Summer 2016 was my son's first time at camp. We were told about Camp Starfish from our icc. We were both a bit nervous, him because he's never been away from home and me because I wasn't sure how he would do. It was the best thing that we've ever done. He spent 2 weeks at Camp Starfish and he enjoyed every second. The staff was awesome at drop off and prior to his session to answer questions and quell any fears and anxieties. I was able to send him messages and he sent post cards. His counselor even sent one and also included a picture. At the end of the two weeks we were both excited to see each other and I couldn't wait to hear about his camp experience. He was so much more outgoing because he saw that everyone was like him, he didn't stick out because he is different. My son didn't want to leave! He made friends and he said he can't wait to go next year. He is always asking me how long till camp. I would absolutely recommend it to everyone who has a child with special needs.
My son went to this camp for 2 weeks. He came home another child. For someone whose anxiety is really high he did very well. The best thing that Camp Starfish offers is the 1:1. Also that the staff assisted you when you needed and extra hand to deal with the anxiety when leaving the camp. They gave great encouragement. My son on the day we left knew every staff members name. Camp Starfish was a blessing for my son. He will be attending again next year hopefully. THANK YOU CAMP STARFISH FOR THE GREAT OPPORTUNITY!
This will be my now 15 year old son's 5th year at Camp Starfish. The tools learned by him and by MOM are amazing. We had them on our Fridge for months after and continue to follow them through the year. Watching your child begin to make friends, hang out with other kids while very well supervised is wonderful. I CAN RELAX while he is there. The counselors are kind and watch everything going on. The admin staff has been nothing short of amazing as they've listened to my concerns and concentrated on what I chose to be his focus for the session. i.e. watching that filter free mouth, learning to listen to other kids, learning to keep your own space and of course, getting out of his comfort zone and canoeing and swimming every day ! Learning how use tools in woodshop is his latest favorite ! There isn't a better site for your child when he/she needs that 1:1 supervision. WE LOVE YOU CAMP STARFISH and looking forward to this year's session. Go Check out the Camp
Camp Starfish is an amazing place for children with social/emotional and behavioral challenges. They really "get it" and can work with kids that any other camp would not be able to manage. They work with the children on their specific challenges, set goals and celebrate successes. My son attended day camp there for the past 2 summers and his experience was life-changing! HIGHLY recommend it!!
This camp is absolutely wonderful with it's 1:1 ratio for kids with social, emotional, and behavioral problems! The structured environment creates consistency for the campers which provides them with adequate time for amazing outdoor activities. This place changed my life in so many ways. I worked there and will always be grateful for my experience. The kids have taught me so many things about what it is like to be them and about myself in return. The staff is hand selected and goes through sufficient training to prepare them for a summer full of fun and learning. I highly recommend this camp for anyone! I always tell of my stay here and the wonderful people who have impacted my life in so many different ways. Camp holds a special place in my heart and you will too once you have been there.
I was a camp counselor at starfish three summers ago, and I loved the staff, the campers, and the mission so much that I came back the next year just to volunteer with two free weeks that I had.
Camp Starfish is a sensational overnight experience for campers, counselors, and administrators! Campers are surrounded by a positive, supportive, and engaging environment that caters to their interests and needs. Campers learn life skills, build strong relationships, and make life-long friends. Moreover, the structure and enthusiasm of Camp Starfish is perfect for campers with exceptional needs. Lastly, fantastic counselors and administrators are hand-selected to lead campers in overwhelmingly fun activities and teach essential life skills that will aid campers as they take their learning outside of camp and grow to become productive citizens. I highly recommend families to bring their children to Camp Starfish for an amazing experience. I also recommend young adults to work at Camp Starfish for a life-changing experience. Thank you Camp Starfish for the great memories! Thank you to the amazing staff, donors, and supporters who have kept Camp Starfish alive! Moosa Moosa Moosa! Mar
My child has been going to camp here for the past 3 summers and we all love the camp. He loves the staff and activities that he does while he's there. As parents we love how much the staff works with him on his individual goals. We love that the camp has a 1 to 1 staff to camper ratio the only downside to this is that camp is expensive for a middle class family but in the end it's been worth it because our son excels at camp and uses the skills he learns there to strive in various area once he comes home!
This past summer was my sons first time at camp and first time away from home. He attended camp starfish for 19 days.. The camp was a great experience for him. The staff was wonderful! I would highly recommend this camp for children like my son who has ADHD and is bipolar. My son has asked if can attend camp starfish every summer! This is coming from a kid who never wants to do anything :)
Camp Starfish is the best camp that I have found to deal with children with psychological disorders. The children that attend this camp always look forward to going back each year. As a Guardian of a child who attends Camp Starfish, I am very thankful for them. The staff is the greatest My child cries every time that she has to leave at the end of her session and says that she will miss them
Camp Starfish is an amazing place. The staff is incredible and the kids come away from the experience happy. You will not find a better camp for children with behavioral/learning disabilities. I can't say enough about this camp, check out the website if you want to see what it's all about, www.campstarfish.org
My son has been going to this camp since he was 10 years old. He is now 18 and working at the camp. It is something he looks forward to during the year and always talks about. It has made a tremendous difference in our lives! Would highly recommend to any parent of a child with a disability!!
My son attended a 14 day session this past summer, it was his first camp experience and first time away from home without his family. The whole experience was terrific for both him and the whole family. He was able to independently have a camp experience and the family was able to enjoy some respite time.
This will be the 3rd summer that my son has attended Starfish. It has been a wonderful experience for him and a lifesaver for my family. We feel so blessed to have found the perfect fit for our special boy who requires a lot of one-on-one.The administrators and counselors are so dedicated and caring!
This camp is absolutely fabulous. While I only gave it a 4 for monetary value, this is only because it's expensive enough that it's difficult to afford for the average family. But they do offer financial assistance. Love this camp! It has done wonders for my son.
This camp is an outstanding choice for kids with special needs. The staff is caring, enthusiastic and well- trained. We never have to worry about how they will handle a tough situation. My son loves this camp. It has everything and camp should have: swimming, songs, crafts and just plain fun!
I'm a parent of a child who has been going to Camp Starfish for well over five years. I can't put into words what a difference this camp has made to his, and our, lives. Starfish's effects extend far beyond a child's camp session. And despite their success with the children they serve, they are never complacent - instead, they always look for a way to improve their program, or even just to keep it fresh. Staff are consistently wonderful, year after year. Many return for many summers, but new, capable and sensitive counselors are found and trained each year, as well. These are the people you'd want in any kid's life, but for a special needs child, it can be life-changing.
