History

Insert a photo of Dr. Emanuel

Camp Emanuel, established in 1971 by Dr. Mel Emanuel, an audiologist, is a camp for hearing impaired, language impaired and developmentally disabled children. It is the only camp of its kind in Southwestern Ohio. One of the unique features of this camp is its integration of children with hearing and language impairments with hearing children. The camp is designed to promote decision-making, team building skills, self-esteem, and an understanding of acceptance between all children. Camp Emanuel provides an environment of trust, love, security and acceptance.

Camp Emanuel has served over 1700 children throughout its 30-year history. It is a fully accredited day and resident camp. It provides a unique opportunity for hearing/language/developmentally disabled children to interact with hearing children in two summer programs designed to provide stimulating educational, arts and crafts and recreational activities. It is also unique in the services it provides and the staff who work with the children each summer. The staff include many professionals: a registered nurse, a speech and language therapist, interpreters and counselors who are certified educators in many areas of elementary and special education. There is also an administrative director who coordinates the operation of the on-site experiences and many dedicated volunteers from local high schools.

In the early years, funding for the camp was obtained through Ohio Department of Health, State Department funding, and the Easter Seal Society. Since the camp no longer receives assistance through these agencies, funding is now obtained through private donations, many service organizations, grants and fundraisers. It is with this assistance that Camp Emanuel is able to provide a quality camping experience for children.

Information about Camp Emanuel is disseminated to many of the programs for the hearing impaired such as the Speech and Hearing therapists in the Dayton, Cincinnati and Springfield areas and the areas’ SERRC Centers. Camp Emanuel is also publicized through posters and brochures distributed to schools, YMCAs and libraries, radio and TV announcements and newspaper coverage. It is listed in the Ohio Directory of Camps for the Handicapped, Montgomery County of Directory of Camps and the American Camping Association Directory of Accredited Camps.

Camp Emanuel offers two options for attending, Day camp and Resident Camp. Children ages 5 to 14 attend Day Camp, and youths 9 to 17 attend resident camp. Children attending day camp are usually from the Dayton area and surrounding counties. Many children from the Dayton Public School System, who are enrolled in the hearing impaired, developmentally handicapped, multihandicapped and regular education programs attend Camp Emanuel. Resident camp is for youths from Dayton, Cincinnati, Brookville, Columbus, Greenville, Miamisburg, Fairborn, Piqua, Sidney, Springfield, Tipp City, Vandalia and Xenia. Day camp is a one-week program from nine to four. Resident camp is a one-week program lasting from Sunday through Thursday.