Camp Hope, East Hanover, NJ

For decades, New Jersey families have sought enriching, supportive, and truly fun summer experiences for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Look no further than Camp Hope, a premier summer day camp program located right here in East Hanover, NJ. Operated by The Arc of Essex County, Camp Hope has been a beacon of inclusion, compassion, and kindness since 1956, fostering achievement and creating lasting memories for campers across the region. It is more than just a camp; it is a vital, rewarding community where every camper, regardless of age or ability, can tackle new goals, build self-confidence, and enjoy the pure joy of a traditional summer camp experience.

This facility understands the unique needs of its campers, providing a specialized eight-week program that perfectly blends essential life skills development with high-energy recreational activities. From the glowing reviews of parents and staff, it is clear that the work done here—delivered with immense love, compassion, and kindness—makes a profound difference. This is a place where every child and young adult is seen, supported, and celebrated for their individuality, ensuring a safe, engaging, and enriching time from Monday through Friday.

Location and Accessibility

Camp Hope benefits from a highly accessible location in the heart of Morris County, making it convenient for families residing throughout northern and central New Jersey. The camp is situated on a dedicated six-acre property that is thoughtfully designed to be fully accessible and welcoming to all individuals.

The physical address is 127 Cedar St, East Hanover, NJ 07936, USA. This central location in East Hanover places the facility near key regional roadways, which is crucial for families navigating daily transportation during the eight-week summer session. For eligible campers residing in Essex County and surrounding areas, transportation services are often provided, significantly easing the logistical burden for parents and caregivers. The camp is situated in a pleasant residential neighborhood, offering a quiet, secure, and dedicated environment focused entirely on the campers’ experience. From the moment they arrive, whether by car or provided transportation, the fully-equipped, modern campus ensures seamless access to all activity areas, including the updated playground and pool facilities, prioritizing safety and ease of movement for everyone.

Services Offered

Camp Hope provides a structured, therapeutic, and fun-filled day camp experience that runs for approximately eight weeks during the summer season, generally Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Please check current seasonal guides for exact dates and times). Key services are specifically designed to maximize camper engagement and support:

Dedicated Age Groups: The program serves children as young as age 5, through adolescents, and continues to provide an enriching camping experience for adults over the age of 21 with I/DD.
Specialized Staffing Ratios: To ensure individualized attention and safety, the camp maintains specialized staff-to-camper ratios. Typically, this includes a 1:3 ratio for younger children (ages 5–12), 1:5 for adolescents (ages 13–20), and 1:6 for adults (ages 21+), with each group led by an experienced leader.
One-to-One Support: For campers whose needs exceed the general group ratios, limited one-to-one counselor support is available for an additional fee, as determined during the mandatory intake and application process.
On-Site Medical Oversight: A Camp Medical Director is employed on-site each day the camp is in session. This full-time health professional manages medication administration, provides first aid, and handles medical assessments, ensuring a high standard of care.
Academic Enrichment (ESY): In addition to traditional camp activities, The Arc of Essex County often offers an Extended School Year (ESY) Summer Day Program at Camp Hope, supervised by a certified teacher. This program combines an academic period with themed camp activities to maintain and enhance learning.
Communication with Families: The camp staff provides regular updates, including periodic “Notes from Camp Hope” sent home with campers, and a weekly newsletter emailed to all camp families, ensuring parents remain informed and connected.
Meal Support: While campers are required to bring a labeled lunch, the camp provides refrigeration and microwave access to heat food as needed, along with water provided throughout the day and occasional afternoon snacks.

Features / Highlights

Camp Hope’s success lies in its fully-equipped, accessible facilities and its commitment to diverse, engaging programming run by activity specialists.

State-of-the-Art Accessible Facilities: Following a complete renovation in 2017, the camp boasts a modern, fully accessible campus featuring a new, accessible-friendly playground, a fun splash pad, and an expanded recreation field.
Beach Entry Swimming Pool: A highlight of the aquatic program is the zero-entry swimming pool, which provides easy, safe access for all campers regardless of their mobility needs. Certified lifeguards oversee all swimming activities.
Specialized Enrichment Programs: Campers rotate through a schedule of core activities led by activity specialists who are passionate about their area of expertise. These enrichment areas include Aquatics, Sports, Music, Art & Crafts, and Science & Nature.
Focus on Skill Development: Activities are intentionally designed not just for fun, but also to promote social interaction, peer engagement, and the development of crucial skills such as taking turns, following directions, and practicing proper social etiquette.
Themed Days and Special Events: Each week incorporates a special theme to guide activities and create a vibrant atmosphere. Special, large-scale events throughout the summer, such as a Talent Show, Camp BBQ, and an End-of-Summer Dance, bring the entire camp community together for shared celebration.
Comprehensive Staff Training: Every staff member undergoes an intensive pre-camp orientation and training, covering critical topics like CPR/First Aid, crisis prevention, and best practices for working with individuals with I/DD, ensuring a professional and prepared team.

Contact Information

For information regarding enrollment, applications, tours, or general inquiries about the program for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities:

Address: 127 Cedar St, East Hanover, NJ 07936, USA

General Office Phone: (973) 535-1181 (Please note that different extensions are available for various staff members responsible for registration and camp management.)

Dedicated Summer Camp Line (Check seasonal guide for direct summer-only number, but the general number above is the primary year-round contact for The Arc of Essex County).

Conclusion: Why Camp Hope is Suitable for Locals

For New Jersey families living with the unique joys and challenges of raising a child or supporting an adult with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Camp Hope in East Hanover is an essential local resource. Its deep roots in the community—operating since 1956 under the stewardship of The Arc of Essex County—mean it offers unparalleled expertise, trust, and dedication. This is not a distant, unfamiliar facility; it is a specialized, supportive, and accessible campus conveniently located within the North Jersey region, often providing critical transportation options that simplify summer planning for local families.

Camp Hope provides a crucial opportunity for campers to have a rewarding and traditional summer experience—swimming, playing sports, creating art, and making friendships—all within an environment where they are fully accepted and safe. The rigorous staff training, specialized ratios, and on-site medical professional offer caregivers the peace of mind they deserve, knowing their loved one is receiving compassionate, high-quality care while engaging in meaningful activities. By choosing Camp Hope, New Jersey residents are choosing a local institution that is consistently praised for the love and dedication it pours into its campers, helping them to grow, socialize, and truly shine. It is a true local gem that fulfills a vital need for the special needs community.