This much beloved camp has a lot of potential. The property includes sixteen acres with a central meadow encircled by oak, ash and elm trees. A path for walking and wheelchairs is cleared through sections of the woods. In preliminary talks with The Somerset County Parks Commission, some exciting ideas were exchanged, including the possibility of a contiguous path around perimeter of the camp connected to a neighboring park in Warren. The Park Commission staff offered to help formulate a walking path with a variety of exercise levels. 

     Medical advances have increased the life expectancy of this special population. There will be more senior citizens with disabilities who require medical and recreational services. In addition, young adults in their thirties with Downs Syndrome often develop Alzheimer’s, which escalates the need for medical attention and is further compounded by aging.

     The Arc of Somerset is examining potential possibilities for Camp Jotoni. To plan properly requires talking to many people and hiring professionals (civic engineers, landscape architects, L.E.E.D.S. certified planners and architects) to ensure an environmentally friendly site that would take the fragile health of our consumers into account.  This planning and feasibility study will require $75,000 to $200,000.  

       Currently, the grade of the property has a gently sloping open space with dramatic changes in the topography in some of the wooded areas. The buildings consist of an old farmhouse and barn, a small office building, a shower/bathhouse and six very well used cabins. The buildings and cabins were included in the original purchase and have been repaired many times. The swimming pool is located below the parking lot and is in need of continual repairs.

       To that end, we are exploring ideas, such as a “green” structure that respects nature and the environment, where L.E.E.D.S.^TM standards would be followed as much as possible. It would be a safe and environmentally sensitive structure to create a best in class year round camp that could host multi-purpose activities for people with developmental disabilities. A clean and allergy-free building would help those with compromised health and limited immune systems.

     A facility where The Arc staff would assist campers, friends and families with camp activities and family outings and parents and caregivers can receive “respite care,” enabling them a much-deserved break from the daily care of a child, adolescent or adult with disabilities. It would be a place where our special needs population could enjoy the outdoors in a natural and nurturing environment, supported by a trained and caring staff. Air-conditioned and heated sleeping quarters would upgrade the camp for year-round use. Current swimming pool facilities need replacement and would benefit the consumers if moved closer to the campground.

     With the current nursing shortage, the Camp could also serve as a training center for nurses, staff, educators and other professionals to enhance the level of service for those with developmental disabilities.  

        These are some of the ideas under consideration. We need community and financial support to help realize our vision for The Arc’s consumers and their families. 

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