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Camp Kipanga
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A summer camp where every kid belongs.

Camp Kipanga is a social skills day camp for children ages 5–14 who find friendships, feelings and fitting in a little harder. We add extra support, so camp can simply be fun.

Register for SummerSee how it works
🎒 Ages 5–14👫 1:4 staff-to-camper ratio🏊 Daily swim🎓 Ramapo College, Mahwah NJ🧑‍⚕️ Licensed clinicians on support team

Join in three easy steps

Most families finish registering in one evening. Questions along the way? Our director is a quick call or email away.

1

Pick your weeks

Choose 1 to 6 weeks. Try the price calculator below to see your total.

2

Fill out the form

Our online registration takes a few minutes and tells us about your child.

3

Say hello

Talk with Director Michele Koenig about your child’s goals so we’re ready on day one.

Start Registration

Every week is a new adventure

A new schedule each week let campers explore interests and connect with like-minded peers. Some of our activities:

Campers learning to fence with soft props
FencingFocus, patience and good sportsmanship.
Building structures with plastic cups
EngineeringBuild, test and team up to solve problems.
Learning martial arts skills
Martial ArtsSelf-control, respect and confidence.
Measuring and predicting for a science experiment
ScienceHands-on experiments and big curiosity.
Painting on dark paper
ArtCreative expression with no wrong answers.
Learning about acting and plays
TheaterPractice social skills through drama.
Campers playing an outdoor game
Outdoor GamesNon-competitive activities for strength.
Stories matched with sensory activities
Sensory StorytimeImagination and interactive stations.

A typical day at camp

Camp runs 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, with drop-off from 8:30 to 9:00. We use Ramapo College’s nature trails, fields, courts, pool and plenty of indoor space, so every day feels different.

  • Social skills built into play, never lectures
  • Specialty week activities and group games
  • Theater and enrichment to build connection
  • Daily swim time and outdoor fitness

At a glance

  • 8:30 – 9:00Drop-off and welcome
  • 9:00Morning activity I
  • 10:00Morning activity II
  • 11:00Morning activity III
  • NoonLunch from home
  • 1:00Activity IV
  • 2:00Swim time
  • 3:00Home with a story to tell

Exact schedule varies by week and group.

Campers enjoying a camp activity
Campers enjoying a camp activity
Campers enjoying a camp activity
Campers enjoying a camp activity
Campers enjoying a camp activity
Campers enjoying a camp activity
Campers enjoying a camp activity
Campers enjoying a camp activity
Campers enjoying a camp activity
Campers enjoying a camp activity

✨ Included with tuition

  • All camp activities, crafts and materials
  • Camp T-shirt
  • Daily snack
  • Daily swim time

🎒 What to bring each day

  • Bathing suit and a change of clothes
  • Full water bottle
  • Lunch and a labeled beverage
  • Hat and/or sunscreen

Dates & rates

Pay by check or cash and save about 3%.
Register by December 31 to qualify for another 3% off – Early Bird pricing!

Choose your weeks, or EASE INTO IT. Add on an extra week or two after camp gets started for $995 per week.

Register Now

Price calculator

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1:4

Staff-to-camper ratio, at minimum. Counselors are studying social work, special education, psychology and related fields, and licensed clinicians support them.

“Each day my son came out with a huge smile excited to talk about what he did at camp. His confidence increased tremendously and he even made a good friend from his peer group which is amazing! He wants to go to Camp Kipanga every year!”

— Camp parent

Campers enjoying a camp activity
Friends made, confidence earned.
“From day one, he felt seen & supported and 6 weeks full of smiles, laughter, and new friendships flew by leaving him wanting to come back. ”

— Camp parent

“She truly thrives there and loves the activities, the different opportunities to learn and grow, the friendships, and being surrounded by staff who really care about her and see her for who she is.”

— Camp parent

Large motor activities for different sensory experiences
Building friendships

Meet our director

Camp Director Michele Koenig Michele Koenig founded Camp Kipanga to bring the therapeutic power of camp to children and teens. Her professional background in social skills training guides how she trains and supervises staff and supports every camper.

Email Michele

Love camp? Work here!

Spend a summer with a great team of counselors and staff. Reach out to Michele to learn about camp jobs.

mkoenig@rjfs.org

Good questions

Who is Camp Kipanga for?

Camp is perfect for your child if she:

  • Can communicate her needs verbally to both counselors and peers
  • Is able to follow along when the group moves from activity to activity
  • Is interested in connecting with peers

Camp might not be a good fit for your child if she:

  • Often runs from the group
  • Isn’t able to communicate verbally
  • Needs or seeks out 1:1 attention from an adult most of the day
Where is camp?

On the campus of Ramapo College in Mahwah, NJ. Our winter and mailing address is RJFS, 450 West Nyack Rd, Suite 2, West Nyack, NY 10994.

What does lunch look like?

Please pack lunch from home and a labeled beverage. We provide a daily snack.

Can I talk to someone before registering?

Absolutely. Camp Director Michele Koenig is ready for your questions. Call (845) 354-2121 x141 or email mkoenig@rjfs.org to discuss your child’s needs.

Is there camp on every weekday?

Camp runs Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, except for the holiday closure on Monday, July 5 in 2027.

Ready for a summer to be proud of?

Reserve your child’s place in just a few minutes.

Register Now
Register Now

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Our 2027 season begins June 28th. Registration is now open! 
Be sure to reach out to Camp Director Michele Koenig at mkoenig@rjfs.org to talk about your specific questions.