TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Families in Toms River can now register for a six-week summer camp designed for children and young adults with special needs, with township officials announcing expanded programming and a fixed summer schedule.
The program, known as Camp Discovery, will run from June 29 through August 7 and is open to individuals ages 7 to 21 who have completed second grade, according to Toms River Recreation.
Camp focuses on socialization and structured activities
Camp Discovery is built around a mix of supervised activities aimed at engagement and development, including field trips, games, swimming, and socialization opportunities.
The township describes the program as a structured environment where participants can build social skills while taking part in traditional summer camp experiences tailored to individual needs.
Registration officially opened April 7 and is being handled through the Community Pass system.
Key Points
• Toms River’s Camp Discovery runs June 29 through August 7
• Program serves individuals with special needs ages 7–21
• Registration is open through the township’s Community Pass system
Who qualifies and how to register
Officials note that Camp Discovery has specific eligibility requirements, and families are encouraged to review program guidelines before enrolling to ensure proper placement.
Registration is available online at:
Register.CommunityPass.net/TomsRiver
For additional details, families can visit the township’s recreation page or contact the department directly.
Local demand for specialized summer programs
Programs like Camp Discovery fill a critical gap for families seeking structured summer options for children with special needs, particularly those that extend into young adulthood.
By offering a six-week schedule, the township provides a longer-term option compared to shorter camps, helping families maintain consistency during the summer months.
The inclusion of socialization and group activities also reflects broader trends in adaptive recreation, where the focus extends beyond supervision to developmental engagement.
What families should know
Toms River Recreation encourages early registration, as programs serving specialized populations often reach capacity.
Questions about eligibility, accommodations, or programming can be directed to the department at 732-341-1000 ext. 8414.
The camp will be based through Toms River Recreation, located on Warren Point Road, and operates under township programming.
What comes next
With registration now open, township officials will continue enrolling participants ahead of the late June start date, with the program expected to run through early August as scheduled.