm-to-table option, at lunch and dinner. We offer many of your favorites from home and some new foods you might like to try for the first time.

When do we have to get up in the morning and go to bed at night?

Depending on the activities we have planned for the day, wake-up time varies between 7:00am and 8:00 am. We have a later “Rise and Shine” on weekends. Lights out also varies depending on our schedule. Generally, activities finish and we are back in our rooms by 10:00 pm.

Do we get free time?

We have free time built around your daily schedule, when you can catch up on arts projects or play indoor games one-on-one. We also have “camper’s choice” when you choose the activity in which you would like to participate.