About
Camp Acorn offers enrichment activities that include cooking and life skills, horticulture therapy, art therapy, music and drama, sports, an adaptive boot camp fitness program, computers, and swimming. All activities are adapted to the individual needs of each camper, and the programs run year round for those with developmental disabilities in northern New Jersey. Camp Acorn is a cherished social enrichment program dedicated to individuals with developmental disabilities and serves both children and adults with disabilities.
• Ages: 0–18 years old
Camp Acorn is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that offers enrichment programs year round for those with developmental disabilities in northern New Jersey. The mission of Camp Acorn 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. The program is a community dedicated to empowering those with developmental disabilities to reach their full potential and live life to the fullest, and it is committed to treating these individuals with love, dignity, and respect. Camp Acorn describes its community as made up of dedicated, passionate people working towards building a society based on acceptance, compassion, and inclusion.
Camp Acorn was established in 2001, and 2022 marked its 20th anniversary of offering programs to the special needs community of northern New Jersey. Since its inception in the fall of 2001, well over 5000 volunteers have worked as one-on-one counselors. As a local not-for-profit, Camp Acorn relies on the time, energy, and generosity of volunteers and donors, and it has worked with dozens of schools, local service clubs, religious organizations, large corporations, local businesses, and foundations to meet volunteering and fundraising needs.
The Founder and Executive Director is Cathy Carisi. The staff includes experienced and compassionate professionals in the field, college students, and high-school students. Camp Acorn has been recognized by other organizations, and Founder and Executive Director Cathy Carisi received a Women Who Rock Award from Hackensack Meridian Health.
Last updated July 5, 2026.
• Ages: 0–18 years old
Camp Acorn is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that offers enrichment programs year round for those with developmental disabilities in northern New Jersey. The mission of Camp Acorn 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. The program is a community dedicated to empowering those with developmental disabilities to reach their full potential and live life to the fullest, and it is committed to treating these individuals with love, dignity, and respect. Camp Acorn describes its community as made up of dedicated, passionate people working towards building a society based on acceptance, compassion, and inclusion.
Camp Acorn was established in 2001, and 2022 marked its 20th anniversary of offering programs to the special needs community of northern New Jersey. Since its inception in the fall of 2001, well over 5000 volunteers have worked as one-on-one counselors. As a local not-for-profit, Camp Acorn relies on the time, energy, and generosity of volunteers and donors, and it has worked with dozens of schools, local service clubs, religious organizations, large corporations, local businesses, and foundations to meet volunteering and fundraising needs.
The Founder and Executive Director is Cathy Carisi. The staff includes experienced and compassionate professionals in the field, college students, and high-school students. Camp Acorn has been recognized by other organizations, and Founder and Executive Director Cathy Carisi received a Women Who Rock Award from Hackensack Meridian Health.
Last updated July 5, 2026.
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