Unique Program Mixes Traditional Camp Fun with
Professional Support from Rutgers Doctorial Students
The Tourette Syndrome Association of New Jersey, Inc. (TSANJ) will be hosting its Second Annual TSANJ Family Camp Weekend this coming Friday through Sunday at the YMCA Camp Bernie Camping Center in Port Murray, nestled in the beautiful Schooley Mountains of Warren County New Jersey.
“It’s amazing to see kids connect. I am sure that many of the people attending last year’s camp had never met anyone else with TS, let alone be surrounded by peers with similar symptoms,” reflects Eileen D’Andrea, a TSANJ Volunteer and Mom. “For me, personally, it was the first time in years that I wasn’t worried if my son’s tics were bothering other people. Everyone was in the same boat, and it was comforting to see the kids accept one another and to see parents being able to relax and connect with one another.”
TSANJ Camp Bernie Family Camp Weekend activities include food, lodging, games, canoeing, hiking, campfires, and horseback riding. Beyond the traditional camping activities, campers may also participate in programs—lead by doctorial students from Rutgers University Tourette Syndrome Program—geared specifically for families dealing with TS and its associated disorders.
“We are thrilled to offer these children the chance to meet, bond and interact with one another,” states Faith Rice, Director of TSANJ. “Plus, they’ll have the opportunity to work with the dedicated doctorial students from the Rutgers Tourette Syndrome Program. The weekend is a win-win-win situation for everyone who attends.”
The cost of the camp is $50 per family to help defray the cost of the weekend. If you would like more information on TSANJ Camp Bernie Family Weekend, the doctorial student program or any TSANJ service, call (908) 575-7350 or visit the organization’s website: www.tsanj.org.
Background on TS and the Tourette Syndrome Association of NJ, Inc.
As many as 1 in 200 people exhibit symptoms of Tourette Syndrome–equating to 40,000 people in New Jersey alone. Tourette Syndrome is an inherited neurological disorder often characterized by uncontrollable movements and vocalizations called tics.
Tourette Syndrome often presents itself with other disorders such as attention deficit/hyperactivity, obsessive-compulsive disorder, learning disabilities, and mood and sleep disorders.
Founded in 1994, TSANJ is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support the needs of New Jersey families and individuals with Tourette Syndrome. In addition to the camp weekend, the organization sponsors: support groups; public awareness; advocacy and education; educational and medical training; diagnostic, treatment and research programs, and more. For more information, visit their web site at www.tsanj.org or call Faith Rice, Director, at (908) 575-7350.