Dear Parents,
As Summer 2024 approaches, the John J. Nerden RTC Camp staff is happy to welcome back our many
old friends, and reach out to the new ones by sending out our camper application. As a refresher for
returning families, and to first time camper families, we send along the following information to help
you prepare for a great camp season: Camp will run from June 24 - August 9, 2024
1.ELIGIBILITY: Children and adults with intellectual disabilities are eligible to enroll at camp.
Camper age may range from 6 years through adulthood. Eligible campers are those who the camp
directors feel will benefit from the program, and whose behavior will not seriously interfere with the
physical and material welfare of other campers, volunteers, or staff. Eligibility decisions are made at
the sole discretion of the camp directors and may be changed at any time throughout the summer
season, if needed.
2. CAMPER APPLICATION: Please complete and return. Applications must be mailed to P.O. Box
2617, Meriden, CT 06450. Applications must be received by May 31st or brought to the Open House on
Saturday, June 1st between 2:00-4:00 pm. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Please note:
No child will be allowed at camp without access to parent or emergency contact person by phone
at all times.
3. REGISTRATION: Camp is open for 7 weeks. Campers can sign up for any days/weeks that work
for their schedule. This application will be reviewed by the Camp Directors and medical staff. You will
be contacted if there are questions concerning the application. For returning campers once paperwork is
sent in, unless you hear from us, your child MAY begin camp on June 24, 2024. New campers are not
allowed to start unless there has been a confirmation from the director that the camper is all set.
4. MEDICAL FORMS: Please have your child's Doctor complete the attached forms. (A copy of the
school physical done within the last three years is acceptable.) The Medical Forms MUST accompany
the application in order for your child to attend camp and must be signed by a parent and physician.
Please be sure to sign ALL MEDICAL FORMS. Medical Forms I, II and III are to be completed
and signed by the medical doctor.
5. MEDICATION: If your child is required to take medication at camp, a copy of the Doctor's
prescription MUST accompany the original pharmacy bottle. This must be brought on the first day.
Meds must be dropped off/ picked up by a parent or guardian
6. ABUSE AND NEGLECT: It is the policy of the John J. Nerden RTC Camp to follow the state law
and report child abuse or neglect. A full and complete written statement of our policy and procedure is
posted at camp.
The John J. Nerden Regional Training Center Camp, Inc. is a community supported facility for people with intellectual disabilities
All forms must be completely filled out and signed before a child can attend camp.
7. TRANSPORTATION: For Meriden/Wallingford residents, please refer to the Bus Schedule. Please
write YOUR bus stop on the camper application. Scheduled times for pick-up and return may vary
slightly the first week, as we try to accommodate all of our campers. It is recommended that you arrive
at the bus stop 10-15 minutes early. Please indicate what the transportation will be if not one of our
buses.
8. CLOTHING/PERSONAL BELONGINGS: Please clearly label all clothing. A bathing suit and
towel are needed daily. Sneakers are required. No flip flops or sandals please. If your child is prone to
accidents, please send a change of clothes. Please also send in sunscreen. We recommend keeping a
sweatshirt in campers’ bags for cooler weather conditions. We are not responsible for any lost or stolen
items and strongly discourage bringing any valuables to Camp; this includes cell phones, electronic
devices and toys.
9. LUNCH: Campers need to bring a bag lunch with a drink every day.
10. CAMP HOURS: Camp runs from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Campers may begin arriving by bus or
other transportation at 8:55 am.. Please note we do not accept drop offs before 8:55 am. Buses leave
camp at 3:00 PM. If a camper has their own transportation they need to be picked up at 3:00 PM, and
need to check out with camp directors before leaving. Our camp activities of Arts & Crafts, Music,
Outdoor Recreation, Indoor Recreation and Swimming begin at 10:00 AM preceded by Opening
Ceremonies at 9:30 AM.
11. REACH: This will be the twenty-fifth year of our REACH PROGRAM (Recreational Entertainment After
Camp Hours). This program of special activities and dinner runs from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday and
Thursday for five weeks out of the seven-week session. All participating campers will be picked up by parents at
8:00 PM. *If your child is selected to participate for a REACH Night, an application form will be sent home
with your child. This program costs $15 per session.
*Camper participation in REACH is by invitation only at the discretion of the Camp Directors.
12. RAINY DAYS/SEVERE HEAT: Please use your judgment in sending your child to camp on a
rainy day. Even though we are open on rainy days, we have limited indoor facilities. Directors may
make the decision that the Rainy Day program is not appropriate for certain campers. Parents should be
prepared to make alternate arrangements if necessary. Additionally, when severe heat is forecasted, we
may send home a notice discouraging attendance due to limited facilities with air conditioning.
13. OPEN HOUSE: We will host an Open House on Saturday, June 1st from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. We
strongly encourage all new families to attend.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call Director Sue Chenard at (203) 631-8948 or Asstistant
Director Rebecca Hanlon at (203) 631-2672. Our Camp Board of Directors and Camp Staff are looking
forward to another great summer.
Sincerely,
