Camper FAQ
Each of Camp PARC’s sessions are designed for individuals who have intellectual and/or developmental disabilities related to autism, cerebral palsy, brain injury, Down, Tourette, or other syndromes. Many clients also have physical disabilities, hearing or vision impairment, and medical conditions such as diabetes or epilepsy.
All campers must be ambulatory, toilet-trained, and non-combative.
Camp PARC Dates for the 2023 season are:
- Adult Mini Session: July 9 – July 13
- Youth Mini Session: July 16 – July 19
- Adult Full Week Session: July 23 – July 29
If you are interested in attending Camp PARC in 2023 as a camper, please call 814-410-5343 to speak with our directors. Applications for the 2023 season will be available on February 1.
For more information, check out the Programs page and the FAQ below…
Frequently Asked Questions
Camp PARC is held annually in July at Laurel Hill State Park Group Camp #8, located near 7 Springs Resort in Somerset County, Pennsylvania.
Our schedule generally runs as follows:
| 7:45 | First Call |
| 8:20 | Flag Salute and Morning Exercises |
| 8:30 | Breakfast |
| 9:35 | Morning Activities |
| 12:30 | Lunch |
| 1:00 | Rest Period |
| 1:55 | Hike to the Beach/Swimming |
| 3:15 | Snack |
| 3:45 | Showers/Cabin Activities |
| 5:45 | Dinner |
| 7:00 | Evening Program |
| 8:00 | Campfire |
| 9:00 | Bedtime |
General Camping Supplies that you will need include:
- Bedding (Mattresses and cots are provided but you’ll need a pillow, mattress cover, sheets and blankets and/or sleeping bag.)
- Towels and Personal Hygiene Items
- Clothing (Keep in mind that the mountain air can be quite cool, even in the summer. You will want to check the weather for the area during the week prior to make sure you pack appropriately, including rain gear, jackets, etc.)
- Flashlight
The following items are not permitted on the campsite under any circumstances:
- Tobacco products
- Alcoholic beverages and drugs
- Matches and lighters
- Pornographic material
- Offensive clothing (inappropriate sayings or pictures, or anything too revealing or suggestive)
- Cell Phones
Cell phones are not permitted to be used during the daily activities or after 11pm in the cabins. The same goes for other devices, such as iPods, mp3 players, and handheld games – all of which can be a distraction and take away from the camping experience.
The fee per camper for Adult Full Week Camp is $450; Adult Mini-Camp is $325; Youth Mini-Camp is $275.
We have a committed on-site staff of professional, licensed healthcare practitioners that includes registered nurses and pharmacists. They are available to prepare and distribute medications, apply topical treatments, and have the patience, stamina and enthusiasm that is required for this round-the-clock service. Both counselors and campers are permitted to bring medication to camp. However, NO medication is permitted to stay in the cabins. All medication must be given to the medical staff upon arrival. It will be accessible to counselors and staff as needed and will be distributed directly from the medical staff to campers at the required times.
Our campsite is situated on rugged terrain, and the majority of the buildings are not wheelchair accessible. Most medical needs can be addressed by our medical staff. However, campers need to be both ambulatory and toilet-trained in order to attend. If you have specific concerns that you would like to address, please contact our Camp Director.
Certainly! We welcome, and in fact encourage, family and friends to visit campers during the Big Night Show (held on the Thursday evening of Main Camp) and the Mini Camp’s Carnival and Performance held on the Wednesday afternoon of Mini Camp. Visitation during other times during the session is discouraged in order to allow the campers to get into a regular routine and fully immerse themselves in the camping experience. However, if you have a special request, please contact the Camp Director to discuss your particular situation. In the meantime, enjoy a bit of respite and take comfort in the fact that your loved one is in good hands.
Yes. Our experienced kitchen staff has accommodated calorie-restricted, diabetic, sodium-restricted and allergy-related diets. If you have specific concerns that you would like to address, please contact our Food Service Director.