Our Special Education Program
ACADEMICS
Lions Camp Badger is the only residential Lions affiliated summer camp in the country to offer an academic program under the auspices of a state education department. Our academic team consists of certified teachers from various backgrounds which include elementary education, special education, and speech pathology. Before camp starts, our school staff spends a significant amount of time looking over each camper’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). It is during this time that specific goals and objectives are created for each child. At the end of camp, each camper will have a progress summary explaining his/her academic growth and addressing other areas of concern. This summary is carefully created using the input of all of our academic staff and teacher assistants.
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CLASS STRUCTURE
- Each class is led by a teacher who is assisted by two teacher aides.
- Instruction is designed to incorporate the specific objectives and goals pertaining to each individual student's lEP along with the guidelines set forth by New York State Standards.
- Classes range in size depending on the summer enrollment each year. The classes are arranged in a 12, 8, or 6:1:1 configuration. A class size of 6 to 12 students allows for frequent individualized attention.
- Classes are designed to promote inclusion allowing for natural peer tutoring and modeling.
- Visits from the local fire department, a wide variety of entertainers, and local animal handlers; as well as weekly field trips into the community provide students with the desired least restrictive environment.
- A written student progress report is submitted to parents and schools immediately after the program ends.
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Campers attend classes Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM with a lunch break at 12:00 Noon. They receive academic instruction from certified teachers in Physical Education, Life Skills, Reading, Speech and Language, Writing and Computers, and Mathematics.
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Campers learn not only in the classroom, but in all other activities throughout the day. Each child learns important life skills, both personal and social. Every activity is used as an opportunity to learn something new. Our staff helps campers improve their life skills while eating, showering, engaging in conversation, and practicing basic hygiene..
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STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS
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Students Eligible for State Funding
Children and young adults between 5 and 21 years of age enrolled in a 12-month Special Education Program and recommended by their home school district Committee on Special Education are eligible for enrollment in the ESSHC program. If the child's CSE determines is the most appropriate program for the child, school districts are entitled to 80% reimbursement for tuition and/or maintenance from the State Education Department.
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The typical ESSHC State Eligible Student has an intense or severe speech and language impairment; has a special education designation of Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Speech Impaired, Learning Disabled, Mentally Retarded or Multiply Handicapped; and comes has a classroom configuration of 12:1:1, 8:1:1, or 6:1:1 designating the ratio of students teachers to aides.
The students receive speech and language support approximately 150 minutes per we and other related services required in their IEPs.
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Privately-Funded Students
The typical ESSHC Privately Funded Student is in many ways similar to the State funded student with some notable exceptions.
The privately funded students may be students attending general education classes who are looking for a summer filled with fun.
Privately funded students may need some academic support in reading, writing, math, or speech/language. They may be students that participate in a resource room environment for academic support or are part of a self-contained classroom. Privately funded students may participate in a 10-month program rather than a 12-month program or no program at all.
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PROFESSIONAL STAFF
The administrative and teaching staff are certified by the NYS Education Department. Staff counselors (teacher's aides) are college students who are candidates for degrees in areas such as special education, speech pathology and audiology, deaf education, physical education, elementary education and other educational studies. Many teachers and aides are proficient in sign language.
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Electives and Special Activities
There are many activities, trips, and specials guests at Lions Camp Badger. Electives follow immediately after the campers finish their academic day at 3:30 PM. Everyday, the campers attend 2 different electives, each lasting one hour. In the past, these electives have included programs such as fishing, boating, swimming, culture class, music and drama, letter writing, and journalism.
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Special trips are planned throughout the summer for all campers. One of the most anticipated trips is the picnic and nature walk at Watkins Glen State Park. Returning campers look forward to this trip year after year. After a long nature walk, staff and campers have a picnic in the park followed by swimming. Some of our other favorite trips have included bowling, baseball games, train rides, and boat rides. Since there is no school on weekends, sometimes our Activities Director schedules special guests to come visit our camp. We have been fortunate enough to have Heritage Canine search and rescue dogs, Peaches the Clown, Jorge's Percussion, and the Tom Knight Puppets. Who knows what next summer will bring?
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Last, but not least, is the famous weekly Lions Camp Badger Dance. Many of the kids love to dance and look forward to it all week long. This is a time for the kids to shine and dance the night away with their friends.
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Related Services
Many of our campers require physical therapy, occupational therapy, or counseling services. ESSHC does have professional staff to meet these needs. Questions or concerns should be addressed to our staff.
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Cabin Time
In the late afternoon, campers and their counselors return to their cabins for an hour of rest and relaxation. A game room was created in the Wright Building and groups sign up by cabin to take turns during this time period. Some cabin groups will choose to take this time to do activities and games together. Other cabin groups will use the time to write home or rest. Every weekend the cabins are judged for awards. As you can imagine, with such a busy schedule many cabin groups will utilize this time to tidy up.
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Meal Times
Before entering the dinning hall, campers and staff practice good hygiene by washing their hands with waterless anti-bacterial soap.
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Breakfast is served at 8:00 AM sharp (9:00 AM on the weekends)
Lunch is at 12 Noon (1:00 PM on the weekends)
Dinner is served buffet style or family style.
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Special Accommodations
Lions Camp Badger does have special accommodations for certain needs.
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- Our summer program has a full time medical staff who distribute medications throughout the day.
- For those campers who are deaf or heard of hearing, interpreters and Teletype writers (TTY) are provided.
- Special diets can be accommodated through special arrangements. ·
- Most of the activities and trips are modified to accommodate those with physical limitations.
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If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact our office.
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Opportunities
There are many opportunities to get involved in the spirit of Lions Camp Badger. Are you interested in coming for a week to observe or volunteer? We are always looking for enthusiastic people to hop aboard. Summer employment positions are available for counselors and teachers. If you are interested in becoming a part of the Lions Camp Badger team, please contact us.
