Participants

How old does my child have to be to attend Summer Camp?

You child must turn age 5 by August 1st of the year your child is applying to Camp. Like school in NJ, we accept campers through the year they turn 21.

What is the application process?

You must first register with our online application platform, CampDoc. Then select the program(s) you are interested in attending and fill out all required information. Applications are complete when they show a status of 100%. Acceptances are not on a rolling basis. All applications are reviewed by staff after the deadline. You may be contacted by the directing team for an interview. Please monitor the email you registered with for an update on your camper’s application status. A link to our applications are available above, when active.

Where is Summer Camp?

Summer Camp is currently held at the Baptist Camp & Conference Center in Lebanon, NJ. We are not affiliated with the church, but we rent the gorgeous sprawling campsite every year for two weeks during the summer. Lebanon is in the western central part of New Jersey and can be accessed by major roads.

It is a large and accessible campsite with plenty of grass and many hills. See the attached map of the campground and feel free to look at their website for more specific information at http://www.camplebanon.com/. 

How long do campers stay at Camp?

Campers get dropped off on Sunday and picked up the following Saturday for a total of 6 days and 6 nights. For specific dates each year, please visit our homepage.

What does a typical day at Camp look like?

We offer a variety of experiences throughout the day for campers and counselors to explore during scheduled times. An average day consists of music-filled meals, singing around the flagpole, a live daily stage play, and themed activities or challenges. For example, campers can visit arts and crafts, the pool, sense room, rec hall, and go boating in the lake. We also have dance parties, karaoke, cooking classes, nature hikes, campouts, village activities.

How many campers attend camp?

Typically, we accept 40 to 65 campers per week. The number we can accept for each week is based on availability and experience of our counselor applicants.

Is transportation to Camp provided?

Camp Fatima does not provide transportation. A parent or guardian must be available for drop-off and pick-up at the beginning and end of the week. If transportation is needed, we recommend you reach out to your Care Management Organization (CMO) or school to explore resources that might be available to you. Additionally, a guardian or emergency contact should be available to pick up a camper in case of emergency.

My child has a specific diagnosis or disability. Will there be other campers like them at camp?

Camp Fatima is unique because we accept campers with a range of disabilities. We encourage all children with disabilities to apply. If you have questions that are specific to your child’s diagnosis, classifications, or disabilities, please reach out to the directors for more information. You can find the emails for the directors on the application portal.

My child has friends accepted at Camp. Can they bunk together?

Best answer, possibly! We can have conversations about bunkmates, review staffing ratios and villages to make sure that it’s best for both parties and then decide where they might bunk. Once your child has been accepted, you can make the request through the director.

My child isn’t toilet trained. Can they come to Camp?

Yes, of course. Campers who need support with their toileting needs are welcome at Camp. Please be sure to indicate their care needs clearly on their application so we can best prepare. We have a swimming pool, so be sure to pack the proper swim diapers.

My child is non-verbal. Can they come to Camp?

Yes, of course. Campers of all communication abilities are welcome at Camp. Please be sure to share any type of communication strategies or abilities your child may have in their application so we can appropriately match campers with a counselor.

My child isn’t ambulatory. Can they come to Camp?

Yes, of course. The campsite is hilly, but we have accepted many campers in the past who utilize wheelchairs, AFOs, crutches, canes, walkers, or strollers. We will speak to you regarding your child’s needs to ensure we have the appropriate accommodations available for them.

My child can’t swim. Can they still enjoy the pool?

There is no wading or kid’s pool at the campsite. However, flotation devices are available. If your child uses a specific flotation device, we suggest you pack it for them. We have certified lifeguards at Camp. Sometimes other water activities are planned such as sprinklers, water balloons, baby pools, and water play in sensory buckets.

How will a volunteer be matched with my child? 

Counselors and campers are matched after a thorough review process by the directing team. This process can take up to two months and decisions are made by the end of June. Factors considered in this review include previous volunteer evaluations, volunteer strengths, volunteer experience/credentials, camper/parent interviews, and camper files.

What type of training do the volunteers have?

Our volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds including high schoolers fulfilling service requirements, artists, executives, attorneys, and special education staff. Some of our staff members are bilingual, certified in ABA, American Sign Language, lifeguarding, and more. Volunteers are utilized where their strengths and abilities best serve the needs of our campers and programming. All volunteers receive general training prior to the week. Training includes rules, safety procedures, and volunteer expectations. Staff are always supervised. Alongside their 1:1 counselor, campers are supervised by resource staff members, the directing staff, and infirmary staff. New volunteers and new counselors will attend an orientation either virtually before Camp or on the campsite the day before the campers arrive.

