Camp Loyaltown Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Camp Loyaltown is an overnight summer camp and year-round respite program that provides a meaningful and enriching experience for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Each year, Camp Loyaltown welcomes over 600 children and adults, beginning at 4 years of age and older, offering them a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment to grow, connect, and enjoy new experiences.

During the summer season, Camp Loyaltown welcomes 60 or more campers per session, providing a vibrant and engaging environment filled with opportunities for fun, learning, and personal growth.

Camp Loyaltown offers various levels of supervision tailored to meet the individual needs of our campers.
Staff-to-camper ratios are determined based on the support required, with examples including:

• 1:1 – One staff member assigned to one camper
• 1:2 – One staff member assigned to two campers
• 1:3 – One staff member assigned to three campers

All campers’ medical history and related information will be thoroughly reviewed prior to acceptance into the Camp Loyaltown program. The final determination regarding acceptance will be made at the discretion of the Camp Nurse Manager and the camp leadership team, based on the individual’s needs and the camp’s capacity to provide appropriate care.

While the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has lessened, COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are strongly recommended for attendance, in alignment with Department of Health (DOH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance. Please note that campers who require nebulizer treatments will not be accepted due to the potential for aerosolized respiratory secretions and the associated risk of spreading COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses.

It is essential that families and caregivers provide complete and accurate information regarding the camper’s behaviors and support needs. Failure to do so may jeopardize the safety of the camper and others. If a camper’s behavioral or medical needs exceed the scope of care the camp can safely provide, the camper may be dismissed and required to return home immediately.

RE: MEDICATION PACKAGING AND SHIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

To ensure the safe and timely distribution of medications, blister-packed medications ordered through any private pharmacy (other than Pharmerica/Chem Rx) must be sent to Camp Loyaltown via Federal Express (FedEx) or UPS, 10 days in advance of the camper’s session start. These medications should be addressed to:

Nursing Staff/Health Center
Camp Loyaltown
118 Glen Avenue
Hunter, NY 12442

For safety and compliance reasons, we are unable to accept any exceptions for drop-off of these medications.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Health Center at Camp Loyaltown at 518-263-4242 ext. 125 or email Healthcenter@citizens-inc.org.

PLEASE NOTE: Do not send medications via regular mail (USPS), as delivery may be delayed and it is not as secure.

At Camp Loyaltown, we offer a wide range of typical summer camp activities, including:

• Daily swimming in our fully accessible, heated pool
• Arts and crafts
• Music and drama
• Sports and games
• Nature study
• Theme days
  and much more!

All activities are thoughtfully adapted to ensure that every camper enjoys a fulfilling and inclusive camp experience.

Our full-time summer staff includes a Nurse Manager and a team of nurses (RNs and LPNs), available on-site 24 hours a day. The medical staff is responsible for dispensing medications and attending to both emergency and non-emergency situations, including seizure management, bug bites, and illness.

Health Office
The Health Office is a fully equipped facility, featuring:

• A treatment room
• Observation and quarantine rooms
• Private bathroom

Emergency equipment is always readily available and portable. For urgent medical care, CMH Rapid Urgent Care is located just 25 minutes from camp.

Our medical staff and counselors are fully trained to assist your camper with any personal care needs they may have. We are committed to ensuring that every camper receives the care and support they need in a safe and respectful environment. The types of care we provide include:

• Lifting and Transferring: We use mechanical lifts with slings to safely assist with transfers. All toilet facilities are equipped with handrails for additional support.
• Dressing: Our changing beds are designed to ensure safe and comfortable dressing for our campers.
• Bathing: Showers are equipped with benches, chairs, and handrails to provide safety and comfort during bathing.
• Toileting and Incontinence Care: We provide personalized toileting and incontinence care for both children and adults.
• Daily Hygiene: Our staff assists with daily hygiene activities, including combing hair, shaving, and brushing teeth.
• Dining: We offer various levels of assistance during meal times, including supervised dining, hand-over-hand support, and assistance with special diets, ensuring all campers have an enjoyable dining experience.

At Camp Loyaltown, we provide healthy, varied, and camper-friendly meals. Our menu options are designed to appeal to a wide range of tastes while ensuring nutritional balance. Meals are served family-style, fostering a sense of community and enjoyment during mealtime.

