About Camp Acorn

Who We Are

A 501(c)3 not-for-profit that serves children and adults with disabilities. A community dedicated to empowering those with developmental disabilities to reach their full potential and live life to the fullest. Camp Acorn is committed to treating these individuals with love, dignity, and respect. Dedicated, passionate people working towards building a society based on acceptance, compassion, and inclusion. That’s us in a nutshell. ~

Our Mission Statement

Camp Acorn’s mission is to provide a supportive environment through enrichment programs that address the physical, emotional, and social well-being of children and adults with developmental disabilities. Our programs help campers build self-esteem, confidence, and life skills that branch into all aspects of their lives.

Our Vision Statement

Camp Acorn is 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. To achieve this we must confront the stigma against those with disabilities and empower them to have experiences that are meaningful. Disability affects people from all walks of life and knows no geographic, economic, or ethnic boundaries. Therefore it does not have to divide people and can be turned into a unifying force to bring diverse groups of people together for a common benefit.

What We Do

Camp Acorn offers enrichment programs year round for those with developmental disabilities in northern New Jersey. Our curriculum offers classes in cooking and life skills, horticulture therapy, art therapy, music and drama, sports, boot camp fitness (an adaptive exercise program), computers, and swimming. Our programs are designed to be challenging yet fun and all activities are adapted to the individual needs of each camper.

For more details please visit the individual program pages. All programs take place at Mahwah NJ 07430.

How We Do It

As a local not-for-profit Camp Acorn relies on the time, energy, and generosity of volunteers and donors. Since our inception in the fall of 2001, well over 5000 volunteers have walked through our doors to work as one-on-one counselors. Our experienced and compassionate staff includes professionals in the field, college students, and high-school students.

We have worked with dozens of schools, local service clubs, religious organizations, large corporations, local businesses, and foundations to achieve our volunteering and fundraising needs.

Join the Cause

Now is a great time to get involved with Camp Acorn! 2022 marks our 20th anniversary of offering high quality programs to the special needs community of northern New Jersey. Looking to volunteer? Send us a Volunteer Application. Interested in supporting the mission? Look through our site and Contact Us for more info.

We look forward to hearing from you!