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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Bournelyf Special Camp?
- Whom does Bournelyf Special Camp serve?
- What opportunities does the Camp offer, and when?
- What is the staff to camper ratio?
- Does the Camp provide transportation?
- What is the tuition?
- Is financial assistance available?
- How do I apply for my child?
- What about behavior specialists?
- Does the Camp have volunteer opportunities available?
1. What is Bournelyf Special Camp?
The Camp is a summer, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. day program promoting the development of each camper’s potential through participation in challenging outdoor activities.
2. Whom does Bournelyf Special Camp serve?
The Camp is offered to youth with special needs, aged 8 to 21. Its program is geared to children and youth classified in the mild to moderate range of the mental retardation spectrum.
3. What opportunities does the Camp offer, and when?
For 8 to 17-year-olds the Camp offers three, two-week sessions, each focussed on a particular activity. For 18 to 21-year-olds the Camp offers a six week, life skills-based program. This summer’s offerings, as well as their dates, can be found on our Programs and Calendar page.
4. What is the staff to camper ratio?
To provide ample personal attention to each camper, there will be a minimum of one full time staff member to four campers.
5. Does the Camp provide transportation?
With a pressing need and available drivers, the Camp will establish pickup/drop off points within 10 miles of Camp. An additional fee would be established for that service. In the past these have included locations such as Downingtown, Lionville, and Paoli. The Camp will provide a general list of those families wishing to carpool.
6. What is the tuition?
For 2010, program fees varied from $525 to $600 for two weeks. There is a $35 non-refundable application fee, and there may be additional fees if transportation from a pickup point is provided. For more information, please visit our Application Information page.
7. Is financial assistance available?
The actual cost of programs is higher than tuitions; as a result, all campers’ participation is subsidized. With respect to tuitions, however, many campers receive funding through their County MH/MR or school district. The Camp also maintains a small financial assistance fund. For more information, please visit our Application Information page.
8. How do I apply for my child?
Printable application forms may be downloaded from this site each year once the camp is accepting new applications. If the forms are not available when you check, please check back. Generally the camp begins accepting applications in March. You may also call the Camp office, 610-692-9027, or email us, to have forms mailed. The application process includes an on-site interview and a physical examination performed by your child’s physician. We recommend waiting until your child has been accepted in the program if he is a new camper before scheduling the physical with your doctor. For more information, please visit our Application Information page.
9. What about behavior specialists?
We strongly discourage scheduling of appointments during the Camp day. Often there is no appropriate space for their work, and in the past campers have to be pulled from their primary activity to accommodate a specialist’s schedule. If there is no alternative other than making an appointment during the Camp day, we require Specialists to schedule time for each visit with the Camp directors at least two Camp days in advance.
10. Does the Camp have volunteer opportunities available?
Yes. We can utilize an extra helping hand in a variety of ways. These include fundraising, community outreach, Camp maintenance, assistance with mailings, filing, and computer input. There are also volunteer opportunities working with campers. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old, and we require an in-person interview with one of the directors. As our insurers respond to concerns in their marketplace, they may require background record checks for volunteers working directly with our campers. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Jennifer, our camp administrator, by calling 610-692-9027, or emailing her.