Meal Options Include:

Breakfast
Our hot breakfast selections vary daily and may include:

• Pancakes/Waffles
• Egg and Cheese Sandwiches
• Bagels
• Muffins
• Scrambled Eggs with Bacon or Sausage

Lunch
Lunch offerings change daily, with main course selections that may include:

• BLT Sandwiches
• Chicken Caesar Wraps
• Deli and Tuna Sandwiches
• Pasta Salad
• Grilled Cheese
• Turkey Club Sandwiches

Dinner
Dinner options also vary daily and may include:

• BBQ Grilled Pork Chops
• Chicken Quesadillas
• Spaghetti
• Baked Potato Bar
• Cheese Ravioli with Sauce
• Chicken and Veggie Kabobs

Available at Every Meal:

• Plain and Flavored Water
• Low-fat Milk
• Hot Chocolate, Tea, and Coffee
• Hot and Cold Cereal
• Wheat Bread
• Yogurt
• Granola

Our meals are carefully planned to provide a balance of nutrients while offering options that cater to the tastes and preferences of our campers.

At Camp Loyaltown, we are committed to ensuring all campers have an enjoyable and inclusive dining experience. We are able to accommodate a variety of special dietary needs, including:

• Lactose Intolerance: We provide Lactaid and/or lactose-free options for meals and snacks for campers who are lactose intolerant.
• Gluten-Free Diets: Campers on a gluten-free diet are welcome to bring their necessary food items. Additionally, our chefs are fully equipped to prepare special gluten-free meals to ensure your camper’s dietary needs are met.

If your camper has any other specific dietary requirements, please let us know in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements.

Camp Loyaltown offers rustic yet comfortable camper sleeping cabins, each equipped with doors and windows for ventilation. The cabin setup is designed for safety and comfort, with each cabin housing six campers and six counselors.

• Overnight Supervision: One counselor is assigned to overnight duties until 12:00 a.m., at which time additional staff will be present in the cabins for continued supervision.
• Safety Features: All cabins are strategically located near other buildings and are equipped with two exits, both of which are monitored by door alarms that remain active throughout the night to ensure camper safety.
• Climate Control: The cabins are well-maintained and feature central air conditioning and heating to ensure a comfortable environment throughout the camp session.
• Accessible Cabins: We also offer several fully accessible cabins to accommodate campers with mobility needs.

Campers will have the opportunity to visit the camp store for snacks each afternoon. We recommend that campers bring $35-$50 per session for spending money. Upon arrival at camp, we will collect your camper’s spending money during check-in, log the amount in the camp store logbook, and securely hold it. Any unused funds will be returned to you at the end of the session.

Dietary Restrictions and Snacks

To support our commitment to keeping campers healthy, we kindly ask guardians to inform us of any dietary restrictions their camper may have. Each camper is allowed one snack and one drink per day from the camp store. We offer a variety of items including camp apparel, chips, soda, cookies, flavored water, and popsicles.

For campers with dietary restrictions, we recommend sending labeled snacks from home (individually wrapped packets work best). These snacks will be stored in the kitchen and given to the camper as an alternative, ensuring they don’t feel left out when their cabin mates are “shopping” at the camp store.

All potential employees are required to complete a comprehensive application, which includes disclosure of any criminal history. A thorough background check is conducted, including checks of state and sexual offender databases.

Each applicant undergoes two personal interviews with camp administration, and three professional references are checked for every candidate.

Throughout their employment, employees are continually observed to ensure they maintain exemplary performance and adhere to our high standards of care and conduct.

Camp applications are completed on CampDoc. Camp Application will be available on CampDoc. If you have any questions, please contact us at (516)-293-2016 ext. 5165.

The Camp Loyaltown application opens annually in October. For the exact opening date and time each year, please contact us at camp@citizens-inc.org.

If you are interested in attending Camp Loyaltown, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible. Early application is strongly advised to secure a spot on the roster.

To ensure your application is complete and eligible for review, please make sure to submit the following:

Required Documentation:

