Camp Chatterbox is an intensive therapy camp for children, ages 5 -15, who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices and a training program for their parents. It is sponsored by the Children's Specialized Hospital in Mountainside, NJ. Founded in 1992 by Joan Bruno, Ph.D., Camp Chatterbox gives children an opportunity to interact with other children using AAC systems while learning to use their devices in functional activities.
The mission of Camp Chatterbox is (1) to help children become more interactive with their AAC devices and to have fun in the process; and (2) to help parents gain the necessary skills to facilitate functional device use at home and in the community.
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Each year Camp has a different theme that provides the framework for all therapy and recreational activities. These activities are designed to facilitate device use in a fun and functional environment. During a typical day at Camp Chatterbox, a camper will be involved in a range of therapeutic activities which promote communication and peer interaction. Therapy sessions are conducted in a group format. Campers are grouped with children of similar ages and abilities. Device use is encouraged throughout the day in the full range therapeutic and recreational activities. Campers also enjoy activities such as swimming, boating, fishing and sports. At lunchtime campers have an opportunity to use their devices to make announcements to all campers, parents and staff. This provides an excellent opportunity for initiated communication. Each evening, siblings, parents, and staff join the campers as they participate in a range of fun activities such as campfires, dances and team activities. Camp typically ends with an "All-Camp Talent Show".
Facilities and Location
Camp Chatterbox uses the facilities of the Fairview Lake YMCA Camp and Conference Center, located at the base of the Kittatinny Mountains in Stillwater, Sussex County, New Jersey. Its 600-acre site with its 110-acre lake remains a virtually unspoiled natural wonderland that adjoins the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Fairview Lake YMCA is accredited by the American Camping Association and licensed by the State of New Jersey. Camper will reside in The Birch Unit which has four duplex buildings that sleep a total of 84 people. Meals are prepared by skilled cooks and bakers adding a home cooked taste to every meal and feature home-made soups and salad bars. Fresh fruit is available for breakfast and lunch, and vegetarian options are provided at every meal.
Each year Camp has a different theme that provides the framework for all therapy and recreational activities. These activities are designed to facilitate device use in a fun and functional environment. During a typical day at Camp Chatterbox, a camper will be involved in a range of therapeutic activities which promote communication and peer interaction. Therapy sessions are conducted in a group format. Campers are grouped with children of similar ages and abilities. Device use is encouraged throughout the day in the full range therapeutic and recreational activities. Campers also enjoy activities such as swimming, boating, fishing and sports. At lunchtime campers have an opportunity to use their devices to make announcements to all campers, parents and staff. This provides an excellent opportunity for initiated communication. Each evening, siblings, parents, and staff join the campers as they participate in a range of fun activities such as campfires, dances and team activities. Camp typically ends with an "All-Camp Talent Show".
Camp Chatterbox uses the facilities of the Fairview Lake YMCA Camp and Conference Center, located at the base of the Kittatinny Mountains in Stillwater, Sussex County, New Jersey. Its 600-acre site with its 110-acre lake remains a virtually unspoiled natural wonderland that adjoins the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Fairview Lake YMCA is accredited by the American Camping Association and licensed by the State of New Jersey. Camper will reside in The Birch Unit which has four duplex buildings that sleep a total of 84 people. Meals are prepared by skilled cooks and bakers adding a home cooked taste to every meal and feature home-made soups and salad bars. Fresh fruit is available for breakfast and lunch, and vegetarian options are provided at every meal.