Camp SteppingStone

Camp SteppingStone provides a six-week educational day program to students, ages 3 to 22 who have moderate to intensive developmental delays. This program is located on the shores of Stiles Pond in Boxford on property leased from the Town of Boxford. All eight buildings are handicapped accessible. The camp runs daily from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The waterfront provides the opportunity to schedule both therapeutic and individualized swimming sessions on a daily basis. A WSI certified waterfront coordinator oversees all swimming and boating activities. Goals are prioritized from the student's educational plan and carried over throughout the summer session. The program encourages parent participation and maintains close communication with families on a daily basis. Staffing includes certified special education teachers, counselors, counselors in training (CIT), water safety instructors, three full-time registered nurses, a full-time camp director and full-time specialists. These specialists include occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy and vision therapy.

The therapy services are provided using an integrated model of service delivery. Camp SteppingStone is located next to a YMCA camp. Opportunities for interaction with peers at the YMCA camp are encouraged.

The goals for Camp SteppingStone are:

• to provide students with a fun, age appropriate summer educational program that meets Massachusetts Department of Education standards
• to utilize the natural environment for the teaching and maintenance of skills and to prevent the loss of previously acquired skills
• to provide students with summer experiences that would be similar to age-appropriate peers
• to incorporate the use of the waterfront and its facilities as a means of meeting educational objectives.