Summer Mental Health Programs for Kids in New Jersey

Summer camps in New Jersey offer programs designed to address the needs of children with many different kinds of mental health concerns. From self-esteem issues to grief counseling, therapeutic relaxation and mental health disabilities such as ADD and autism, special needs summer camps cater to a range of mental health needs with special attention given to the emotional needs of children. Camps are designed for children with mild mental health needs and are not offered in conjunction with research or medical centers.

Camp Chatterbox

• Camp Chatterbox is a summer camp offered as part of the Fairview Lake YMCA summer camp program. Camp Chatterbox is an overnight camp that caters to children suffering from mild autism or other disorders affecting speech. Children who use augmentative communication devices are welcome. Camp activities are designed for children and their parents and focus on speech exercises as well as socialization skills. The camp is a week-long program and the $850 fee per child includes the cost of workshops for one parent.

  Camp Chatterbox

  P.O. Box 8310

  Red Bank, NJ 07701

  908-301-5451

  campchatterbox.org

Comfort Zone Camp

• Comfort Zone Camp operates in several states, including New Jersey. The camps are designed for children ages 7 to 17 who have lost a parent, sibling or primary caregiver. Camp tuition is free and the mission of the camp is to provide grieving children with a supportive and safe community in which to deal with and understand their grief. Comfort Zone Camp activities are a blend of traditional summer camp activities such as biking and swimming as well as sharing and grief circles and memorial activities that deal with the children's loss and emotional pain.

  Comfort Zone Camp

  110B Meadowlands Parkway, Suite 301

  Secaucus, NJ 07094

  201-867-2077

  comfortzonecamp.org

The Christian Overcomers

• The Christian Overcomers is an organization that seeks to bring spiritual comfort to mentally and physically disabled teens and adults. The Christian Overcomers offer several retreats that focus on therapeutic mental relaxation and organize a two-session summer camp. Relaxation, fun and community acceptance are the focuses of the Christian Overcomers' activities and many of the activities are self-esteem building. The organization also hosts events during other seasons, all of which attempt to fully integrate young adults with disabilities with their wider communities.

  The Christian Overcomers, Inc.

  P.O. Box 2007

  Garfield, NJ 07026

  973-253-2343

  christian-overcomers.org