For 2025, the Children's System of Care (CSOC) will be providing Summer Camp Services to eligible children, youth, and young adults under 21 years of age. These services include Financial Support toward Summer Camp Tuition and One-to-One Aide Services for Summer Camp.

CSOC, a division of New Jersey's Department of Children and Families (DCF), is offering Alternative Recreational Sessions (ARS) as an additional component of Summer Camp. ARS provides youth an opportunity to engage in a recreational activity with peers within the community, on a per session basis, rather than a full day of camp. This shorter time frame will increase camp access for youth who may benefit from a brief structured period compared to a longer traditional camp day.

Your child must be determined eligible for Developmental Disability Services by CSOC and registered for a Qualified Camp prior to submitting the application for CSOC Summer Camp Services.

A youth can be considered eligible for CSOC Summer Camp Services if all of the following conditions are met:

1. The youth is deemed eligible for CSOC Developmental Disability (DD) Services.
2. The youth is under the age of 21 and will not turn 21 before the end of the camp dates selected for reimbursement.
3. The youth resides in their own home with a caregiver.

Youth are eligible for CSOC Summer Camp Services only during the period of time in which they are not eligible to attend an extended school-year program. Financial support is based on available resources in a given fiscal year. The amount of financial support available per individual is capped and may vary year-to-year and by how many families apply.

Completed applications for CSOC Summer Camp Services (Financial Support toward Summer Camp Tuition and One-to-One Aide Services for Summer Camp) must be postmarked or received by PerformCare no later than June 30, 2025. Your application must be complete for the services requested for it to be considered.

Parents and Guardians can now apply online for CSOC Summer Camp Services through the PerformCare Family Portal: https://apps.performcarenj.org/CYBERPortal/Production/Default.aspx

Before applying for Summer Camp Services, please make sure to direct specific questions about camp facilities and camp programming to your preferred camp.

The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute developed a checklist and guide to help you with CSOC's camp application process. Links, dates and other important information can be found in the materials below.