Camp Kehilla initiates new opportunities and experiences for campers with special needs. Our innovative program includes activities tailored to children, teens and young adults with a core focus on building social skills, friendships, independence and self-esteem. 

LOWER CAMP

Lower Camp is broken up into Unit 1 (ages 5-8 years) and Unit 2 (ages 9-12 years). Each unit goes on 4 trips over the course of the summer (1 trip in every 2 week session).  There is a smaller camper to staff ratio. 

​Daily activities include:

• Adaptive sports
• Music
• Drama
• Arts & crafts
• Cooking

UPPER CAMP

Upper Camp is broken up into Unit 3 (ages 13-16 years) and Unit 4 (ages 17-21 years). Each unit goes on 8 trips over the course of the summer (1 trip per week). Our camper to staff ratio is designed to encourage independence.

​Daily activities include:

• Adaptive sports
• Music
• Drama
• Arts & crafts
• Cooking
• Community service

LUNCH & SNACKS

All lunch and snacks provided at Camp Kehilla are kosher and nut-free

Individually packaged lunch is served daily, and included with the cost of camp

​Frozen snack is served at the end of each day. Dairy-free options are available to those who need them.

Camp Kehilla is proud to offer a wide variety of activities, all of which strongly enhance the camp experience throughout the summer, all while allowing for a personalized approach to every camper’s specific interests and needs.

On-Site Activities:

Music:
Our campers have the opportunity to express themselves through the magic of music therapy. Everyone at camp will take part in music games, song singing, basic instrumentation, and much more!

Sports: 
Our team provides an adaptive experience to our campers that includes a creative approach designed to highlight the strengths of every individual. Our sports program is recreational by nature, combining group games with innovative takes on classic sports, all while promoting the most important piece of the puzzle – having fun!

Art provided by Hofstra University:
We have partnered with Hofstra University’s School of Health Professions and Human Services, Master of Occupational Therapy program to provide an immersive curriculum, designed to stimulate fine-motor skills in a fun, art-based setting.

Super-Sensory Experience provided by Hofstra University:
This one-of-a-kind activity engages all 5 senses to create a fun (and a bit messy) period. With a foundation in Occupational Therapy, this multi-sensory approach will incorporate a variety of disciplines, including science, cooking, and whatever else your imagination can conjure up!

Drama provided by Mainstages:
The show must go on with Mainstages, as they deliver our on-site theater program each day. This fun and exciting activity allows for creative expression through a variety of techniques, including dramatic performance, social stories, singing, dancing, and imagination.

Monday FunZone! provided by Mainstages:
Every Monday, each unit will have the opportunity to take part in a 1-hour special activity, brought to you by our friends at Mainstages. Every week will bring something different; a gameshow, a mystery show, an interactive performance; anything goes with this amazing weekly event!

Swimming with instruction provided by American Red Cross:
Campers will engage in one hour of swim each day. Thirty of those minutes will be facilitated by instructors, all of whom are certified through American Red Cross. The other half hour is reserved for free swim. The pool complex is designed to allow for differentiated swim levels, from beginners to more skilled and experienced swimmers.

Yoga provided by NY Fit 4 All:
Found in the calmest corner of camp, our partners from NY Fit 4 All provide a certified Yoga program for people with Special Needs, designed to promote focus, build self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and keep everyone fit, all while having a great time!

Specialty On-Site Activities:

Carnival Day in partnership with Island Quest Day Camp:
Bounce-houses, popcorn, cotton-candy machines…what else could anyone ask for? Camp Kehilla is excited to offer this amazing, fun-filled inclusion experience with Island Quest Day Camp.

Baseball Day in partnership with Roslyn High School Varsity Baseball Team:
All campers will get mentored from baseball players from Roslyn High School. From simple drills to a full game, everyone gets a chance to feel like a pro.

Kehillympics in partnership with Mainstages:
Our take on a camp classic! With the help of our friends at Mainstages, each Unit will take part in everything from relay races, to developing group chants, and so very much more throughout the 8th and final week of camp.

Color Run in partnership with Island Quest Day Camp:
A truly one-of-a-kind inclusion experience. Our campers will team up with our Island Quest Day Camp counterparts to do three of our favorite things – get some exercise, get messy (in a colorful way of course), and have a blast!

Picture Day:
Comb your hair, brush your teeth, grab a shave… just make sure you look your best! Also, be sure to wear your camp tee-shirt that day. We want to see everyone rep their Kehilla gear for those wallet-sized photos.

More updates for 2022 coming soon!

Off-Site Field Trips:

Lower Camp Unit 1 (ages 5-8) and Unit 2 (ages 9-12):
1 field trip per 2-week session. 

Upper Camp Unit 3 (ages 13-16) and Unit 4 (ages 17-21):
1 field trip per week.