Since its beginning, Camp Greentop has met the individual needs of children and adults of all abilities.
Established in 1937, Camp Greentop is one of the oldest residential camps specifically designed for children and adults with physical and multiple disabilities. Camp Greentop accepts campers from age 7 and up with a wide range of abilities. Camp Greentop is licensed by the State of Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and accredited by the American Camp Association.
Camp Greentop’s mission is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults through recreational activities provided in a safe and supportive environment. We are committed to combining traditional camp experiences with innovative programs designed to promote the independence and personal growth of all participants and staff.
Located on 200 acres in the beautiful Catoctin Mountain National Park, six miles west of Thurmont, Maryland, Camp Greentop offers a traditional, rustic camp experience. Camp Greentop offers a wide variety of activities such as swimming, arts and crafts, nature, music, adventure, sports and games, recreational horseback riding and adult trips.
The League’s Therapeutic Recreation program was created in January 2003 to give individuals with disabilities assessments and individualized plans for maintaining ad improving their leisure lifestyle. Examples of programs include sailing, assisted travel, and pioneering experiences that focus on self-determination. Therapeutic Recreation s a prime example of The League’s “out of the box” thinking.
Therapeutic Recreation programs are designed to deliver programming that focuses on individuals’ needs and support the individual to develop or strengthen leisure skills. The Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists and Interns work with clients to achieve goals related to physical, cognitive, social and affective abilities. We are able to provide programming to youth, adults and families.
Eligibility
The League’s Camping & Therapeutic Recreation programs are designed for children and adults who have physical, cognitive, affective or multiple disabilities as well as the needs of the individuals’ families. If you are a new participant to a program, an administrator will review your application and arrange an interview with your primary caregiver prior to acceptance. For camp programs, all participants must be able to be successful in a 2:1 camper to counselor ratio. If 1:1 services are required at all times, an additional fee will be applied to camp tuition. There are limited spaces for 1:1 assistance. For Therapeutic Recreation and other programs, participants should be able to be successful in a 3:1 participant to counselor ratio.
1. How do I enroll in Camping and Therapeutic Recreation programs?
This year it’s even easier to register… do it online at www.campgreentop.org. Then, simply click on the registration link and fill out the required information. Or, if you choose, you can still register by mail. Call (410) 323-0500 ext. 366 to request a program guide and application.
2. How can I arrange finances to attend programs?
Financial assistance may be available through service organizations such as The ARC, United Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy Associaition, and any rolling access or respite finances. Some participants also have monies come from their church, community organizations, or a friendly donation.
3. Does The League provide scholarships to first time and returning participants?
Yes, The League works hard to gather donations which allow us to grant over 100 scholarships ranging from $100-$200 and some full scholarships for one or two weeks at camp.
4. What do I need to pack?
We will send you a packing list along with your confirmation letter. This list is not a limit as to what you may pack, but just a step in ensuring that all necessary items are brought. It’s also a way to eliminate lost and found items. Please bring communication devices and adaptive equipment. We encourage electronic games or steros to be left at home.
5.How much additional spending money should participants bring to a Travel Program or a Summer Camp session for adults going on trips?
During youth and non-trip adult sessions, money is only needed for the camp store. Most campers bring between $20-$40, depending on what they would like to buy. Our camp store consists of t-shirts, sweatshirts, shorts, hats, visors, flippy-fliers, carabiners, and much more!
During adult sessions, campers typically bring between $120-$200. The money is used for the various trips we offer, including but not limited to, Orioles Baseball, Charlestown Racetrack, dinner theatres, tubing, rafting, sailing, bowling, and outdoor concerts. Adult campers also get the opportunity to shop in our camp store. Prior to the beginning of camp, all adult campers will get a list of trips being offered for their session and the associated costs.
Participants on Therapeutic Recreation Travel Programs will be informed of the minimum amount to bring depending on the varying itineraries. It is common for Travelers to bring $150 - $300 for additional food and spending money.
6. Do Camping and Therapeutic Recreation staff assist participants with all of their needs to assure a successful experience that promotes independence?
Staff are trained to communicate with participants to deliver a wide variety of assistance to those who need it, assuring a successful experience in the camp or trip environment. The administration monitors the staffs’ skills of delivering assistance with transferring, behavior modification and ADL’s.
During camp programs the 2:1 camper to counselor ratio allows for counselors to be available to assist with all campers personal needs. We are also able to offer 1:1 support on a limited basis. Groups of 6 campers make up a cabin group and each cabin group has specific counselors who support their campers. This arrangement allows the campers to get the support they need while being as independent as possible.
During travel programs a ratio or 3:1 travelers to staff allows for successful experience.
If a participant and their family feel comfortable with the amount of care we are able to provide through the counselors and nursing staff, then the participant is enrolled and successfully supported throughout the experience.
7. What sort of medical support do you offer at camp?
Health Services is a big part of camp. We have a Registered Nurse at camp and a physician on-call 24 hours a day. We also have additional Registered Nurses, LPN’s and Health Center Assistants that aid and complement our Health Services staff. Our Health Services staff members are diligent in making sure each camper’s individual medical needs are met. If you have specific questions about our medical procedures or our Health Services staff, contact Camping & Therapeutic Recreation.
During travel programs we have staff trained in Medication Administration, CPR, and First Aid. Travel staff members have also completed a year or more as summer camp staff and received 7 days of specific trainings in addition to their 2 months of camp counselor responsibilities.
8. Who are your staff and how are they trained?
Our full-time, year-round staff include an Executive Director, Director and Program Specialist. These professionals have over 25 years of combined experience in running camp and recreational programs. Each summer, Camping and Therapeutic Recreation welcomes over 75 talented staff from across the country and the world. Our summer camp staff members are primarily college students majoring in a variety of fields from computer science, therapeutic recreation, special education, business, or social work. All of our staff complete an application process, reference and background checks and actively participate in an intensive 7-day orientation prior to camp beginning.
9. What is Therapeutic Recreation?
Therapeutic Recreation is a discipline that focuses on recreation as a rehabilitative medium. The activities created for camp and travel programs are designed to support physical, cognitive, social and affective skills. Activities encourage awareness of leisure and support leisure skills. All of this happens while on a fun-filled trip or while exploring beautiful Camp Greentop.