Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck

 

Founded in 1946 by the Rotary Club of the Moriches, Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck was originally designed for the area’s young victims of polio. Since then the structure of the camp has evolved, but our mission has always been the same, “to help children with special needs achieve equality, dignity, and maximum independence through a safe and quality program of camping, recreation, and education in a summer-time environment and to have fun.” Our Motto is “Summer is for Everyone.”

 

June 28, 2018

 

Dear Friend:

 

 Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck is an extraordinary sleep-away summer camp in Center Moriches, New York. With 37 acres located on the shores of Kaler’s Pond, Long Island, our camp is unique in that, for 72 years, we have catered to the needs of children and young people with special needs.

 

Founded in 1946 by the Rotary Club of the Moriches, Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck was originally designed for the area’s young victims of polio. Since then the structure of the camp has evolved, but our mission has always been the same, “to help children with special needs achieve equality, dignity, and maximum independence through a safe and quality program of camping, recreation, and education in a summer-time environment and to have fun.” Our Motto is “Summer is for Everyone.”

 

Many children affected by autism, cerebral palsy, physical and developmental disabilities and other challenges have nowhere to go during their time off from school. Summer camp gives them a break from school, treatments, and possible family issues, while retaining the structure and routine they depend on.

 

Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck provides a supportive environment that encourages youngsters to reach beyond the limits of their special needs and join with their fellow campers in activities designed to enhance their lives. Typical summer camp activities focus on allowing campers to set goals and achieve success. Summertime pursuits such as swimming, boating, hiking, arts and crafts, games, sports, campfires, cook outs, and environmental education and observation are open to all children and are sometimes tailored to fit a camper’s specific need, allowing them to have some fun with other kids like themselves.  It is amazing to see these children smile, laugh and have fun, achieve success and just be kids for a while.

 

We are always pleasantly surprised by the generosity of those who donate to the camp. Yet, the cost of providing quality programming to youngsters with physical and developmental disabilities can, at times, seem a bit daunting.

 

We try to keep tuitions low because we know that full time care for a special needs child frequently does not leave much in the budget for summertime recreation. The tuition for one child between the ages of 6 and 21 for a one week session is $1,000.  In reality the actual cost to the camp is even greater; last year’s cost was closer to $2,000 per camper. Overall, Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck spends upwards of $900,000 annually to provide 12 week-long sessions for over 450 special needs children.

 

We are continuing to make upgrades and improvements to our camp.   We also offer in the fall and winter a weekend respite program.  Campers arrive on Friday night and stay until Sunday.  This program is held twice a month and will expand to more weekends per month as demand increases.  Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck is working to be a year-round resource for children with special needs and their parents.

 

It is our belief that all people, regardless of ability level, have the right to opportunities found in the world around them. We, at Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck, are continually striving to bring educational and recreational opportunities to those who may not otherwise have them. It is our hope that with your support we will be able to reach more families and continue to provide a safe, fun place for children with special needs.

 

 

Sincerely,

Steve Kronman, President
Camp Board of Directors