Southern Tier Area Rotary Handicapped Childrens Camp Inc

Camp STAR is a week-long camp for children, ages 6 through 12, with a physical or developmental disability that might keep them from enjoying a typical camping experience. The 2025 Camp will be August 10th to August 15th.

   Nestled into the peaceful, rural setting that is at The Y at Watson, it is our goal to provide a safe and supervised way for your child to enjoy camping and swimming.

   We look forward to "going camping" with your child and as you peruse this web site perhaps you might think of ways you help us with the Camp STAR program.
Camp STAR, which was started in 1963, is sponsored by eight (8) Rotary Clubs in The Southern Tier of New York State. They are:

Bath (FB)Chemung Sunrise (FB)Corning (FB)Elmira (FB)Elmira Heights (FB)Horseheads (FB)Prattsburgh (FB)Watkins/Montour (FB)

   Camp STAR is held annually in the Cabin area of Y at Watson Woods. The site was chosen because of its relative freedom from architectural barriers and adaptability to the special needs of children with disabilities. Camp STAR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.   The Y at Watson Woods is located three miles north of Exit 42 of the Southern Tier Expressway (Rte 17/86); on Dry Run Road, off Meads Creek Road.

If your child has a physical or developmental disability that precludes him/her from enjoying the camping experience, Camp STAR invites you to apply for our August week-long program for children with special needs.

   Our staff is made up of skillful adult counselors trained to work with children who have physical and other disabilities. A senior counselor and several junior counselors live and sleep in the cabins and are available to the campers around the clock.

   The Camp STAR staff boasts a number of on-site specialists, including the Camp Director, recreation staff, water safety instructors, group leaders, a registered nurse, and a physician on-call. Medications are professionally administered as per the requirements of each child. You can rest assured that your child will be safe and well cared for at Camp STAR. Sixty campers are served with approximately one staff person for every two children.

   There is no charge to attend Camp STAR. The camp is supported by the members of nine Rotary Clubs who are dedicated to the motto, "Service Above Self."

   Camp STAR kids enjoy a variety of activities, including field trips, group athletics, swimming, hiking, crafts and nature study. The program is carefully designed to provide needed recreation that is compatible with a wide range of therapies campers may be undergoing. Particular emphasis is placed on developing the initiative and self-reliance of campers.

   Campers will enjoy group-sleeping accommodations with four or fewer roommates. The camp also makes frequent use of a large recreation building for crafts and other large indoor group assemblies. Campers swim in Watson Homestead's Olympic-sized pool, with lifeguards on duty. Meals are served in the Main Lodge facility. Special dietary needs can be accommodated.