As we celebrate our 75th anniversary this year, I am reflecting on the grassroots and how impactful it has been and continues to be as we work to effect change. The Arc of New Jersey is driven by the experiences of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Their stories and their life journey is what fuels our advocacy and what propels us toward policy advancements and changes. When we push forward with an action plan, it is the grassroots that echoes our messaging and who makes it clear to legislators and decision-makers why our campaigns are so important and who will be impacted by the changes and improvements we seek. We strive each day to be at the forefront of the issues impacting people with IDD and their families. We hope you know that for 75 years we’ve listened to the needs and concerns of those we represent and we know we can count on you to achieve great things. We are now in the final weeks of the fiscal year and we are pushing for increased funding on a number of fronts. Whether it's moving more people off the Waiting List, increasing wages for our Direct Support Professional workforce, or ensuring camp services for children with IDD, legislators need to know how important these priorities are for our community. Help us again today, as you have for the past 75 years, and make your voice heard by participating in our action alert. With you behind us, I know the incredible impact we can have.

Thomas Baffuto - Executive Director, The Arc of NJ

For 2024, the Children's System of Care (CSOC) will be providing Summer Camp Services to eligible children, youth, and young adults under 21 years of age. These services include Financial Support toward Summer Camp Tuition and One-to-One Aide Services for Summer Camp.

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) and CSOC are offering Alternative Recreational Sessions (ARS) as an additional component of Summer Camp. ARS provides youth an opportunity to engage in a recreational activity with peers within the community, on a per session basis, rather than a full day of camp. This shorter time frame will increase camp access for youth who may benefit from a brief structured period compared to a longer traditional camp day.

Completed applications for CSOC Summer Camp Services (Financial Support toward Summer Camp Tuition and One-to-One Aide Services for Summer Camp) must be postmarked or received by PerformCare no later than June 30th, 2024. Your application must be complete for the services requested for it to be considered.

Parents and Guardians can now apply online for CSOC Summer Camp Services through the PerformCare Family Portal https://apps.performcarenj.org/CYBERPortal/Production/Default.aspx

The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute developed a checklist and guide to help you with CSOC's camp application process. Links, dates and other important information can be found in the materials below.