The Arc of Somerset Launches Capital Campaign for Camp Jotoni

Manville, NJ: The Arc of Somerset County has launched a three-year capital campaign for their special needs camp located on Old Stirling Road in Warren Township.  Camp Jotoni is a 15 acre day and residential camp for children and adults with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities.

Since 1976, children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities have enjoyed spending part of their summer at Camp Jotoni. Over the years many new programs have been added to camp including residential weeks, community outings, overnight trips off camp grounds, and most recently, respite weekends during the spring and fall. In addition, The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Somerset and Hunterdon Counties have adopted the camp, creating an interactive and accessible nature program for campers. These programs are available to the over 200 campers who spend one week or more at Camp Jotoni participating in summer-related activities, getting reacquainted with old friends, and just having a good time.

Over the past few years the camp has started to see and experience some wear. In 2012, Hurricane Sandy destroyed dozens of trees, bushes and shrubbery on the camp grounds along with some permanent damage to some of the camp buildings.  “The 2014 Camp season begins phase one of the Camp Jotoni Capital Campaign. Donors who participate in this phase will receive recognition for their donation on the new Tree of Life display that will be located in the dining hall” says Lauren Panarella, Executive Director for the Arc of Somerset County.

Already scheduled for early spring 2014 are two corporate volunteer groups who will be initiating some major renovations to the current camp ground, L’Oreal, based in Franklin Township will be sending over 200 employees to the Camp site on June 13th in time for the opening day, June 29th.  In addition, the Warren Girl Scouts Troop 65928 will be tending a pavilion project renovation. Group volunteers and community volunteers are welcomed to inquire about additional projects and help needed throughout the spring and summer.

 "This beginning of the camp season is so important because this is when we meet and reconnect with friends and community supporters who will be the beneficiaries of camp in its renewed state," commented Chris Corvino, Associate Executive Director. "We have a vision for camp that is year-round, flexible to changing needs and so importantly, close with the community and families it serves. A project with this ambition does not happen without the first leaves on the tree."

For more information on how to get involved with the Camp Jotoni Capital Campaign, please contact Lisa Marie Arieno, Director of Fundraising and Public Relations for the Arc of Somerset County at lisamariea@thearcofsomerset.org or call 908-725-8544 ext: 610. For more information about Camp Jotoni, please visit www.campjotoni.org