at MBC, we hope to give all young people a meaningful camp experience
In the past, MBC ran a separate program for campers with disabilities and additional needs, known as Embracing Children. In recent years, we've realized two important things:
Many campers have additional support needs, regardless of formal diagnoses.
AND,
It is critically important to the mission of MBC, and the theology of the Orthodox Church, to support an inclusive experience, rather than a separate program for campers with additional needs.
Many campers have additional support needs, regardless of formal diagnoses.
AND,
It is critically important to the mission of MBC, and the theology of the Orthodox Church, to support an inclusive experience, rather than a separate program for campers with additional needs.
So, our camper support program was born
One of our goals is to ensure that every child has a positive, personally accessible, and successful camp experience. We recognize that some campers need different support than others in order to make that happen, and we have a whole team in place to ensure it!
camper support coordinatorOur camper support coordinator is responsible for:
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camper support professionalsEach week, we are joined by a number of incredible volunteers (CSPs) who dedicate their time to supporting the campers and staff of MBC. These include:
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camper support counselorsIn addition to our robust staff training program, additional staff participate in further training and development opportunities specifically designed to build their skills and knowledge around campers with additional needs.
These young people are typically in undergraduate or graduate school, exploring the fields of education, psychology, or related services, or working in roles such as paraprofessionals and therapist assistants. |
Together, these individuals work hard to ensure that individual camper needs are met. This may range from managing food allergies, peer and interpersonal needs, sensory accommodations, and more. We work hard to ensure that support is consistent, subtle, without drawing attention to the camper, and keeping all necessary parties in the loop. To learn more about family communication, visit our Health and Safety page.
Partnerships & Support Network
In addition to our incredible team on site, MBC is luck to have partnerships and connections with a number of resources. These include consultant mental health professionals with a background in Orthodox theology, as well as a connection with a local mental health organization.
Riverbend Community Mental Health partnered with MBC through a grant in 2020 to support mental health needs in New Hampshire summer camps. Over the years, we've developed a wonderful connection with their team of clinicians who are available to consult onsite, weekly.
Riverbend Community Mental Health partnered with MBC through a grant in 2020 to support mental health needs in New Hampshire summer camps. Over the years, we've developed a wonderful connection with their team of clinicians who are available to consult onsite, weekly.
Our sensory room
In 2024, we opened our sensory room. In additional to built in sensory supports throughout the camp, including ear protection and fidgets, best practices for ADHD support, and more, the sensory room offers a quiet break space for those who need it. Our staff find it to be a helpful re-charge spot as well!
With tools such as swings, weighted blankets, mindfulness tools, music, diffused scents, and low lighting, campers can access the sensory room as needed to support their engagement in the camp program.
With tools such as swings, weighted blankets, mindfulness tools, music, diffused scents, and low lighting, campers can access the sensory room as needed to support their engagement in the camp program.
Families
We recognize that a loud, busy week at camp is not the best fit for everyone. We also recognize that we face some physical limitations at our facility which can make participation in camp more challenging for some.
If families are interested in exploring the possibility of camp for their child, we encourage you to reach out to our office to ask your questions and be connected to our camper support coordinator. We are in the process of planning our first disability family retreat for those who are interested in exploring camp for a short period of time, with the support of family presence.
If families are interested in exploring the possibility of camp for their child, we encourage you to reach out to our office to ask your questions and be connected to our camper support coordinator. We are in the process of planning our first disability family retreat for those who are interested in exploring camp for a short period of time, with the support of family presence.
