Camp Greentop

For Maryland locals seeking a unique and truly inclusive outdoor experience, Camp Greentop in Sabillasville, MD, stands as a remarkable and highly-regarded destination. More than just a traditional campground, Camp Greentop is a historic facility, one of the oldest residential camps in America, specifically designed and dedicated to providing exceptional camping programs for children and adults with special needs and disabilities. Operated in cooperation with the National Park Service within the beautiful Catoctin Mountain Park, it offers a blend of rustic charm and thoughtfully adapted facilities.

Visitors consistently praise Camp Greentop for its "excellent facilities for a group" and its "fabulous staff" who are described as "safe, genuine, and caring." It’s known as a "fun place" with "a lot of daily activities," creating an environment where campers, including those with autism, "does not want to come home!" While it offers a "rustic experience" rather than a luxury resort, its commitment to providing a supportive, engaging, and accessible outdoor adventure is paramount. Whether you're part of a group seeking a retreat, a family looking for an adventure weekend, or an individual with special needs eager for a transformative summer or winter camp, Camp Greentop is a testament to inclusive recreation in the heart of Maryland's natural beauty.

Camp Greentop is nestled at 15001 Park Central Rd, Sabillasville, MD 21780, USA, a prime location within the picturesque Catoctin Mountain Park. This placement in Frederick County, Maryland, offers a serene and natural backdrop for all its programs.

For Maryland locals, accessing Camp Greentop is straightforward. Sabillasville is located in northern Maryland, close to the Pennsylvania border, making it reasonably accessible from various parts of the state, including the Baltimore and Washington D.C. metropolitan areas. While it provides a true escape into the mountains, it's not overly remote, allowing for convenient travel for campers and groups.

The camp's integration within Catoctin Mountain Park means visitors also benefit from the broader park's natural offerings. The historical significance of the camp, built by the Works Progress Administration between 1934 and 1938 as part of the Catoctin Mountain Recreational Demonstration Area, adds another layer of interest to its location. Its design was adapted early on to be one of the first handicap-accessible facilities in the United States, showcasing a long-standing commitment to accessibility that continues today with accessible trails that seamlessly connect cabins to recreation areas.

This blend of a peaceful mountain setting, historical context, and dedicated accessibility features makes Camp Greentop a highly suitable and well-positioned destination for Marylanders seeking a group retreat or a specialized camping experience that truly embraces the natural beauty of the state.

• Special Needs Camping Programs: Camp Greentop specializes in providing quality camping programs for youth and adults with cognitive, physical, emotional, and multiple disabilities. They offer traditional sleep-away summer camps, winter camps, and weekend respite options year-round.

• Youth and Adult Sessions: The camp offers distinct sessions for youth (ages 7-21) and adults (age 18+), with structured daily schedules for youth and a more relaxed, choice-based atmosphere for adults.

• Comprehensive Activities: A wide range of daily activities are offered, including swimming (in a wheelchair-accessible pool), arts & crafts, sports & games, nature exploration, performing arts, music, fishing, and horseback riding.

• Accessible Facilities: The camp is designed to be fully wheelchair accessible, including trails, cabins, and program areas. Cabins are equipped with permit wheelchairs and electronic charging stations.

• Cabin Accommodations: There are 12 cabins, each sleeping ten people on built-in beds. Each cabin includes one comfort station with several toilets, community showers, and personal hygiene items.

• Large Dining Hall with Commercial Kitchen: A spacious dining hall capable of seating 140 people features a commercial kitchen with electric ranges and ovens. Delicious and healthy meals are provided, with options for hot meals, cold cereal, and a salad bar. Special diets can be accommodated with prior notice.

• Recreation Hall: A large, open recreation hall with a stage is available for meetings, receptions, and various other uses, serving as a versatile indoor activity space.

• Supportive Staff Ratios: The camp boasts excellent staff-to-camper ratios, often at 2:1 or 1:1 for weekend respite and winter camps, ensuring personalized support and care for campers based on their specific needs. Staff are trained in Medication Administration, CPR, and First Aid.

• Health Center: A Health Center with a seasonal nurse and assistant is on-site during summer months, tasked with administering medications and overseeing medical care. A physician is on call 24 hours a day.

• Travel Camp Program: For adult campers, there's an opportunity to participate in day trips to various community attractions, including baseball games, rodeos, dinner theaters, and more.

• Camp Store: A camp store sells hats, t-shirts, souvenirs, and last-minute supplies like soap and toothbrushes.

• Family Adventure Weekends: The League's Family Adventure Weekend camping trip provides sessions of family fun with activities and host staff support.

• Historic and Purpose-Built Accessibility: Camp Greentop is not just accessible; it was one of the first handicap-accessible facilities in the United States, built between 1934 and 1938. This deep-rooted commitment to inclusivity means its design, from trails to cabins and program areas, is thoughtfully adapted for people with diverse abilities.

• Exceptional Staff Dedication: Consistently praised by visitors, the staff are described as "fabulous," "safe," "genuine," and "caring." With high camper-to-counselor ratios (often 2:1 or 1:1), campers receive personalized support, fostering an environment where they feel comfortable, engaged, and truly enjoy their experience.

