Cathy Carisi’s indefatigable energy runs through everything she does at and for Camp Acorn, her nonprofit program for differently abled individuals. Founded in 2001, Camp Acorn offers various recreational, therapeutic, instructional, and social programs for children and adults throughout the year at its Mahwah location.
Cathy was honored in 2011 with the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award, but her work with the disabled community began long before that, at 17 years old.
“My friends were volunteering at a summer program for disabled children and spoke passionately about it, so I agreed to try it for one day. That day was it for me. The campers brought me so much joy and the work was the missing puzzle piece in my life,” explained Cathy.
She spent the entire summer volunteering there, learning about the campers’ lives, helping them with tasks, and understanding that like her, they were individuals who wanted to be accepted and treated like everyone else.
Cathy returned the next summer as a group counselor and transitioned to working in that organization’s year-round program for 12 years, taking the leadership reins of the entire program within the first four years of her employment.
“I just loved it and couldn’t get enough. I was so connected to all the kids. It was the best thing that ever happened to me,” said Cathy.
Out of that life-changing experience, Camp Acorn was born.
Fostering growth, confidence, and fun
Camp Acorn was founded on the vision that everyone has something to contribute to society and that communities are stronger when they focus on an individual’s ability, rather than their disability.
The organization provides a supportive environment through year-round enrichment programs and meaningful experiences that address the physical, emotional, and social well-being of children and adults with special needs. It currently serves around 100 people from Bergen and Passaic counties.
From its humble beginnings as a Saturday respite program for families, Camp Acorn now offers a nine-week summer camp and monthly dances during the school year, all focused on creating experiences that individuals with special needs are often denied. The participants have physical and developmental disabilities to varying degrees, but Cathy and her team are determined that each person is encouraged to explore new horizons and maximize their potential (and have fun in the process!).
The curriculum includes cooking and life skills classes, horticulture and art therapies, music and drama, sports, games, an adaptive “boot camp” exercise program, computers, and swimming. There are opportunities to go out into the community every year; field trips have included an amusement park, aquarium, the Bronx Zoo, the movies, bowling, miniature golf, plays, and even a “pirate ship.” A whale watching trip is on the calendar for this summer.
Evolving to meet individuals’ and families’ needs
Some of the newer activities and programs at Camp Acorn were created from parents’ input, such as an after-school program, an over-21 program for adults, and the monthly dances (Funky Fridays), when campers are joined by student volunteers from area high schools.
“No one ages out of Camp Acorn,” said Cathy. “We always adapt our offerings to meet the needs of our camp family.” She said that some of the adults who attend programs began as young children who have grown up at and with Camp Acorn.
“People stay with our program for years,” she added. The oldest participant is in his 60s now.
How the Making a Difference Award will make a difference for Camp Acorn
At the time Cathy was honored, the award ceremony was presented in a different format. She did not know in advance that the invitation to attend the event meant that she would be called up on stage to be recognized for her work and given a cash prize.
“I was sitting in the audience with some people I worked with (who had nominated her). When I got called up as an Honoree, I was floored!”
Cathy put the prize she received into the nonprofit’s building fund. The organization currently rents space and plans to purchase its own building in the foreseeable future.
“We have been saving donations toward that goal, which we are very excited about. Winning the award puts us closer to realizing that dream.”Learn more about Camp Acorn at https://campacorn.org.
