Inclusion & Support
Our enhanced support program provides individualized staffing and accommodations to ensure children of all abilities can fully participate in our programs meaningfully and safely.
Our behavior department is led by our Senior Clinical Director and BCBA. The department consists of a full-time Behavior and Inclusion Coordinator, and Behavior Technicians across all sites depending on the need of the children. All Behavior Technicians working directly with the children in smaller ratios are required to complete their Registered Behavior Technician Certification through Camp Fire North Shore. They also complete Competency-Based Training Assessments rooted in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis strategies and interventions.
Trained & Specialized Staff
Accessible Programming
Thoughtful programming that utilizes accommodations and modifications to allow participation for all.
Individualized Support
Smaller staff:student ratio for students and campers who need it contingent on our Formalized Intake Process.
Adaptive Tools
Tools to support successful learning and individual needs.
22.3% of Lynn Public Schools and 26.3% of Salem Public Schools students have disabilities
73% of LPS and SPS students are low-income
Few programs offer this level of support, which reflects our commitment to meet the needs of children across a wide range of abilities
The Need
Reduce our student waitlist and therefore provide more students with support
Provide enhanced support at a reduced cost for families in need
Increase the number of well trained behavior and inclusion staff
Our Goals
Growing Through Inclusion:
A Camper’s Journey at Camp Fire
When one family first toured Camp Fire North Shore, their biggest concern was whether their child would truly be welcomed and supported. After experiencing rejection from other programs, they worried that his challenges with building friendships, navigating peer interactions, and managing big emotions might prevent him from finding a place where he belonged. We reassured his family that we would work together to identify the supports he needed to participate safely, build relationships, and thrive.
Over the past year, this camper has made incredible progress across both our after-school program and summer camp. With individualized support and a team of staff committed to his success, he worked on developing positive friendships, navigating social challenges, and managing his emotions. His growth was so significant that, by the end of the school year, he was able to transition from a smaller support ratio to our typical after-school staffing ratio of 1:13.
His progress continued into the summer. As a participant in our Adventure and Discovery program, which includes frequent field trips, he worked toward the goal of safely participating in these experiences. Through consistent support, encouragement, and practice, he achieved that goal by the middle of the summer! Not only was he able to join his peers on field trips, but he also demonstrated that he could participate safely, build friendships, and enjoy these experiences alongside his group.
His journey is a meaningful reminder of what can happen when children are given the time, encouragement, and individualized support they need to succeed. At Camp Fire North Shore, we believe inclusion means meeting each child where they are, recognizing their strengths, and helping them reach their potential. We remain committed to creating an environment where every child feels accepted, supported, and given the opportunity to belong.
Camp Fire North Shore offers a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where all children are welcome and supported. Our programs are safe, fun, and inclusive—with nature, play, and creativity at the heart of it all. We welcome children of all abilities.
Our programs are designed and staffed with a 1:13 ratio to ensure safety, supervision, and quality engagement. During the registration process, families maybe invited or request an intake with our Senior Clinical Director that helps us learn more about your child’s needs. If the intake information indicates a need for additional support, we are happy to discuss options for lower ratios or other accommodations to best support your child’s success in our programs. Daily rates are subject to change depending on recommended staff-student ratio.
Join Us in Ensuring More Students Have Access to Inclusive & Supportive Programming Today!
During the 2025–2026 school year, Camp Fire North Shore directly supported 35 students who needed smaller group ratios or additional accommodations to fully participate in our after-school and summer camp programs. As more families seek these supports, our waitlist continues to grow, highlighting the need for increased access to inclusive programming.
Your donations help make inclusion possible. Every gift helps fund the additional staffing and reduced ratios needed to provide individualized support, reduce costs for families, and open doors for more children to experience the friendships, learning, and fun that Camp Fire has to offer. Together, we can create more opportunities for every child to thrive!