• ✅ Fully completed Camp Loyaltown Application
• ✅ Annual physical completed by a licensed physician
• ✅ Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
• ✅ Behavior Intervention Plan (if applicable)
• ✅ Most recent Life Plan, including the following details:
  • Section 1: Narrative
    • Must include: “I utilize Citizens Options Unlimited Inc. Camp Loyaltown to provide temporary relief to my caregiver” in the “About Me” or “Happiness” section.
  • Section 3: Supports
    • Should list: Citizens Options Unlimited Camp Loyaltown (location may vary)
    • Must include at least three safeguards
  • Section 4: Services
    • Should list:
      • Authorized Service: Respite
      • Provider (Program Name): Citizens Options Unlimited Inc. (location may vary)
      • Effective Dates: Date you include us in this section
      • Unit of Measure (Total Units): 1344.00 units
      • Duration: ONGOING
    • (Note: This section is not required for individuals who reside in group homes.)
  • Section 5: Contact
    • Should list:
      • Relationship/Service Type: Respite
      • Name: Operations Manager
      • Organization: Citizens Options Unlimited, Inc.
      • Address: 189 Wheatley Road, Glen Head, NY
      • Contact Email: camp@citizens-inc.org
• ✅ Completed Camp Medical Packet
  • Must be signed by a physician and uploaded to the Medical Packet section of CampDoc.
• ✅ Updated Immunization Records
  • Must include uploaded proof of immunizations.

Applications cannot be processed until all documents are uploaded and complete.

Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email via CampDoc verifying that we have received it.

Please note:

• This confirmation only acknowledges receipt of your application. It does not indicate that the camper has been enrolled.
• You will receive an official acceptance packet as final confirmation of enrollment.

If you do not receive a confirmation email within two (5) business days of submitting your application, please contact the camp office at (516) 293-2016 ext. 5165 to verify receipt.

You will periodically receive automated emails from CampDoc, our online application system, regarding the status of your camper’s application.

These emails will indicate any missing items required to complete your submission.
Please be sure to carefully review each email, as it will clearly outline:

• What information or documents are missing
• Where to locate and upload them once you log into your CampDoc account

Staying up to date with these notifications will help ensure a smooth and timely application process.

Upon approval of your completed application, you will receive an acceptance packet via email through CampDoc, our online application system.

This packet will include important details such as:

• Session dates and arrival times
• What to bring to camp
• Directions to the camp location

Additionally, the email will include a link to the Parent Handbook, which contains all essential information about Camp Loyaltown.
Please note: The link to the Parent Handbook expires within 7 days, so we recommend reviewing and downloading it promptly.

If your desired session is full, the Assistant Director will work with you to discuss available alternate session options.

Please note that we also maintain a waiting list for each session. Should a space become available in your preferred session, we will notify you as soon as possible.

We accept check payments for camp fees. Please follow the instructions below to ensure proper processing:

Make checks payable to:
Citizens Options Unlimited, Inc.

Mail checks to:
Citizens Options Unlimited, Inc.
189 Wheatley Road
Brookville, NY 11545
Attn: Accounting #5, Dolores

Important:
Please write the camper’s full name and the session they are attending in the memo section of the check.

If you have any questions regarding payments, you may contact our Accounting Department at (516) 626-1075 ext. 1311.

Campers are welcome to attend multiple sessions at Camp Loyaltown. Please review the following financial guidelines and important deadlines:

Medicaid Waiver Eligibility

• Individuals living at home who receive a Medicaid waiver may have their first session covered by the waiver, provided all required documentation is submitted and approved.
• Additional sessions beyond the first must be privately paid out-of-pocket.
• Individuals residing in group homes are not eligible for Medicaid waiver funding and must pay for all sessions privately.
• Session rates are the same regardless of living situation.

Cost Per Session

• Daily Rate: $777.60
• Session Costs:
  • Sessions 1–4 (Full Sessions): $10,886.40 each
  • Sessions 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B (Half Sessions): $5,443.20 each

Non-Refundable Deposit

A non-refundable deposit is required for each additional session beyond the one covered by a Medicaid waiver (if applicable). This deposit is due by February 18 and will be applied toward the total session cost.

Deposit Amounts:

• Sessions 1–4: $1,000 per session
• Sessions 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B: $500 per session

Important: If the deposit is not received by January 30, the session(s) will be released to families on our waiting list.

Payment in Full

For any session not covered by a Medicaid waiver, full payment is due no later than March 28.

Important: If full payment is not received by March 28, the session(s) will be offered to families on our waiting list.

Key Dates to Remember

• January 30: Deadline to secure sessions with a deposit
• February 18: Non-refundable deposit due
• March 28: Full payment due for privately paid sessions

If you have any questions regarding payment, eligibility, or documentation, please contact us at camp@citizens-inc.org.

To ensure a smooth check-in process, please note the following:

• Both the caregiver and the camper must be present at check-in.
• All luggage should be brought to the check-in area so it can be properly tagged.
• After check-in is complete, camp staff will assist with transporting the luggage to the bus.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us start each session smoothly and safely.

