Camp Shriver - Special Olympics New Jersey

Special Olympics can trace its roots to a backyard summer camp started by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, known as Camp Shriver, five years before the Special Olympics movement began. New Jersey embraces this legacy by hosting our own version of Camp Shriver every summer. Camp Shriver is about fitness, wellness, sports, fun, and learning.

Make sure to complete and send in your Special Olympics New Jersey Participation Packet.

2025 Camp Shriver Options

SONJ Complex Day
1 Eunice Kennedy Shriver Way, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
(1:00 pm – 4:00 pm)
8 yrs old & up

Week 1 – July 7 – July 10
Week 2 – July 14- July 17
Week 3 – July 21 – July 24
Week 4 – July 28 – July 31
Week 5 – August 4 – August 7

SONJ Complex Twilight
1 Eunice Kennedy Shriver Way, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
(5:30 pm – 8:00 pm)
16 yrs old & up

Week 1 – July 7 – July 10
Week 2 – July 14- July 17
Week 3 – July 21 – July 24
Week 4 – July 28 – July 31
Week 5 – August 4 – August 7

Young Athletes SONJ Complex Day
1 Eunice Kennedy Shriver Way, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
(time based on age)
Ages 2-7 yrs old

Week 1 – August 11- August 14

RCSJ Complex Day
Rowan College at Gloucester County
1400 Tanyard Road, Sewell, New Jersey 08080
(1:00 pm – 4:00 pm)
12 yrs old & up

Week 1 – June 30- July 3
Week 2 – July 7- July 10
Week 3 – July 14, 15, & 16 ONLY

Field of Dreams Complex Twilight
RWJBarnabas Health Field of Dreams
1505 N Bay Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08749
(5:30 pm – 8:00 pm)
12 yrs old & up

Week 1 – August 4 – August 7

Ridgewood YMCA Complex Twilight
Ridgewood YMCA
112 Oak Street, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
(5:30 pm – 8:00 pm)
12 yrs old & up

Week 1- July 21- July 24

Supervision

Camp Shriver provides qualified and trained staff and volunteers for athletes, operating at a 2 or 3:1 ratio of staff/volunteers to athletes. If an athlete requires 1:1 support, it is the parent/guardian's responsibility to provide a qualified individual. Although Camp ratios of staff and volunteers may result in 1:1 support, SONJ does not provide or guarantee specific 1:1 aides during any Camp session. Please note that a need for 1:1 support in school does not necessitate a 1:1 aide during Camp Shriver, per se, as the setting is more active than an academic environment. Please contact at the email below if you would like to discuss athlete's potential need for 1:1.

Attendance

Camp Shriver registration is by week. There is no per-day registration. Athletes are expected to attend every day unless ill or have a doctor's appointment. Camp activities are planned based upon athletes attending every day that Camp session is offered.

Uniform

On the first day of Camp, athletes receive one high-quality Camp Shriver t-shirt. Athletes must wear their camp shirt, athletic shorts, and sneakers every day. It is an active Camp and so jeans, sandals, or dresses are NOT appropriate clothing.

Schedules

Consistent late arrivals are not acceptable. Early drop-off and late pick-up are not options for any Camp session. No meals will be served during so please allow time to eat prior to the start of Camp. Transportation must be provided to and from Camp in a timely manner.

Athlete Code of Conduct

All athletes are supervised and supported to best adhere to the Special Olympics Athlete Code of Conduct. Safety is of utmost importance to SONJ. Extreme or aggressive behavior may result in an athlete not being able to participate if behavior plans do not improve behavior.

VOLUNTEER

We’re looking for volunteers for Camp Shriver! Volunteers must be 14 years or older to sign-up (unless otherwise stated). Volunteers positions are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Note – We are using a new volunteer registration system and you will need to create an account. Instructions can be seen here: JPG | PDF