Question 1

How many campers are there?

Accepted Answer

We have 50-55 campers in each session.

Question 2

What is the camper to counselor ratio?

Accepted Answer

There are 4 bunks with 12-14 campers in each bunk. Each bunk has 8 counselors.  The campers in the bunks vary in their care needs with camper to counselor ratios of 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 and 1:4.  We are very conciencious to make sure that we have enough counselors to help with all of the campers needs.

Question 3

How are campers divided?

Accepted Answer

Our campers are divided into four bunks based on age and gender. The girls bunks are "Red Liberty" and "Pink Stars" for older and younger groups respectively. Older boys are in "Blue Braves" while the younger boys are in "Green Justice."

Question 4

How many children are in each bunk?

Accepted Answer

There are about 12-14 campers in each bunk. However, this number varies depending on the care needs of the campers enrolled in that session. This flexibility allows us to ensure our counselors are able to comfortably provide each childs needs.

Question 5

My child is not comfortable staying overnight, can they come for the day only?"

Accepted Answer

Sure! If you are able to provide your child's transportation to and from camp during the day and would like them to be a day camper, please note that when completing the enrollment application.

Question 6

Will my child need money while at camp?

Accepted Answer

Nope! All camp costs are covered in the tuition. Please do not send your child to camp with money. We have lots of in-house supplies and if they need anything we'll buy if for them.

Question 7

What sort of campers come to SFAH?

Accepted Answer

SFAH is a camp for the physically challenged. There a very few true camps for the physically challenged and we work passionately to ensure that this a place where the physically challenged can be with their peers.  While their care needs vary most of the campers have cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or muscular dystrophy. Other diagnosis that are a physical disability in nature are accepted.

Question 8

What sort of staff work at SFAH?

Accepted Answer

The staff who work here come to us from many backgrounds and have to undergo a rigorous interview and vetting process before they accepted. We work all year to bring in the best staff that we can find and we draw from right across the US, as well as Europe, to make this happen.  Most of the seasonal staff who work her are college students working towards related fields. 
So they will be students of occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech theapy, special education teachers or pre-med. Once at camp they have to undergo, and pass, a rigourous training week. After this they will work with the campers in a supervised capacity, usually working in teams that are at least 50% returning staff.

Question 9

Can I communicate with my child while they are at camp?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately your child will not be able to make or receive phone calls while at camp. Cell phones are not allowed. Not only are cell phones expensive, and can get lost or stolen, but their use interferes with a campers overall experience at camp. Time spent on devices is at the expense of forming new relationships with fellow campers and counselors. Summer camp is a unique opportunity for campers to make friends and have fun in the outdoors without being constantly immersed in a digital world. Although this may be tough we do encourage written correspondence! Letters can be mailed to camp or emailed to the camp office. These are printed and distributed at 8am every day. If your child writes back we will email you a photo or dictation of their letter.  Please be sure to check out the camps communication policy for more information.

Question 10

What if it's my childs first time away from home? Can I speak to them on the phone?

Accepted Answer

Please understand that our staff work very hard to help new campers feel comfortable and safe. Oftentimes speaking to parents may hinder or disrupt their progress, so we kindly ask that you help. However, we understand that this is also a difficult transition for you so we are more than happy to provide you with regular updates and photos upon request.  Plus if we ever find ourselves in a situation where you camper really needs to talk to you, we will call you.

Question 11

What will my child be doing while they are at camp?

Accepted Answer

They'll be busy! Camp has a varied and packed daytime activity routine with a wide array of activities for campers to enjoy. After breakfast campers usually do two activites in the morning, then after lunch they will do another three activities, one of which is usually swimming. After dinner there is another large stage activity for the camp as a whole.  Additionally there are clubs that run through the lunch hour, a trip director who organizes off-site trips, and an adaptive sailing program.   The activities and trips themselves vary widely and once we get to know your child we tend to organize thier day around trying new things, as well as making sure they have lots of access to their favorites. Campers usually go on one to two trips a week, including the beach. On site activities range from sportsy, to artsy, to just plain silly! They definately will be busy!

Contact Us

(631) 283-5847

Frequently Asked Questions

SOUTHAMPTON FRESH AIR HOME

Serving Youth With Physical Disabilities for 120 Years

Southampton, NY Established in 1901