Please be advised that health forms will not be accepted at camper check-in. All medical documentation must be:

• Submitted/uploaded online through CampDoc
• Completed in full, including all required information
• Signed and dated by a licensed medical professional
• Inclusive of the camper’s entire stay at camp during the camp season

Deadline: March 9 of each year.

⚠️ Important: Incomplete or insufficiently completed medical forms may impact your camper’s enrollment status.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us ensure the health and safety of all campers.

After completing the check-in process, you will have the opportunity to speak with a Unit Head, who oversees the cabins, to share any additional information about your camper.

However, please ensure that all important details are also included in the camper application, as this is the primary source of information used by our team.

We encourage you to take a moment to connect with the staff—we value open communication and appreciate your partnership in supporting a successful camp experience.

To help your camper have a positive and enjoyable experience, we encourage communication with home as needed.

• You will be notified in the event of an emergency or if there are any significant concerns regarding your camper.
• If you believe your camper may experience homesickness, a scheduled conversation with your camper’s Unit Head or the Assistant Director can be arranged upon request.
• Families are welcome to check in with the camp daily for updates and peace of mind.

Our goal is to ensure that each camper feels supported, comfortable, and safe while at camp.

We strongly discourage sending items of value or electronics to camp. Our goal is to create an engaging, inclusive environment where campers can connect with one another and fully participate in all camp activities.

We encourage campers to interact with their peers and staff and make the most of their camp experience—unplugged and present.

Families may contact their camper by sending a one-way email to: camp@citizens-inc.org

Upon receipt, the email will be printed and delivered directly to your camper.

Please note:

• This is a one-way communication method.
• Campers do not have computer access and will not be able to reply via email.

We appreciate your understanding as we strive to maintain a technology-free environment that fosters meaningful connections and engagement.

Families and caregivers are encouraged to send mail. Please be sure to send it prior to camp or just after arrival to ensure your camper receives it.

It is not uncommon for young or first-time campers to experience homesickness, especially during the first few days of camp.

Our staff is trained to keep campers engaged in fun and meaningful activities to help ease the transition and build a sense of comfort and belonging.

If homesickness persists, your camper’s Unit Head may reach out to inform you of the situation and discuss any suggestions you may have to help support your camper.

Our goal is to work together to ensure a positive and successful camp experience for every camper.

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable camp experience, please consider the following packing recommendations:

• Don’t overpack – focus on the essentials.
• Make a note of all items packed before arrival for easier tracking.
• Avoid bringing new or expensive clothing – camp activities can get messy!
• Do not send anything irreplaceable, such as family heirlooms, photos, or jewelry.
• Clearly label all belongings with your camper’s full name. With hundreds of campers each summer, initial-based labeling can make it difficult to identify lost items at the end of the season.

Thank you for helping us ensure that every camper has what they need and keeps their belongings safe!

We make every effort to ensure that campers return home with all the belongings they arrived with. However, despite our best efforts, items can occasionally be left behind.

• Lost and Found: All lost items are collected and stored in the camp office.
• Claiming Lost Items: Items will be held until the end of the camp season. If you believe your camper has left something behind, please contact us to arrange for the pickup of those items at your convenience.
• Unclaimed Items: Any unclaimed items will be returned to the camper’s Residential Program at the end of the season.

We encourage you to check in regularly if you suspect an item has been misplaced.

This year, all drop-off and pick-up locations will remain the same! Both drop-off and pick-up will take place at our one-time home location in Brookville:

Address:
189 Wheatley Road, Brookville, NY 11545
(Transitioning to Hunter, NY)

When you arrive on campus, please follow the signs to the Brookville Center/Cissy Birnbaum Building. Our Coach Buses will be arriving and departing directly in front of this facility.

Parking:
Please park in one of the adjacent parking lots, located near the Mansion, Silver School, or Advantage Care buildings.

Pick-Up Times:
Campers can be picked up on the campgrounds between 10:00 and 10:30 AM on changeover days.

Please ensure that this information is included in the camper application.

Medication Policy – Summer 2025

To ensure the health and safety of all campers, we are implementing the following medication guidelines:

💊 Blister Pack Requirement

All oral medications must be blister packed, with the following exceptions:

• Birth control pills
• Certain controlled substances
• Medications that require refrigeration
• Pain medications
• Antibiotics

Exception medications must be brought directly to the nurse on the day of bussing. Please coordinate with the Camp Nurse Manager to make necessary arrangements.