• Comprehensive & Diverse Programming: The camp offers an impressive array of daily activities tailored for both youth and adult sessions. From traditional camp favorites like swimming (in a wheelchair-accessible pool), arts & crafts, and sports & games to unique options like horseback riding, nature exploration, and even off-site day trips for adults, there's always something engaging. This variety ensures every camper can find activities suited to their interests and abilities.

• Excellent Group Facilities: As highlighted by reviewers, the camp boasts "excellent facilities for a group." This includes a "large kitchen" and a spacious "lodge" (recreation hall), ideal for large gatherings, retreats, and indoor activities. The dining hall can seat 140 people and features a commercial kitchen.

• Rustic Charm in a National Park Setting: Located within the beautiful Catoctin Mountain Park, Camp Greentop offers a true "rustic experience" amidst nature. The historic log cabins and forest setting provide a peaceful backdrop, while maintaining essential comforts like comfort stations within each cabin and a main office.

• Focus on Independence and Fun: The camp's philosophy centers on promoting independence and enjoyment for campers with disabilities. This is reflected in structured daily schedules for youth and choice-based activities for adults, ensuring a "fun place" where campers "does not want to come home!"

• Health and Safety Measures: With staff trained in Medication Administration, CPR, and First Aid, plus a Health Center with a seasonal nurse and an on-call physician, the camp prioritizes the health and safety of its campers, providing peace of mind for families.

As a specialized camp primarily serving individuals with disabilities and managed in cooperation with the National Park Service, Camp Greentop does not typically offer "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense of discounts or package deals. Instead, its "offers" are inherent in its mission and funding structure, focusing on accessibility and support:

• Financial Assistance Available: A significant "offer" for Maryland locals is the availability of financial assistance (often referred to as "camperships"). Families needing support to send their loved ones to Camp Greentop can inquire about these applications directly, making the camp accessible to a wider range of participants regardless of financial background.

• All-Inclusive Program Fees: The program fees for sessions (whether summer, winter, or weekend respite) are comprehensive. They typically include all meals, accommodations, activities, and the specialized support from highly trained staff (including medical staff). This all-inclusive model provides value by covering all aspects of the camp experience without hidden costs.

• Specialized Care and Ratios: The camp provides high staff-to-camper ratios (e.g., 2:1 or 1:1 for certain programs), which is a crucial and costly aspect of specialized care. This dedicated support is an integral part of the program's value, ensuring individual attention and safety.

• Accessible Facilities: The substantial investment in maintaining and continually upgrading its fully wheelchair-accessible facilities (including the pool, cabins, and trails) is a continuous "offer" of a barrier-free environment, making it a unique and invaluable resource.

For the most accurate and current information on program dates, fees, and financial assistance options, interested Maryland families and groups should directly contact Camp Greentop or The League for People with Disabilities, Inc., which operates the camp.

To get in touch with Camp Greentop for inquiries about their programs, facility rentals, or to learn more about their specialized services, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 15001 Park Central Rd, Sabillasville, MD 21780, USA

• Phone: (301) 416-0801

• Mobile Phone: +1 301-416-0801

Camp Greentop is operated by The League for People with Disabilities, Inc. It would also be beneficial to visit their official website (often found through a search for "The League for People with Disabilities Camp Greentop") for detailed program guides, application forms, and specific session dates.

For Maryland locals, Camp Greentop in Sabillasville offers an incredibly suitable and profoundly valuable resource, especially for those connected to individuals with special needs or for groups seeking a rustic yet supportive retreat. Its unique mission and comprehensive facilities make it a standout choice within the state.

Firstly, its location within the serene Catoctin Mountain Park provides a picturesque and peaceful natural setting. This allows Marylanders to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the tranquility of the mountains, all within a reasonable driving distance from major population centers like Baltimore and Washington D.C. The fact that it's a National Park Service unit adds to its appeal, promising well-preserved natural beauty.

However, what truly sets Camp Greentop apart and makes it exceptionally suitable for locals is its dedicated focus on providing an inclusive camping experience for people with disabilities. As one of the oldest and most well-regarded accessible camps in the nation, it offers meticulously adapted facilities—from wheelchair-accessible trails and cabins with comfort stations to a specially designed swimming pool—ensuring that physical barriers are minimized. The "fabulous staff," known for being "genuine" and "caring," provide crucial support with high camper-to-counselor ratios, giving families peace of mind.

For parents of children with special needs, the testimonials speak volumes: "My autistic son attends during summer and winter. He does not want to come home!" This underscores the camp's ability to create a "fun place" with "a lot of daily activities" that cater to diverse abilities, fostering independence, social connection, and joy in a safe environment. Beyond individual campers, the "excellent facilities for a group," including a large kitchen and lodge, make it an ideal venue for local organizations, churches, or family reunions seeking a rustic yet functional setting.

In conclusion, Camp Greentop is more than just a campground; it is a vital community asset for Marylanders. It provides an unparalleled opportunity for individuals with disabilities to experience the joys of camping and outdoor recreation, while also serving as a welcoming space for various group gatherings. Its commitment to accessibility, combined with a supportive and engaging atmosphere, makes it a truly special and highly suitable destination for many local residents.

Camp Greentop

15001 Park Central Rd, Sabillasville, MD 21780, USA