About Camp Simcha Special

Until 2001, overnight summer camp was only a fantasy for children and teens with chronic illnesses and disabilities. Now, the dream has come true.

Every summer, Camp Simcha Special welcomes 230 children and teens with a wide range of multiple diagnoses for two weeks of fun, friendship, and personal growth. Non-stop activities, bunk spirit, singing and dancing encourage independence and build self-confidence. It is a unique opportunity for children fighting chronic illness to build a community of people with whom to share hopes and dreams as they grow.

From baseball to photography and videography, arts and crafts to boating, swimming to rocketry, talent shows to Color War, campers follow their interests and develop new skills in an environment created with them in mind. Each camper has his or her own trained counselor, a guide and special friend who ensures that every minute of camp life exceeds expectations. As a result, Camp Simcha Special is a place where “I can’t” is replaced by “Wow! That was fun!”

The camp’s medical and administrative staffs are experts in caring for children with serious or debilitating chronic disorders. As a result, we can welcome children dependent on wheelchairs or walkers, respirators, gastric tubes and other medical equipment. The camp is fully kosher, and special diets and feeding routines are accommodated.

Camp Simcha is located on a beautiful, 125-acre campus in New York’s scenic Catskill Mountains – take the tour here!