Programs

Nestled in the Laurel Highlands of Somerset County, Pennsylvania, Camp PARC welcomes campers to one of its two summer camping sessions, held each year during the last two weeks in July. Both of our sessions are residential programs, meaning all of the counselors and campers will stay on the campground day and night for the duration of the session.

Our four-day, three-night Mini Camp provides a camping experience for children, ages 6-17, with special needs. Our Main Camp is a full-week, residential camping session that is offered to adults, ages 18 and older, with developmental disabilities.

Our programs are designed for people who have mental retardation or developmental disabilities related to autism, cerebral palsy, brain injury, and Down, Tourette, and other syndromes. Many clients also have physical disabilities, hearing or vision impairment, and medical conditions such as diabetes or epilepsy. Visit our Camper page for answers to frequently asked questions and other resources.

All of Camp PARC’s staff is volunteer. Camp PARC provides at least one junior counselor for every two participants and at least one senior counselor for every four participants. One-on-one care is provided as needed. Our camp staff includes food service professionals qualified to prepare special diets and registered nurses who supervise medical care. To learn more about becoming part of Camp PARC’s staff, visit our Volunteer page.

Through our summer camping programs we encourage participants to learn new skills and practice decision-making, participate in challenging and fun activities, enjoy and appreciate nature, meet new people and renew old friendships. Our summer programs consistently deliver a dynamic and fun-filled experience, offering campers and staff the true feeling of acceptance.