Where is Camp Reece Located?
Camp Reece is located at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, nestled 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 eight 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. There are vending machines and stores on campus that campers can purchase from with their room key, which is also a debit card. Parents can put credit on their child’s room key during the welcome meetings. Campers are supervised when making purchases.
Here are a few tips to ensure that everything returns home with the camper.
- Don’t over pack. Campers will do laundry on-site.
- Don’t bring new or expensive clothing – this is camp, we will most likely get dirty!
- Don’t send anything that you consider irreplaceable – grandma’s quilt, family photos, jewelry, etc.
- 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.
