Camp Kinney

What do I need to complete registration?

To complete registration, families must submit relevant documentation, which may include: 

• IEP or 504 Plan
• Psychological assessment
• Recent evaluations
• Behavior Support Plan (if applicable)
• Any other relevant educational or clinical documents 

What happens after I apply?

Once an application is submitted, it is reviewed by our clinical team of BCBAs to ensure Camp Kinney is an appropriate and supportive fit for your loved one. Follow-up meetings with caregivers, educators, and/or service providers may be requested to better understand your child's needs and ensure we can provide meaningful support.

When will I know if my loved one is accepted?

Acceptances are sent on a rolling basis from February through May. All applicants are initially placed on a waitlist. Campers are accepted on staffing availability, which is continually evaluated as we approach the start of camp.

What makes Camp Kinney the right fit for my loved one?

Camp Kinney uses an inclusive, evidence-based model rooted in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Campers receive hands-on support, structured lessons led by professionals, and opportunities to work toward individualized goals while still enjoying a fun and engaging summer camp experience.

Camp Kinney runs from Monday - Thursday. 

Week 1: June 22 - June 25
Week 2: June 29 - July 2
Week 3: July 6 - July 9
Week 4: July 13 - July 16
Week 5: July 20 - July 23
Week 6: July 27 - July 30

Camp Kinney is designed for children ages 5 to 21.

Camp Kinney promotes fun and learning by emphasizing the development of social skills through a naturalistic application of applied behavior analysis (ABA). Activities are both highly structured and fun-filled, utilizing a group lesson plan design format that combines philosophies of special education and ABA to promote effective engagement and learning. Each activity begins with motivational strategies to peak your child’s interest, followed by an explicit model of how to engage in the activity. Your child will learn how to utilize visual supports, reinforcements, and alternative activities if needed. Every child receives a customized visual schedule and/or written lists of their daily schedule, and many opportunities for choices throughout the day.

Campers participate in a balance of structured programming, group activities, and recreation. A sample daily schedule includes: 

• Morning meeting
• Group games
• Arts and crafts
• Sports and recreation
• Music
• Camp-wide activities
• Wrap-up and dismissal

A full schedule will be shared with families prior to the start of camp. 

Is there a pool?

This year, Camp Kinney will not have access to a pool. However, campers will participate in water enrichment activities such as splash pads, water balloons, and water squirters. 

Is lunch provided?

Lunch is not provided. Campers should bring:

• A packed lunch
• A refillable water bottle
• Snacks

Camp Kinney will offer additional snack opportunities such as water ice and edible reinforcement. Please note there is no microwave or refrigerator on site, and lunches will be stored at room temperature. 

Can my child bring personal items to camp?

Yes, however we do ask that these items are kept to a minimum to ensure safe keeping. If your child has a favorite reinforcer, feel free to send it! We will do our best to ensure it is transported daily. Please note, the Kinney Center is not responsible for damaged, broken, or lost items.

Limited space is available. We encourage you to register early. A non-refundable $25.00 application fee is required at time of registration. Please note: We can only accept campers who are coming for two or more consecutive weeks.

1 week at Camp Kinney is $800.

1 week - $800

2 weeks - $1,600

3 weeks - $2,400

4 weeks- $3,200

5 weeks - $4,000

6 weeks - $4,800

A limited number of financial assistance scholarships are available to families with strong financial need, subject to administrative approval.

Families may choose one of the following payment options: 

• Out-of-pocket payment (payment plans available)
• Compensatory Education Funding
• Request school district funding as an Extended School Year (ESY) placement
• Financial Aid

A non-refundable deposit of 1/3 of the total camp fee must be made by 7 days after receiving your acceptance letter, unless other arrangements have been made with the Kinney Center. 

Participants will have the option of paying the camp fee in its entirety upfront, or the card on file will be automatically charged 1/3 of the program price on day 30 & 60 after the initial payment is completed.

Application Fee: $25 – Due at time of registration

Payment 1: 1/3 of total – Due 7 days after acceptance

Payment 2: 1/3 of total – Due 30 days after payment 1

Payment 3: 1/3 of total – Due 30 days after payment 2

Payment can be completed online or by dropping a check off at the front desk.

If you have secured ESY or Compensatory Education funding, the Kinney Center will bill your district directly. 
 

In the case of inclement weather that causes program cancellation, sessions will not be rescheduled due to time and space restrictions. Outdoor programs have an alternative indoor space available if needed. Make sure to update your profile with a valid email and cell phone number to ensure you receive up to the minute information.

Pick-up and drop off will take place at the Kinney Center. Campers should be dropped off at the Kinney Center at 10 a.m. and should be picked up at 3 p.m., promptly. Parents will be asked to stay in their cars. The Kinney team will facilitate the transition to and from camp.

Campus Map

Can my loved one be transported by bus or public transportation?

Yes. School districts often provide bus transportation for district-funded campers. Some families may also use private or public transportation options such as taxis or ride-share services.

Camp Kinney’s direct care staff consists of undergraduates, known as SCHOLARS, who receive two weeks of intensive training upon acceptance into their role. Our 40 hour training provides content across research based interventions for autism, including the Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT) Task List. SCHOLARS receive instruction from Board Certified Behavior Analysts, Special Education Teachers, and licensed social workers. Assigned behavioral consultants, known as Graduate Assistants, include Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs), and all receive supervision from a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). All of our staff is background checked and certified in CPR and CPI.

Can I provide my own support staff?

No. Camp Kinney is a training facility and employs "SCHOLARS", undergraduate and graduate students who receive supervision training while gaining hands-on experience in the field of autism.

If you are interested and able to exchange Extended School Year (ESY) services for your child’s participation in Camp Kinney, please contact your school district coordinator directly. The Kinney Center will provide a written proposal to communicate the details of the Camp Kinney program. Data analysis of past progress made in Kinney Center programs can also be included. 

If the camper’s application indicates they will be pursuing funding through their school district and Camp Kinney will be considered for their ESY placement an ESY proposal was sent to their ESY Contact at their school district. Camp Kinney requires that written confirmation from the school district stating the school district will cover the cost of Camp must be sent to kinneyautism@sju.edu no later than one week after receiving their acceptance letter. 

If your child’s district has approved payment of ESY toward Camp Kinney, please send appropriate documentation and billing contact information to kinneyautism@sju.edu.

Should we not receive confirmation of payment, then you will be billed for the total price of Camp. In order to secure your campers spot you will need to pay ⅓ of total camp fee 7 days after receiving notification that you are being billed for camp. Participants will then have the option of paying the camp fee in its entirety upfront, or the card on file will be automatically charged 1/3 of the program price on day 30 & 60 after the initial payment is completed.

Payment can be completed online or by dropping a check off at the front desk.

Due to the educational component of the Kinney Center, at various times, students enrolled in the autism major, minor or certificate program will be observing as part of their coursework.

All programs at the Kinney Center share a dual mission: to serve families and individuals with autism while training and educating undergraduate students. Due to the training element of our programs, individuals may not be accommodated if intensive behavioral support is required, such as severe aggressive behaviors, intensive self-injury, or high rates of elopement. It is also required that all campers are fully potty-trained. If you are unsure if your application will qualify, it is recommended to submit your child's most recent behavior intervention plan and up to date behavioral data for review. Families may be requested to come in for an observational visit per behavioral review.