Programs

Camp Isola Bella

- Camp Isola Bella

School's out! Time to put away textbooks and have a good time! All the activities at Camp Isola Bella are designed first and foremost to be FUN. Of course, it's fun with a purpose as we design our program to make sure our campers don't regress during the long summer break from school.

The camp's philosophy, "learning through experience," is put into effect in three ways:

Self-esteem and a positive attitude come from having successful social experiences with peers and lots of friendly encouragement from the staff. We provide specific situations that are designed for each camper to set goals and challenge themselves while discovering their own skills and abilities. At the same time we provide opportunities that stimulate the development of each camper's self esteem. Specific knowledge and skills are taught with a "learn by doing" approach.

Physical fitness is developed through sports and recreation programs, fostering campers' emotional, physical and intellectual growth.

A wide range of activities are offered to provide appropriate challenges for the wide range of skills and interests campers bring to the island. Campers will keep up their skills and learn many new ones through our fun leadership and literacy activities that are woven throughout the program.

- 2 teen girls on kayaks

Owned and operated since its beginning by the American School for the Deaf, the camp follows the School's open approach to communication. This means that whatever a camper's mode of communication: sign language, oral, aural, lipreading or a mix - staff are willing and able to meet it. "Total Communication" puts the main emphasis on getting the message across, in whatever way works best for the particular camper. We are also opening our doors to children of Deaf Adults (KODA), as well as to those with deaf siblings!

Activities

Swimming
Rope Course
Canoeing and Sailing
Water Skiing
Archery
Overnight Camping
Hiking
Sports
Cooperative games
Arts and Crafts
Special trips and projects
Self Discovery Program
Banquet Night / Dance
Family Day
Theme Days

Highly qualified, professional staff, both deaf and hearing, come to Isola Bella with experience in education, childcare and counseling. A small staff-to-camper ratio ensures plenty of individual attention and high-quality programs. Excellent medical care and facilities are available 24 hours a day. Please note that campers with special needs, including medical conditions, will require prior medical approval for registration and enrollment purposes. Transportation of campers from the local airport, bus or train station is available upon request.

For current open positions at Camp Isola Bella, and to download an application, check the Employment page.
Applications are accepted from November to February. Interviews and hiring start in February.
Anticipated openings include camp counselor (21 years or older) and camp aides/interns (18 years or older).

List of 2 items.

Youth session (ages 8-12)

June 27—July 10, 2021
Teen session (ages 13-17)

July 18—July 31, 2021

Registration Opens April 1, 2021

At this time we have not received official word from the State of CT about what the restrictions may be for summer camps, including Camp Isola Bella. Right now, we are only looking at possibility of running camp at a 50% capacity and only ASD Students only. If things change between now and the time camp begins, we may be able to open up to other students in CT. We are not sure if we will be able to accept out-of-state students yet for camp. Please check back in May or June as we should have more answers by then.

- Camp Isola Bella Decorative Graphic

Camp Isola Bella History

Isola Bella Address and Phone*

410 Twin Lakes Road
Salisbury, CT 06079
(860) 824-5558 (Voice) (860) 596-0110 (VP)
(860) 824-4276 (FAX)
* Only available during camp sessions, other times please contact the school.