The goals of the camp are:

• Meet the individual social, emotional, physical, and developmental needs of our campers
• For campers to have positive and safe recreational experience that fosters friendship and fun
• To introduce life-long leisure skills
• To utilize a transdisciplinary approach (Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Special Therapy, Music Therapy, Special Education, etc.) to meet the individual needs of our campers in a community setting.

Camp Programming

• Theme-Based Weeks
• Sports & Games
• Arts & Crafts
• Nature/Outdoor Adventure
• Music Therapy
• Speech Therapy
• Swimming Lessons at Crystal Lake
• Special Events
• Camp Show

Campers and Units
Camp Echo Bridge was originally designed for children with a variety of disabilities. For the past six summers we have integrated the camp with children without disabilities and the results have been extremely positive and rewarding. Campers play side by side learning and growing at their own pace. Residents of Newton with disabilities enrolled in the Newton Public Schools are given first priority to the camp.

Units are made up of children of similar ages and are coed. One classroom is for campers ages 3-4 and the second classroom is from campers ages 5-6. Units generally consist of 10-12 campers including 3-4 peers without disabilities in each group depending on the week. There is 4-5 staff in each group plus volunteers as available.

Staff
The staff consists of the Director of Special Needs, Preschool Therapeutic Director, Preschool Programming Director, Unit Leaders, Counselors, Registered Nurse and Volunteers. We recognize the importance of mature and qualified staff and have selected Counselors and Unit Leaders on the basis of their enthusiasm, dedication, and experience. Camp Echo Bridge intentionally maintains a low camper-to-counselor ratio to insure a safe and rewarding summer. All staff is certified in CPR and First Aid and attends a one-day staff orientation.

Camp Location
Camp Echo Bridge will be held at the Mason Rice School, 149 Pleasant St, Newton Centre, MA 02459. The school is located on the Newton Centre playground, which offers a variety of playground equipment, fields, and open space. Swimming lessons are held on Tuesday’s and Thrusday’s at Crystal Lake and drop-off and pick-up is at Crystal Lake on these days. Crystal Lake Bath House is located at 16 Rogers Street, Newton Highlands, MA 02461.

Transportation
Transportation is provided for Newton residents to and from camp for a $20.00 fee per week. If a child is being dropped off or picked up anywhere other than home we must have the name, address and telephone number of the person submitted in writing prior to the first day of camp. If you choose to transport your child PLEASE note that on your application.
Applications
Camp applications will be distributed by the Preschool Director of Special Education to children currently enrolled in the preschool program. After those applications are returned openings will be offered to others if space is available.

Swimming
Swimming is an extremely important component of our camp program. For some children, it is their first introduction to the water. Children are encouraged to begin swimming skills and learn comfort through water play. Swimming takes place at Crystal Lake. Certified lifeguard instructors work with the children with assistance from camp staff. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, children are dropped off and picked up at Crystal Lake. Activities also take place on the beach and in the bathhouse in case of inclement weather. Children bring a bathing suit and towel on all swim days.

Camp Tuition and Transportation Fees
Preschool Camp Tuition is $90.00 per week. Campers can be signed up from 1 to all six weeks. A non-refundable 1-week deposit must be sent when applying. Applications will not be processed without the deposit. Transportation costs are $20.00 per week

Scholarship Information
Individuals interested in camp scholarship applications can call Mark Kelly and request an application, discuss sliding scale fees or set up a payment system.

For more information or to request an application please call:
Mark Kelly
Director of Special Needs
(617) 796-1527

Helpful Hints

• Bring a snack everyday
• Label all items brought to camp
• Medications sent to camp must be in original containers and accompany medication sheet. All medications are dispensed by the Camp Nurse.
• All campers are to wear camp T-shirt on field trips and for the camp picture.
• We ask each family to send in one bottle of sun screen the first day of camp.
• A speech therapist is provided by the school department for small group therapy and for consultations.
• At Camp Echo Bridge we provide fun and learning in a safe environment where children and young adults can discover themselves and develop friendships.
  

This camp complies with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and is licensed by the local board of health.