🧾 Pharmacy Packaging & Transcription

Medications blister-packed through the pharmacy will be electronically transcribed onto a medication record, helping reduce human error. These medications will be transported directly to camp.

🏷️ Labeling Requirements

All medications—including over-the-counter—must be clearly labeled with:

• Camper’s full name
• Drug name and strength
• Current dosage

📋 Physician’s Orders

Every medication and treatment must have:

• A signed Physician’s Order, or
• A copy of the most recent script

🚑 Medication Supply

• Send only a 14-day travel supply of accurately labeled medications.
• Monthly birth control packs are acceptable.

📦 Medication Drop-Off

All medications—prescription, over-the-counter, and vitamins—must be turned in and reviewed with the nurse during check-in.
Do not pack medications in camper luggage.

⚠️ Specialty Items

Please provide any specialty medication supplies your camper may require.

🔁 Medication Return

Unused medications and supplies will be returned on the camper’s departure day.

🕔 First Dose at Camp

On the first day of camp, the first dose of medications will be dispensed at 5:00 p.m.

Please note that prescribed medications and nutritional supplements are not supplied by Camp Loyaltown. Families are responsible for bringing enough medication and supplements to cover the camper’s entire two-week session.

• All medications and supplements must be provided in their original containers.
• The infirmary is stocked with common over-the-counter medications (e.g., for headaches, stomachaches, etc.) for general use as needed.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and well-managed healthcare environment for all campers.

Camp Loyaltown follows federal regulations regarding the administration of medications. Under the Federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA), medical marijuana and related products are classified as Schedule I controlled substances, making their use, possession, and administration illegal under federal law.

As such, the camp nurses are not permitted to store or administer any marijuana-based products, including but not limited to:

• CBD products (e.g., gummies, oils)
• THC-containing products
• Edibles (e.g., brownies or food items infused with marijuana)

FDA-Approved Exceptions

There are three FDA-approved synthetic forms of marijuana that may be administered by Camp Loyaltown nurses, but only with a valid doctor’s order:

1. Marinol
2. Cesamet
3. Epidiolex – approved specifically for Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome and Dravet Syndrome

If your camper is currently using any marijuana-derived products other than the three FDA-approved medications listed above, please consult with their physician prior to the start of their camp session to make appropriate arrangements.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. The safety and well-being of all our campers is our highest priority.

We are thrilled to share that Camp Loyaltown is moving from a planned activity schedule to a more flexible open activity model. This new structure allows campers the freedom to choose which activities they would like to participate in throughout the day, based on their interests and energy levels.

Rather than following a fixed schedule, activities will now be available during designated time blocks, and campers can move between them at their own pace. Here’s a sample of what a typical day will look like:

Morning Activity Options

• Arts & Crafts: Ceramic hearts, paper crafts, painting
• Nature Barn: Rabbit care, cow care, sensory garden, vegetable garden
• Recreation: Basketball, volleyball, inflatables on the beach
• Pool: Swimming

Afternoon Activity Options

• Arts & Crafts: Pottery wheel, decorate pinecones, painting
• Nature Barn: Rabbit care, cow care, sensory garden, vegetable garden
• Recreation: Mini golf, swings, kickball
• Pool: Swimming

Evening Activity Options

• Dance Party
• Karaoke
• Sensory Room
• Campfire

This approach empowers our campers to explore their interests, develop independence, and enjoy a variety of fun, inclusive activities each day. We’re excited to see the joy and engagement this new model brings!

If you need assistance or have questions, we’re here to help!

Tevin Gilfillian
Assistant Director
📧 tgilfillian@citizens-inc.org
📞 (516) 293-2016 ext. 5165

For general inquiries or to request information, please email:
📧 camp@citizens-inc.org

If your camper develops symptoms of COVID-19 or tests positive while at camp, they must be picked up and transported home by a parent or emergency contact within 24 hours.

• COVID-19 vaccination and boosters are strongly recommended for camp attendance, in alignment with guidance from the Department of Health (DOH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Nebulizers are not permitted at camp due to the increased risk of aerosolized respiratory secretions and potential spread of COVID-19 or other illnesses.
• All campers’ medical histories and documentation will be reviewed prior to acceptance.
• Final determination regarding a camper’s eligibility to attend will be made at the discretion of the Camp Nurse Manager and the camp leadership team.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping to ensure the safety and well-being of our camp community.