What We Do

Overnight Camp

After careful consideration and an abundance of caution, we have made the difficult decision to cancel overnight camp for summer 2020. We are heartbroken to not offer this decades-old program to your family, but we believe this is the safest option for everyone this year. We will communicate later in the summer about any plans for weekend camping retreats in Fall 2021. Our goal is to hold overnight summer camp in summer 2022! We hope that you will consider participating in our 8-week day camp this summer or our new swim program.

Variety’s Overnight Camp program is a fun filled educational experience open to children and young adults ages 7-21 with a intellectual and/or physical disability. Our Overnight Camp creates an atmosphere of warm acceptance and guidance, and to encourage participation at whatever level the camper is able.

Program Components

  • Campers are grouped in cabins by gender and age. Campers are grouped in activity teams during the day by age to promote strong peer relationships.
  • Teams and Cabins are staffed at 2:1-3:1 ratio, dependent on the needs of group to provide support while encouraging independence. 1:1 support is available for those who require extra assistance for success.
  • Focus on improving social skills in a natural play, inclusive and accepting environment by jumping on teachable moments and consistent positive reinforcement.
  • Develop independence by meeting the camper at their individual level and engaging and practicing activities of daily living skills.
  • Improve self-confidence by trying new activities and expanding on existing skills.
  • Enhance quality of life by engaging in adaptable, inclusive programming that promotes teamwork, creativity, fine and gross motor skills, and mental and physical health.
  • Activities at Overnight Camp include free swim, Arts and Crafts, Ceramics, Tennis, Golf, Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Baseball, Dance, Music Therapy, Computers, Greenhouse, Nature and more! Instructional Swim Lessons are also available for an additional cost.

Overnight Camp also offers a specialized week to enhance learning, skills and community.

  • Adventure Week- for children and young adults looking to expand their social skills by engaging in activities and trips into the community.

 

Our goal is to have each camper leave us one step closer to independence with increased self-confidence. Variety prides itself on being one of the only programs in the area capable of providing this experience for campers who need assistance with all levels of personal care, from those who require minimal assistance to those who require feeding tube, catheter care, and those who have seizure disorders and shunts. Variety’s experienced counselors and nursing staff are able to accommodate almost any need.

Health Form 2020

If interested, contact Nick Larcinese at Nicholas.larcinese@varietyphila.org.