SUMMER CAMPS FOR DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

TOWN OF HUNTINGTON

PARKS AND RECREATION

Camp Bright Star, formerly named Camp Bright Horizons, is a special camp for developmentally disabled individuals. Campers, who experience true fund and friendships, are allowed to be kids in a safe, caring and structured environment. The Town of Huntington has offered this program for over 30 years. The camp is partially funded by the New York State Office of mental retardation and Developmental Disabilities. (OMRDD)

Camper disabilities range from speech impaired, to learning disabled, to developmentally disabled (i.e. down syndrome, autism). Campers are divided into three age appropriate groups. Applicants must be able to function in a group environment without one-to-one assistance. Exceptions are made if the child’s school or family provides a shadow to assist the child. The school or family in these situations must complete a waiver.

Camp activities include swimming, sports, games, arts and crafts, music, creative arts, special events, and trips. Special events have included a carnival, camp play, talents show, picnics and a magic show. In the past, trips have been taken to bowling alleys, mini-golf, Plaster Funcraft, Riverhead Aquarium and the movies.

Camp Bright Star meets all of the requirements of the Suffolk County Health Department. The camp is inspected twice a year and the reports are filed at the County Office in Yaphank.

DATES AND TIMES

The camp runs for a six-week period in the summer after the end of the school year. Camp is held Monday through Friday except for holidays from 9:00AM to 2:30PM.

FEE

The cost is $175 with a Recreation ID Card and $525 without the card. The card, which only Town of Huntington residents can purchase, is $10 for disabled residents 13 and older. For children under 13, parents can purchase a card that covers all of their children at a cost of $20. The card is good for two years and can be used to obtain discounts at Town facilities. The card is available at the Town of Huntington Parks and Recreation Department.

LOCATION

In the past, Camp Bright Star has been held at a school in the Commack School District. The exact school, which is selected by the School District, is not known until the spring. Swimming is held at the Half Hollow Hills High School West Natatorium when it is available.

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation is provided for Town of Huntington residents only. Campers are picked up approximately between 7:45AM and 8:55AM. They return between 2:35PM and 3:45PM. An exact schedule is provided on the bus. Campers may be dropped off by car. Non-residents may access the bus transportation by dropping the camper off at a scheduled Town of Huntington bus stop.

REGISTRATION

Starting in March, registration is conducted by mail for returning campers. New applicants must complete a screening process with the camp director. This process is to ensure that the camp experience is the right one for the participant. New campers should first complete an application and mail it to the Parks and Recreation Department. The deadline for registration is May 1st. It should be note that preference is given to Huntington Residents. If openings exist after the deadline, non-residents will be considered. Campers are permitted to come to camp for any length of time. This allows for family vacations, school and work.

The application process includes a medical form that must be completed by a physician. In order to determine eligibility a recent medical, psychological or IEP report is required by OMRDD, the funding source. This document will be held in confidence. A photo of the camper must also be provided. If your child will be taking any medications at camp, a copy of each prescription must be given to the camp nurse the first day of the program. Applications can be obtained by contacting the Huntington Parks and Recreation Department or by going on line to town.huntington.ny.us. Go to the on line library and click on the Parks and Recreation Department.

STAFF

Camp Bright Star employs a dedicated and caring staff. They consistently receive excellent ratings on the evaluations completed by the parents. The camp director is a certified teacher with a background in special education. Specialists, who teach the activities, have expertise in their teaching area. Counselors are college students who normally major in education. The camp employs a registered nurse, who is responsible for the medical needs of the participants. The staff to camper ratio is approximately 1:4.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact the Town of Huntington Parks and Recreation Department, located in Town Hall at 100 Main Street, Huntington, New York, 11743. The phone number is 631-351-3089.