Main Content
Written by Jody F. and Mousumi P., Somerset County Rutgers Master Gardeners
Camp Jotoni in Warren, NJ serves special needs individuals with varying degrees of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Rutgers Master Gardener’s Gardening with Special Needs Audiences Team has been involved with the camp for over 15 years. Campers enjoy activities and games in the nature trails, and vegetable, herb, and sensory gardens. By working with Camp Jotoni’s specialists and following American Horticultural Therapy association practices, the team has been able to customize elements of the program to ensure campers experience nature with many hands-on activities.
In July 2024, campers of all ages spent the day in nature, learning about the lifecycle of monarch butterflies while making coffee filter monarch caterpillars and butterflies. Below, Johanna O. shows the group monarch caterpillars in various stages of development and their chrysalises. The RMGs have tailor made a nature program and activities that are enjoyed by the campers each year. The team also designed, developed and maintains several garden areas on campus that are used to augment the campers’ experiences in nature.
