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SPECIAL CARES CAMP AT CAMP MAHACKENO

Camp Mahackeno offers our Special Cares program to campers who require a 1:1 aide for camp. This program is intended to benefit campers whose special needs would otherwise prevent them from enjoying the summer camp experience. Our mission is to create an inclusive, supportive, and safe environment where all campers can thrive, make friends, and have fun.

There are specific guidelines designed to ensure that as many special needs campers as possible are given access to the program and that the program is the right camp experience for your child. The Camp Mahackeno Special Cares Program Handbook contains the full policies and procedures to guide parents through our inclusion philosophy, registration policies, supports, and expectations. Please make sure to read it in full.

The policies contained in this Camp Mahackeno Parent Handbook are pertinent to all Camp Mahackeno campers and families, including those participating in the Special Cares program.

GRADES: K-5
MON – FRI | 8:30AM-3:00PM
COST PER WEEK OF CAMP
WEEKS 1-8
Members: $560 | Community Members: $665

SPECIAL CARES AT MINI MACK: FOR AGES 3-6*
*3 years through children entering 1st Grade

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**NEW** SPECIAL CARES REGISTRATION PROCESS

Camp Mahackeno has Special Cares for weeks 1-8 only (not Week 9).
There is no Pre- or Post-Care Option for Special Cares.
Registration limited to 4 weeks of camp and is by Waitlist Only. Offers of placement from the waitlist will begin in late January and early February after a review of camper documentation.
Camper’s IEP’s, Behavioral Report and a parent completed Special Cares Assessment Form must be submitted by January 23 for the registration to be complete. These will be reviewed by Camp Administration and, if deemed necessary, a parent registration meeting with Camp Administrators may be requested to determine whether our camp is adequate for your camper’s needs.
The Camp Director has sole discretion to issue final approval of registration or to decline to admit a camper to the Special Cares Program. Our priority is to ensure your camper has a safe, productive and fun experience at camp and the determination of whether we can provide the services necessary for your camper’s specific needs is our primary goal.

SPECIAL CARES CAMP TESTIMONIALS

I cannot say enough great things about what Camp Mahackeno has meant to my child with ADHD/ ASD. Mahackeno Special Cares offers the genuine camp experience to my son who is so often locked out of neurotypical experiences because he needs extra supervision and assistance processing ‘life’ in real time. Instead of the usual “sorry, we can’t accommodate” or exorbitant price tag that accompanies any inclusive class or activity, Mahackeno gives us patient, compassionate counselors, direct communication and problem-solving partnership; and most of all, an opportunity for my child to safely, happily participate in completely normal summer fun with other children. Priceless.

-A Special Cares Family, 2025

“I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for the incredible experience our son, Apollo, had at Camp Mahackeno this summer through the Special Cares program. From the moment I learned that such a program existed to provide children like my autistic son with equal access to outdoor adventures, I knew Mahackeno was the right place for him!

The staff’s responsiveness, care, and commitment—both leading up to and throughout the camp—far exceeded my expectations. As a veteran teacher with high standards for neurodiversity-affirming practices, I continue to be deeply impressed by the way the team ensured accessibility across all camp areas, accommodated Apollo’s sensory needs, and maintained open, thoughtful communication at every step.

Apollo had an absolute blast—canoeing, swimming, and joining in group activities with confidence and joy. Knowing that my son was safe and the staff was attentive and genuinely caring gave me tremendous peace of mind as a parent. Luka, his counselor, was a HUGE asset to my son’s tremendous growth over this past summer. Thank you for always being so thoughtful, accommodating and caring, Luca! Apollo is your friend forever!

I wholeheartedly recommend Camp Mahackeno’s Special Cares program to any family seeking an inclusive and supportive camp experience.”

-The Apazidis Family, 2025