• 6-week program for campers ages 8-21 at Cedar Crest College in the Lehigh Valley
• Easterseals Eastern PA has been running program since 2008, helping students with disabilities avoid academic learning loss

(August 8, 2023 – Allentown, Pennsylvania) Many parents turn to summer camp to offer academic and recreational opportunities to their children once school is out. What does that mean for parents of children with disabilities who may find traditional camps unable to meet their needs? Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania’s Camp Lily-Lehigh Valley offers six weeks of inclusive activities that build skills, promote friendships, and increase independence for campers with disabilities ages 8-21.

“Starting in February, we work with area intermediate units, county mental health and intellectual disabilities service coordinators, and the Office of Developmental Programs to notify students and their families about Camp Lily enrollment,” says Erin Hayes, Special Programs Coordinator at Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania. “By the end of May, we are normally at capacity, showcasing the need and interest of local families to find a valuable social and recreational experience, and meaningful educational support. Parents can ask their child’s IEP manager to add Camp Lily to their extended school year plan in order to continue meeting important service plan goals.”

Numerous studies have confirmed that significant loss of academic skill and knowledge occurs in students while they are on summer vacation. The loss varies across grade level, subject matter and socioeconomic status. On average, studies show that summer learning loss for all students is equal to 1-2 months of learning. Students with disabilities not only face academic learning loss, but can also experience a decline in social skills and independence. This is in direct relation to the challenges faced in maintaining social networks. Summer activities that encourage learning, like summer camps, minimize the effects of summer learning loss. Camp Lily fulfills a critical need for summer education and recreation programming for children and teens with disabilities.

“We get great feedback from Camp Lily parents,” says Erin. “One parent shared ‘I love that I can drop my daughter off at camp and feel confident that she is having fun and making friends. We don’t find that every day. At camp, she plays sports, does crafts, and swims every day! Easterseals puts the “ability” in her disability.’ This is why we are committed to offering this experience to students in our region.”

The 2023 camp theme is “Zoo Lily” with a different weekly focus on animals and their unique habitat. Held on the campus of Cedar Crest College, Camp Lily offers therapeutic and life skills activities with Cedar Crest’s Occupational Therapy doctoral program students, art activities funded by Crayola, nature lessons from the Lehigh County Conservation District, gardening lessons from Northampton County 4-H, indoor/outdoor games, science/cooking demos, and daily swimming at Rodale Aquatic Center. With a 3 to 1 camper to counselor ratio, each camper receives the support and care they need to succeed and maximize their enjoyment. Approximately 30 campers attend camp each week.

“Our camp counselors are specially trained and equipped to support campers with disabilities so they can experience the typical summer camp activities all children enjoy,” says Mindy McCormick, President & CEO of Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania. “This level of care and attention empowers campers to push beyond familiar boundaries to try new things and connect with their peers. It’s common for campers to bond with each other, building relationships that extend beyond our six-week program.”

Since launching in 2008, Camp Lily has hosted more than 1,000 campers. The camp program is enhanced by partnerships with local agencies like Cedar Crest College, Crayola, Solo Expression Dance Studio, The Art Nook, Lehigh County Conservation District, and Northampton County 4-H. To learn more, visit easterseals.com/esep.

 

About Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania

Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania serves children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities, autism, and other social, sensory, and developmental disorders and their families through various programs designed to increase independence, maximize opportunities, minimize barriers, and enhance the quality of life. Throughout the Lehigh Valley, Berks County, and northeastern Pennsylvania, Easterseals fosters environments where everyone is included and empowered regardless of ability.

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Andrea Coyne
Coyne Communications, LLC

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