This summer at CARE was nothing short of magical. For the very first time, we opened the doors to CARE CLUB, our very own summer camp for children with special needs. It was a huge asset to our community, and the impact was profound. Sixteen children with special needs joined us for a summer filled with joy, growth, and infinite love. More than just camp activities, every part of CARE CLUB was designed to ensure our campers continued growing and thriving, without losing the progress they had worked so hard to achieve throughout the year.
At the heart of the program was a therapy-based approach carefully created by our founder, Victoria Safdieh, together with our full-time BCBA, Adele Massry, and our camp director, Miriam Kaplowitz. The three of them didn’t just design the program. They were present every single day, working closely with the counselors to make sure each child’s therapeutic needs were met.
Our BCBA, Adele, was on-site every day, supporting campers with any behavioral challenges and guiding counselors on the best ways to meet each child’s unique needs. Every activity blended camp-like fun with an academic approach, turning each moment into a chance to learn through play. From sensory bins and fine-motor crafts to carefully chosen toys and games, every detail had a purpose and was designed to ensure our campers had the most fun possible while progressing.
One of the most unique parts of CARE CLUB was our on-site therapy clinic, where campers received daily one-on-one sessions in OT, PT, speech, and even aqua therapy. These sessions weren’t just scheduled. They were carefully tailored to each child, ensuring every activity supported their unique goals and growth. Our therapists made every session feel like play while still giving campers the tools they needed to grow. Children who usually found therapy “hard” were suddenly running toward it with smiles.
Even before camp started, our directors reached out to each camper’s school to get a full picture of where they were in their learning and development so we could align therapeutic activities with that progress. Our therapists also connected with the children’s year-round therapists, making sure that everything we did at camp built on their ongoing growth. This careful coordination meant that every session was personalized, and it helped campers continue growing without missing a beat.
The impact was incredible. Parents were amazed by the progress their children made. One mom shared, “My child learned more in the first week of camp than he did in 6 months at school.” Many others told us their kids didn’t just maintain their skills, they flourished, exceeding expectations in ways that families could never have imagined.
Taking every precaution, we had a lifeguard, medic, security guard, and EMT on staff at all times. Every counselor came to camp CPR and ABA-trained, completing multiple training sessions to be fully prepared for any situation that could arise when working with children with special needs. Beyond safety, counselors were actively involved in every therapy session with their campers, learning and applying the strategies therapists used throughout the day. This hands-on approach meant that children continued to grow, learn, and build skills even while having the time of their lives.
And of course, no summer is complete without adventures, and our campers had plenty. From the Wild Safari to Hurricane Harbor and Six Flags Great Adventure, each trip was planned with extra thought and care. Every child received personalized shirts for safety, two-to-one counselor support, and access to whatever they needed.
Many people think that children with special needs can’t handle large outings like amusement parks or water parks, and some families had never imagined it would be possible for their own children. Yet, with the right support, our campers not only participated, they thrived. From the moment the buses rolled out, our campers were beaming. They had the time of their lives on every trip, lighting up with excitement and smiles that lasted from start to finish.
Another unforgettable moment this summer was the community’s outpouring of support at the Deal Sidewalk Sale. Our campers ran an iced tea and lemonade stand, and it was moving to see them take pride in serving drinks, greeting visitors, and soaking in the encouragement of the community. Parents stopped by to share how much their children were growing at camp, and many couldn’t hold back their gratitude. One mom came up to us at the Sidewalk Sale, tears in her eyes, and said, “I’ve never seen my son so happy to go anywhere in the morning as he is for CARE CLUB.” Comments like that remind us why this camp was created, and why it’s so needed. The love and pride in the air were truly palpable. Best of all, every dollar raised went directly into CARE’s programs, making the day even more meaningful. We were also thrilled to have CloudBrew at the sale, serving their delicious coffee and generously donating all proceeds to CARE. We are so grateful for the incredible generosity of our community.
Looking back, this summer was a dream come true, not only for our campers but for everyone who had the privilege of being part of it. With the community’s love and support, CARE CLUB will continue to be a place where children with special needs shine their brightest.