What sort of medical support/care is provided at Camp?

The infirmary/medical staff is on the campsite 24/7 and easily accessible. The infirmary staff is led by an Infirmary Director, who must have at a minimum, (1) an RN degree with at least five years of healthcare experience, and (2) Camp experience or experience working with youth with disabilities. In addition, the Infirmary Director reviews all camper medical files prior to acceptance.

My child has dietary restrictions/allergies. How are meals managed at Camp?

Please document all dietary restrictions or allergies on your camper’s application. We have an assigned Special Diets cook who is responsible for managing all camper and volunteer dietary restrictions & allergies. Counselors will be briefed before the camper arrives if there are any allergies or restrictions. All infirmary members and resource staff also have this information on file to keep track during mealtimes. If a camper eats specific foods, we ask you to note that in the application and bring those foods on the first day of Summer Camp.

Can my child attend both weeks of Camp?

No, applicants are only eligible to attend one week per year.

Should I bring a gift for my child’s counselor?

All counselors and staff are volunteers at Camp Fatima and gratuity is not necessary. If you would like to bring a small token of your appreciation in the form of a card or small gift at the end of the week, please feel free! We think our counselors are incredible and are glad you do too.

What should I pack for my camper?

A packing list is sent to all accepted campers a few weeks before Camp, but if you are eager to start planning, think through a typical Summer Camp experience! We are in a rural area, so be sure to pack bug spray or bug repellant stickers/bracelets, sunscreen, extra socks/undies, shower shoes, toiletries for one week, bedding for a twin bed (plus a sleeping bag if you’d like), a pillow, sneakers, rain gear, towels for the pool and shower, pajamas, and warmer layers for cool nights,  

Recommendation: Pack outfits in bags or gallon Ziplock bags so everything is easy to manage in the morning! A couple of extra outfits can help on hot or sticky days. You will be able to walk your child’s counselor through the clothing choices at drop-off. 

Can parents observe or visit Camp?

Parents are not allowed to visit during the week at Camp. We know saying goodbye can be difficult, so we all ease into the week. You will arrive and have a decent amount of time to get your camper settled into their bunk, meet all the staff, take pictures, run through necessities with their counselor, and get lots of hugs and kisses before you depart.

The Camp Fatima Directors are available to you if you need an update during the week. You can stay updated with some of the events on our social media pages and your camper will come home with some great photos and treasures! 

Can my child’s older sibling be their dedicated volunteer?

Siblings are encouraged to volunteer at Camp. We have had many siblings volunteer and attend Camp together and the week is always magical. Campers will not be matched with their sibling. It’s good for campers and staff alike to experience Camp independent of their family members.

What’s the camper to volunteer ratio?

At Summer Camp, each camper is paired 1:1 with a dedicated counselor. In addition to counselors, we also have a significant number of staff volunteers who assist general Camp operations, attend events with campers and counselors, and provide additional relief support to counselors, as needed. Our current ratio at Summer Camp is 3:1 (3 staff to every 1 camper).

My child has been to Camp in the past, why weren’t they accepted this year?

We understand this can be frustrating and we wish we had the resources to accept every applicant. Currently we accept about 40% of our camper applicants yearly. Camper acceptance is based on a variety of factors. Every camper is specifically matched with a counselor. We cannot guarantee acceptance year after year, but we encourage you to continue to apply.

How old does my camper have to be to attend a Weekend? What is the typical age range of campers in attendance?

Adult Weekend campers must be 21 or older with at least a two-year gap from your last attendance at Summer Camp. Our Weekend campers range in age from 21 to 70+.

What is the application process?

You must first register with our online application platform, CampDoc. Then select the program(s) you are interested in attending and fill out all required information. Only completed applications will be reviewed after the deadline. Applications are complete when they show a progress status of 100%. You may be contacted by the directing team for an interview. Please monitor the email you registered with for an update on your camper’s application status. A link to our applications are available above, when active.

Where are the Weekend programs held?

In our history, we have rented many different camp sites in the NY Metro Region. Currently Weekend programs are held at the Baptist Camp & Conference Center in Lebanon, NJ. We are not affiliated with the church, but we rent the gorgeous sprawling campsite every year for our weekends. Lebanon is in the western central part of New Jersey and can be accessed by major roads.

