Our “Soft Start Camp” is a welcoming, mainstream program designed for campers who want to experience the social aspect of camp and need extra support easing into the experience. It’s ideal for children with higher sensory needs, those on the autism spectrum, those who aren’t quite ready for a full week away from home, or those with developmental disabilities. With a shorter stay and a higher counselor-to-camper ratio (2:10), Soft Start offers a supportive and structured introduction to camp life!

Campers will live in our rustic cabins and participate in our daily program for three days and two nights. Activities and the daily schedule will follow the Base Camp program outline, and supported transitions and adjustments will be added. Click here to find out more about camp life. 

This program is directed by Carly Galvin, a camp alum and Occupational Therapist, who is passionate about broadening the circle of camp to include campers with special needs. Carly is supervised by our Executive Camp Director, Lily Mercogliano, who will also be on site to support the program.

Requirements for participation

Soft Start Camp is for campers who...

• Are comfortable living in a communal setting. 

• Can understand verbal or signed directions. 

• Are able to communicate personal needs. 

• Can regulate with assistance and behave in a way that is safe for themselves and others. 

• Can walk 1/4 mile at a reasonable pace over uneven terrain multiple times a day. 

• Can control their bladder and bowels, and toilet independently. 

• Can shower independently. 

• Can dress themselves independently. 

• Can eat independently, and has a diet that can be accommodated by the camp kitchen. 

• Have no history of sexual offense. 

• Do not require the use of a colostomy bag, CPAP machine, and have no history of seizures within the past year. 

Additionally, please note that Soft Start Camp is not for campers with a significant history of aggression towards others or self, or behavior challenges that require removal from a group. We welcome a dialogue and encourage you to reach out to carly@smithpark.org with questions or concerns! 

To keep all campers safe and supported, we require that families let us know about any and all complex medical conditions (including, but not limited to, severe asthma, diabetes, bleeding disorders, or metabolic disorders) at least two months before camp begins. This gives us time to fully understand your child’s needs, speak with their healthcare provider if needed, and make sure we’re the right fit to provide a safe and successful camp experience. We aren’t able to accommodate these conditions without advance planning, so early communication is essential.

How to Register

Like all of our programs, space is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To help ensure this camp program is the right fit for your child, a two-step application process is required:

Step 1: Apply Online

Step 2: Virtual or In-Person Discussion with Camp Staff

Visits to camp are also strongly encouraged prior to starting. Tours can be arranged during numerous weekends in the spring and during weekdays starting in July.

Please contact Lily Mercogliano for more information about this program.