Through direct service youth programs and highly regarded training programs for adults, Ramapo has an impressive 102-year track record of working on behalf of young people, whose behaviors put them at risk of being relegated to the margins of their schools and communities. At the heart of Ramapo’s work is the conviction that all people seek the same things: to be in community, to learn, feel valued, and experience success. Ramapo helps the adults in children’s lives, including educators and caregivers, see the behaviors they experience as challenging through the lens of meeting needs, developing skills and building community, and provides a set of tools for creating environments in which all young people can experience success as they define it.
Camp Ramapo, Ramapo for Children's flagship program, provides a traditional residential summer camp experience for young people- children, teenagers, and young adults- who have difficulty building and maintaining healthy relationships and who would struggle in a less supportive setting. Some of our campers are on the Autism Spectrum, some have mental health diagnoses, and others come to us after experiencing significant trauma or stress. The program is carefully structured to help our campers with special needs learn to live within a group, form healthy friendships, develop self-confidence, and experience success.
In addition to residential camp, Ramapo for Children runs community programs that serve children and families in the area, year-round programming for young adults with disabilities, and an adventure-based retreats program.
To learn more about Ramapo for Children, visit: www.ramapoforchildren.org