Parent and Child Respite Care Program

There is a tremendous need within the community of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities for parents/caregivers to have a reliable and consistent break. A moment, a morning, an afternoon, knowing your child is in a safe environment can be life changing. There are not many options if any these parents can turn to, except to rely on their own small/capable circle. This Respite program is imperative to introduce several new opportunities to the participants. Independence is an important benefit of respite care for individuals with special needs. For example, overnight respite care can offer special-needs individuals a short period of freedom from parents, doctors, or therapists. Staff at Camp Orchard Hill will assist individuals with learning how to ask for help, express themselves in appropriate ways, care for their basic needs, boost problem-solving skills and expand overall communication skills. In addition, respite care will provide the physical benefit of increased activity. Many individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses are sedentary and don't have the opportunity to participate in sports or recreational activities. They often miss out on the social and health benefits that exercise brings. In the right surroundings and with the correct accommodations, individuals with special needs can participate in a wide range of activities. Camp Orchard Hill provides opportunities for swimming, dancing, hiking, and other physical activities tailored to individuals' needs and abilities. The immediate health benefits that come along with these recreational options can also carry over into adult life. The Respite program will combine these physical activities with a unique learning environment, offering individuals the opportunity to develop new personal skills. The overnight experience will build individuals' daily living skills, (dressing, hygiene, self-feeding), appropriate social skills (interacting with peers), and communication skills. Our focus is to meet the needs of every individual with excellence, regardless of their physical and cognitive abilities. Camp Orchard Hill provides an enhanced Respite Program to serve individuals with autism as well as parents/caregivers. From June through August, parents can register their special needs child for 10 days of respite care over a 10-week period. This program will provide up to 100 individuals, ages 5 - 21+ the opportunity for one day of respite each week, or two days of respite bi-weekly. Parents/caregivers will benefit from a reliable and consistent break. Individuals will benefit from increased activity, new challenges, and the opportunity to participate in activities alongside their typically developing peers.