It is a large and accessible campsite with plenty of grass and many hills. See the attached map of the campground and feel free to look at their website for more specific information at http://www.camplebanon.com/. 

How long is the Weekend program?

Campers arrive Friday evening after dinner and stay through Sunday mid-morning.

Will my camper be matched with a volunteer at a Weekend?

Adult campers are not matched with an individual counselor. The program operates in small groups of campers and volunteers. Our volunteer to camper ratio is always greater than 1:1.

My camper has a particular diagnosis or disability. Will there be other campers like them at the Weekend? 

Camp is unique as we accept adults with a range of disabilities. We encourage all adults with disabilities to apply to Camp Fatima. If you have questions that are specific to your diagnoses, classifications, or disabilities, please reach out to the Directors for more information. You can find the emails for the directors on the application portal.

My camper has friends also attending the Weekend. Can they bunk together?

Possibly! We evaluate based on the needs of all campers and volunteers and then decide if we can accommodate bunk requests.

My camper needs assistance with toileting. Can they come to a Weekend?

Yes. Please be sure to indicate their care needs clearly on their application so we can best prepare. 

My camper is non-verbal. Can they come to a Weekend?

Yes. Please be sure to share any type of communication strategies or abilities they may have in their application that can assist our staff. 

My camper isn’t ambulatory. Can they come to a Weekend? 

Yes. We will assess your camper’s needs to ensure we have the proper accommodations available for them.

My camper has dietary restrictions/allergies. How are meals managed at the Weekend?

Please document all dietary restrictions or allergies on your camper’s application. We have an assigned Special Diets liaison who is responsible for managing all camper dietary restrictions & allergies. Staff will be briefed before the camper arrives if there are any allergies or restrictions. If a camper eats specific foods, we ask you to note that in the application and bring those foods on the first day of the Weekend.

What is a typical Weekend schedule?

Our weekends begin with an energy filled welcome evening activity on Friday night. Saturday is jam packed from morning wake ups, to breakfast & singing some flagpole favorites! Next, we typically transition into group rotations with a variety of arts and crafts, movement & music activities. We enjoy lunch followed by a much-needed rest time before heading to our main activity. We enjoy a hearty dinner before we head to dance the night away at our Fatima dance party. We enjoy breakfast and some more Fatimagic around the flagpole before Sunday morning pick-ups.

How many campers attend a Weekend?

Campers are eligible to apply & attend up to one weekend each season. Each season we offer two weekend experiences where we hope to accept anywhere from 20-30 campers. However, our selection process is directly dependent on the strengths, experience & quantity of our volunteer population for each respective weekend.

Is transportation to the Weekend program provided?

Transportation to the Weekend program is not available.

What type of training do the volunteers have?

Our volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds including high schoolers fulfilling service requirements to artists, executives, attorneys and special educators. Some of our staff is bilingual, certified in ABA, American Sign Language, lifeguarding, and more. Volunteers are utilized where their strengths and abilities best serve the needs of our campers and programming. All volunteers receive general training prior to the start of the program. Training includes rules, safety procedures, volunteer expectations, and a review of all camper needs. 

What kind of medical support/care is provided at a Weekend?

Our Adult Weekend programs have an assigned Infirmary Director who is responsible for medication distribution & medical care throughout our program.

Can my camper attend all four Weekends?

Campers are eligible to attend up to one weekend each season for a maximum of two weekends a year. Each season we offer two weekend experiences that run nearly identical programs. Campers are welcome to apply to all four sessions but would only be potentially accepted to a maximum of two weekends a year.

My camper has been to a Weekend or Summer Camp in the past, why weren’t they accepted this time?

Our selection process each season is directly dependent on the strengths, experience & quantity of our volunteer population for each respective weekend. We actively assess our campers’ strengths, abilities & assistance needs to ensure we have the proper resources to provide them a memorable and safe experience.

What should I pack for my camper?

Comfortable clothing for two days as well as bedding (e.g, sheets, pillow, blanket/sleeping bag) and toiletries. All campers receive a detailed packing list with their acceptance notification.

Can parents observe or visit Camp?

Observations or visits by parents during the program are not allowed. We value our ability to give parents and caregivers a well-deserved weekend of respite.

The Camp Fatima Directors are available to you if you need an update during the weekend. You can stay updated with some of the events on our social media pages and your camper will come home with some great photos and treasures!

What is the Camp Fatima Company?

