A fully accessible campground for ALL ages and abilities.
Camper - Frequently Asked Questions
We've compiled answers to common questions from campers and families. Please browse through these before contacting us.
We appreciate your patience while camp staff are working remotely due to the inclement weather conditions. Please email all camp-specific questions to campharmon@es-cc.org. We are not accepting phone calls at this time.
For current program rates and dates, please visit our Camp Programs section for more details.
About Camp Sessions
1. What do campers get out of their experiences at Camp Harmon?
At camp everyone has the opportunity to experience new challenges and reach heights they never expected. Through individualized adaptation, encouragement, and a culture of challenge by choice, each camper experiences camp in their own unique way, setting their own goals and often achieving more than expected. Whether interacting with the animals, swimming, hiking, or playing a game, campers build self-esteem, social skills, and reinforce skills learned in school and other programs. The camp experience is second to none… you can go to school for a year and never really know a classmate. However, when you spend morning, noon, and night for a week with someone they can form a closeness not found in any other environment. As a bonus, the bonds formed between counselors and campers create lifelong friendships.
2. Who attends Camp Harmon's programs and respites?
Everyone who attends Camp Harmon has a diagnosed disability, chronic illness, or medical condition. No matter a person’s age or diagnosis, odds are there is a program for everyone. Most of our campers come from Central California, many venture from Southern California and neighboring states for a week in the redwoods. While we strive to adapt to the needs of all potential campers, our resources are limited, and Camp Harmon may not be able to provide all specialized services.
3. How do you decide if someone is eligible to attend camp sessions?
Individuals with a diagnosed disability, chronic illness, or medical condition are eligible to register for camp, however, we are limited in the care and support we are able to provide. Persons requiring 24 hour awake support, invasive medical care, 1:1 behavioral support or a dedicated 1:1 aide may not be appropriate for camp at this time. Campers must be able to sleep a group setting using provided twin/cot size beds with a standard mattress. In order to promote the best standards in safety for our campers and staff, campers are not permitted to sleep on the ground or utilize air mattresses. We hope to offer limited medical beds in the near future to support needs campers. Campers should be able to remain with their activity or cabin groups throughout the day and are not permitted to be alone with staff. Please review our full eligibility criteria in the Camper Handbook (coming soon), or contact us at campharmon@es-cc.org with any additional questions.
4. What level of care and camper support is offered at camp?
Our base ratio of counselors-to-campers is adjusted based on the needs of our campers. Our minimum ratio for any program is 1:3, with 1:1 assistance available on a limited basis. All campers are supported in a group environment, 1:1 assistance is provided with additional staff assigned to support the group as well as campers who need extra support. Dedicated 1:1 camper aides are not assigned at this time.
To help us manage our programs better and provide the best possible care, we have identified three care levels that we are able to support, Independent/Minimal, Mild/Mobility Assistance, and Moderate/One-to-One Support.
- Independent/Minimal: able to walk or operate power wheelchair around obstacles, over distances of 1/2 mile+ w/o support from staff, needing minimal personal care support.
- Mild: needs assistance from staff to walk, use assistive device (i.e. wheelchair), or support personal care needs on an infrequent basis.
- Moderate: needs 1:1 support from staff to meet behavioral or personal care needs. Increased rate applies due to added staffing costs.
5. How many campers attend each session?
As we continue to strengthen our camp program, camper numbers are being kept intentionally low to maintain high quality, engaging programs and a supportive environment. The number of campers per session will vary based on the support needed to ensure all campers’ experience is outstanding.
Application, Enrollment, and Session Fees
6. How do I apply and enroll for camp?
All applications are submitted through our online camper portal. Enrollment is a two-step process allowing review of camper information to best meet needs of each applicant.
Tip: Applications via phone or mail are not available currently. It is recommended to seek assistance from family or friends with the online application.
STEP 1 - Application: Apply using the links below to access an existing camper account or create a new one. Requested information allows us to assess camper needs for placement in camp sessions. Be certain to provide 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choice options. Applications will open early-mid January
STEP 2 - Enrollment: With our new enrollment process, we will be adding campers to their requested session based on the camper’s needs and our staffing availability and on a rolling basis. Once a camper is enrolled in a session, they will be notified via email and the enrollment fee will be charged.
7. What are the funding options and payment policies?
A non-refundable Enrollment fee of $75 per camper is due upon submitting the application via credit card, debit card, or e-check online. Campers placed on a waiting list will not be charged unless enrollment is confirmed.
Private Pay: All session fees are due by May 1. Payment in full or first installment is due at time of enrollment. Campers who enroll after May 1st must make full payment at time of enrollment.
Installment Schedule
(sample)
Credit card, debit cards, or eChecks will be charged automatically. A reminder email will be sent 1 week prior to payment due date.
| Feb 1 | Mar 1 | Apr 1 | May 1 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-Monthly Payments | 1/4 | 1/4 | 1/4 | 1/4 |
| Session Fee | $435.00 | $435.00 | $435.00 | $435.00 |
| 3-Monthly Payments | ---- | 1/3 | 1/3 | 1/3 |
| Session Fee | $580.00 | $580.00 | $580.00 | |
| 2-Monthly Payments | ---- | ---- | 1/2 | 1/2 |
| Session Fee | ---- | ---- | $870.00 | $870.00 |
Regional Center Funding (RCF): Due to extreme payment delays and significant collection efforts involve during recent years, we have changed our RCF payment policy. Starting in 2025 Camp Harmon requires all Campers to private pay in advance. Campers who wish to use Regional Center Funding must contact their service coordinator regarding direct reimbursement by their Regional Center. These changes allow us to be fiscally responsible and adhere to best practices.
Note: The non-refundable Enrollment fee is the responsibility of each Camper and due at time of enrollment. Portion session fees not covered by Regional Center are the responsibility of the camper.
All campers/guardians must sign an acknowledgement of payment policy.
8. Is there a waitlist?
Yes, once an application has been submitted, it will be added to the waitlist automatically until appropriate space becomes available in their first, second or third session choice.
9. How do I know if my camper is enrolled?
With our new enrollment process, we will be adding campers to their requested session based on the camper’s needs and our staffing availability and on a rolling basis. Once a camper is enrolled in a session, they will be notified via email and the enrollment fee will be charged.
Additional Helpful Information
10. What are your COVID-19 policies?
We are following the CDC and Santa Cruz County guidelines for residential camps. Our policies will be updated accordingly and included in the final Camper Handbook (coming soon). While testing and symptom checks are required prior to arrival and at camp, due to the communal camp environment the spread of illness is always a possibility and should be considered.
11. Will there be an Open House event?
Yes, late spring. Stay tuned for more information.