The goals of the camp are:

• Meet the individual social, emotional, physical, and developmental needs of our campers
• Expand the independence of our campers
• For campers to have positive and safe recreational experience that fosters friendship and fun
• To teach life-long leisure and vocational skills
• To utilize a transdisciplinary approach (Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Special Therapy, Music Therapy, Special Education, Vocational Training, Community-Based Training) 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
• Vocational Training
• Community-Based Training
• 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. 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.

Unit 1 (ages 7-12)    Unit 2 (ages 13-17)   Unit 3 (18-21)

Staff
The staff consists of the Director of Special Needs, Camp Director, Assistant Director, Community Enrichment Coordinator, 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 everyday at Crystal Lake and the campers walk to and from the lake. Crystal Lake Bath House is located at 16 Rogers Street, Newton Highlands, MA 02461.

Community Enrichment Program
The Community Enrichment Program is available for participants in Units I & II and is put on in conjunction with the Newton Public School Department. The goal of the program is to provide an age-appropriate program that bridges recreation, learning, vocational skills and fun in the summertime. Participants in this program often start their day in a vocational setting and then transition to Crystal Lake and the Camp Echo Bridge mid-morning.

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
Applications may be obtained by calling Mark Kelly at the Newton Parks and Recreation Department, (617) 796-1527. All campers must submit an application. Upon receipt of an application from a new camper an appointment will be made with the family and/or school for an observation and assessment. Acceptance is made as space is available. Newton residents and former campers receive first priority.

Camp Tuition and Transportation Fees
Upper Camp Tuition is $110 for Newton Residents and $130 for Non-Residents. 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 and available to only Newton residents.

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

• Swimming is held daily at Crystal Lake. Field trips as often as possible.
• Medications sent to camp must be in original containers and accompany med. sheet. All medications are dispensed by the Camp Nurse. Send a bottle of sunscreen the first day.
• All campers are to wear camp T-shirt on field trips and for camp picture day.
• Please label all clothing and lunch boxes. Bring lunch daily.
• 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.