Camp Fatima Company is Camp Fatima’s first live theater overnight camp for individuals with developmental disabilities, culminating in a performance the following day. Campers age 18-26 may apply. Volunteers age 16+ may apply. This program features many aspects of our Adult Weekend Programs with a complete focus on staging a condensed musical. The weekend will bring campers and volunteers of many talents together to put on a spectacular production.

What is the application process?

You must first register with our online application platform, CampDoc. Then select the program(s) you are interested in attending and fill out all required information. Only completed applications will be reviewed after the deadline. Applications are complete when they show a progress status of 100%. You may be contacted by the directing team for an interview. Please monitor the email you registered with for an update on your camper’s application status. A link to our applications is available above, when active.

How long is the Weekend program?

Campers arrive Saturday morning and stay through Sunday mid-morning.

My camper has a particular diagnosis or disability. Will there be other campers like them at the Weekend?

Camp is unique as we accept adults with a range of disabilities. We encourage all adults with disabilities to apply to Camp Fatima. If you have questions that are specific to your diagnoses, classifications, or disabilities, please reach out to the Directors for more information. You can find the emails for the directors on the application portal.

My camper needs assistance with toileting. Can they come to Camp Fatima Company?

Yes. Please be sure to indicate their care needs clearly on their application so we can best prepare.

My camper is non-speaking. Can they come to Camp Fatima Company?

Yes. Please be sure to share any type of communication strategies or abilities they may have in their application that can assist our staff.

My camper isn’t ambulatory. Can they come to Camp Fatima Company?

Yes. We will assess your camper’s needs to ensure we have the proper accommodations available for them.

My camper has dietary restrictions/allergies. How are meals managed to Camp Fatima Company?

Please document all dietary restrictions or allergies on your camper’s application. We have an assigned Special Diets liaison who is responsible for managing all camper dietary restrictions & allergies. Staff will be briefed before the camper arrives if there are any allergies or restrictions. If a camper eats specific foods, we ask you to note that in the application and bring those foods on the first day of the Weekend.

Who is eligible to apply as a camper?

Campers must be aged 18-26. We are looking for campers who enjoy singing, dancing, and bringing a story to life! This year, we are looking to accept 15-20 campers. All campers will submit an audition video singing a song from the production.

Where is the Camp Fatima Company Weekend?

Baptist Camp Lebanon, in Lebanon New Jersey, where we currently host our summer camp and adult weekends. It is a large campsite with plenty of grass and many hills, but everything is accessible. See the attached map of the campgrounds and check out their website for more specific information at http://www.camplebanon.com/.

Is transportation to Camp Fatima Company provided?

Transportation to Camp Fatima Company is not available.

When do volunteers arrive?

Friday, May 31st, 2024 between 6-7 pm. Volunteers will stay overnight on both Friday and Saturday.

When do performers arrive?

Saturday, June 1st , 2024 at 9 am. Campers will stay overnight in the village with volunteer support.

What will the weekend look like?

The weekend will be dedicated to rehearsing lines, songs, and choreography. It will be a long, but totally fun day of rehearsals. We have a stage director, choreographer, and music directors to help us learn our show. We will eat lunch and dinner together on Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday. Following breakfast, we will host the performance!

Who is it performed for ?

Campers’ families, friends and new volunteers in the orientation program.

What type of training do the volunteers have?

Our volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds including high schoolers fulfilling service requirements to artists, executives, attorneys and special educators. Some of our staff is bilingual, certified in ABA, American Sign Language, and more. Volunteers are utilized where their strengths and abilities best serve the needs of our campers and programming. All volunteers receive general training prior to the start of the program. Training includes rules, safety procedures, volunteer expectations, and a review of all camper needs.

What kind of medical support/care is provided at Camp Fatima Company?

Camp Fatima Company will have an Infirmary Director who is responsible for medication distribution & medical care throughout our program.

My camper has been to a Weekend or Summer Camp in the past, why weren’t they accepted this time?

Our selection process each season is directly dependent on the strengths, experience & quantity of our volunteer population for each respective weekend. We actively assess our campers’ strengths, abilities & assistance needs to ensure we have the proper resources to provide them a memorable and safe experience.

What should I pack for my camper?

Comfortable clothing for two days as well as bedding (e.g, sheets, pillow, blanket/sleeping bag) and toiletries. All campers receive a detailed packing list with their acceptance notification.

Costumes will be provided for all campers. Please send an ALL BLACK outfit for the day of the performance.