It may have been a short week to start the 2024 Camp Hope season, but it was still packed with fun activities for campers of all ages.

With the starting theme of “Holiday Week,” campers spent Monday completing Thanksgiving activities, including turkey crafts and a pie-eating contest. It was a fitting way to begin the summer, as everyone was so thankful to be together again for the season! On Tuesday, a Cinco de Mayo theme meant campers were creating sombrero crafts and decorating Mexican flags, while also enjoying traditional camp activities such as swimming, the splash pad, and games of whiffle ball. On Wednesday, it was a Fourth of July celebration at camp, as activities included firework art and crafting patriotic necklaces. Circus yoga was also part of the activity rotation to close out the week.

Camp was closed Thursday and Friday for the Independence Day holiday. Campers will return on Monday for the theme “Four Seasons in One Week.” Other July theme weeks include “Make a Splash” and “Let’s Take a Trip Around the World.”

Celebrating its 68th summer season, Camp Hope is a seven-week summer day camp for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities located in East Hanover. Operating since 1956, camp runs Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit ArcCampHope.com. To request a tour and for questions regarding the application process, contact Laurie Best, Senior Director of Children & Adult Day Services at (973) 535-1181 x1264 or lbest@arcessex.org.