Section C: Administrative Practices
Agency Mission and Values
Comments/additional information about agency mission:
5 core values: compass, tradition, progressiveness, inclusivity, and everybody matters. Continued focus on physical, emotional, social, and gender inclusion.
Staff
Name | Title | Phone | |
---|---|---|---|
Jan Peneston | Executive Director | 1-315-934-4051 | jan@camptalooli.org |
If yes, list main topics covered in training
inclusivity, safety, social, emotional and sensitivity, and working in small groups to assist in better communication with campers and staff. Staff offers a nurturing environment that promotes caring about another person, sharing, giving, and experience participating and/or living and participating in small groups.
Comments/additional information about agency staff:
All staff are trained to acknowledge an individual's skills and capabilities along with assessing needs that will provide support for individuals to thrive and enhance experiences in a positive manner. A focus on person centeredness as well as participating in group activities add to social, emotional, sensory, non-gender specific, and physical inclusivity that aligns with their goals of providing positivity and acceptance of all aspects of the individuals they serve.
Agency Planning
If yes, list types of involvement/input:
A person with a disability is seated on the board of directors.
Comments/additional information about agency planning:
They are dedicated to making their camp as inclusive and accessible as possible. Jan Peneston stated that individuals with accessible needs are welcome throughout the year and they are able to accommodate to assist by incorporating the camper's school IEP's, 504 forms, health forms, then creating an individual plan of action to accommodate needs for success, to be conducted with Kelly during registration. Feedback is welcomed as they continue to focus on improving ways to connect and service individuals with accessible needs and their families. One example would be being open to setting up access to an agency for acquiring a Sign Language interpreter, identification and use of braille, and other means of accessible maneuvering due to terrain throughout the campgrounds other than standard vehicles.
Agency Communication and Marketing
Assisted
Oral
Pictorial
Sign
Oral
Pictorial
Sign
Comments/additional information about agency communication and marketing:
Under the summer camp tab, they have an integration program section that offers more information as to their inclusiveness of campers with learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, physical disabilities etc. and their goal of inclusion starting in1988. They welcome the parent or guardian to connect and discuss the camper's needs and what provisions could be provided. The assessment will also include the IEP, medical needs, and procedures to promote a least restrictive environment. Upon assessment, if the potential camper would not be able to partake in the majority of the activities, thus creating no benefit from the experience even with accommodations, the camp staff reserves the right to respectfully decline registration.
Agency Policies and Procedures
Comments/additional information about agency policies and procedures:
Willing to discuss and provide individual accommodations in the best interest of the camper.
Evaluation
Comments/additional information about agency evaluation of inclusion:
A review of the summer camping session is conducted and feedback reviewed by staff from website and by parents or guardians. Changes are made as needed to foster further inclusion and the best experience possible.
Partnerships and Collaboration
Notes About Administrative Practices
Any additional administrative practices you noted at the agency that are not listed above that you feel are helpful to people with disabilities and their families:
National awards:
1) Talooli Integration Program (TIP) for people with disabilities, given by the National Campfire Association.
2) Recognition for work with individuals with severe emotional mental health issues.