Reimagining Camp Hope: A 60th Anniversary Celebration
Since 1956, Camp Hope has provided more than 8,000 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities with an opportunity to experience traditional summer fun adapted to meet their needs. The Arc of Essex County used Camp Hope’ s 60th Anniversary as a springboard to celebrate the traditions established over the years and reimagine the possibilities for the future.
True to its roots, Camp Hope combines life skills, social, and recreational activities with aquatics, sports, music, and the arts to help campers tackle new goals, build confidence, and form lasting friendships. With two separate programs, children from five to 21 years old enjoy a traditional camp experience while individuals 21 years and older can return for the Adult Camp Experience. Parents have peace of mind knowing Camp Hope provides an appropriate and stimulating environment.
As The Arc imagined the future of Camp Hope, increasing the number of engaging, interactive, and accessible-friendly play spaces became a top priority. In early 2016 an ambitious capital campaign, Create Play, launched to build upon capital improvements that began in 2011 with the addition of a zero-entry pool. The goal was to reimagine, reinvest in, and revitalize Camp Hope and the grounds that have been the background for countless memories. The identified recreational improvements included a new openair activity pavilion, an interactive and accessible playground, a splash pad aquatic feature, enhanced sports facilities, and general improvements to the camp’ s buildings and landscaping.
Following an exciting and interactive Camp Hope Challenge Week in early June and prior to the start of camp in July, a new basketball court
Workers from the Township of East Hanover donate their time to install a new basketball court in June 2016. With the addition of adjustable height backboards, the new court can provide years of fun for campers of various skill levels.
with adjustable height backboards was installed. Fundraising efforts and collaboration with the Township of East Hanover will continue through the remainder of 2016 with main phase construction beginning after the 2016 camp season.
The reimagined spaces will become a reality prior to the 2017 camp season and meet campers’ needs for the next 60 years. Future generations will have the perfect backdrop for summers packed with joyful memories.
“ The Create Play capital campaign will enable The Arc of Essex County to further elevate the summer camping experience for years to come. These improvements will allow all campers to participate fully in an interactive and accessible-friendly environment, which has always been at the heart of Camp Hope. We are excited to unveil a reimagined Camp Hope in 2017.”
- Heather Comstock, Senior Director, Development and Communication, The Arc of Essex County