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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
