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We know that coming to camp, exploring a retreat, or diving into a class at our Wellness Center for the first time can spark a few good questions. Our team is here to help you through every step of the process. Below, you’ll find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. But, if you find you need more information, please contact Leia Patsilevas at 724-935-5470 or lpatsilevas@woodlandsfoundation.org. We hope to see you at The Woodlands soon!

No. We serve a wide range of disabilities, both visible and invisible. However, the following eligibility will enable participants to be successful in The Woodlands’ programs:

  • Able to be redirected within 4 prompts from The Woodlands staff
  • Able to self-regulate behavior with redirection from The Woodlands staff
  • Open to the benefits from enrichment programs and interest in trying new activities
  • Able to sleep through the night if staying over*
  • Medical needs may be attended to without 1:1 nursing

* This excludes the Bloom program, you can view criteria for Bloom HERE

Yes! The Woodlands accommodates specific dietary needs as requested. You also have the option to bring in food from home for your participant, and check-it in with their counselor. For questions about specific dietary needs please contact the Food Service Director, Peggy Harris at mmcabe@woodlandsfoundation.org or 724-935-5470 ext. 236.

The Woodlands offers weekly sessions, running Sunday-Friday, according to age during summer from June-August. Check-in is on Sunday 3 p.m.- 5:15 p.m and check-out is on Friday 9:45 a.m.- 10:45 a.m. Check-in times will be emailed prior to your week of camp based on the participant’s pod. Times vary for Notes from the Heart Music Camps and Camp Woodlands Jr.

We also offer weekend sessions, running Friday-Sunday in the spring and fall from September- May. In addition, we offer Club sessions on weeknights and Saturdays in the spring and fall. Check-in is on Friday 5:30 p.m.- 7:15 p.m. and check-out is Sunday 10 a.m.- 11 a.m. Check-in times will be emailed prior to your retreat weekend based on the participant’s pod.

Many can participate in an overnight camp or weekend as a day participant, but we do not offer overnight programs for the 6-12 age category.

Our participant-to-staff ratio is four participants to every one staff member for our Weekend Retreats and Clubs in the spring and fall.

Our participant-to-staff ratio is two participants to every one staff member for our weeklong summer camps, as well as Cub Club in the spring and fall.

If your participant requires 1:1 support or nursing, we allow them to attend with that support person (nurse, TSS, wrap around, etc.) at no charge. *Parents cannot serve as a participant’s 1:1

We accept participants starting at age six and continuing through adulthood. Programs are offered according to age category:

  • Children: 6-12 (no overnight)
  • Teens: 13-21
  • Young Adults: 22-29
  • Adults: 30 and up

Each participant’s cost of registration is based on household income and we do everything we can to make The Woodlands experiences accessible to all. We also offer scholarships via The Woodlands WonderFund. It’s our goal to help keep your cost as low as possible and all costs are based on a sliding scale of ability to pay.

We also accept Medicaid Home and Community Based Waivers: Consolidated, Person/Family Directed Support (PFDS), and Community Living Waivers.

At The Woodlands, we never turn away a participant due to an inability to pay and we are happy to work with you to ensure your participant can attend through our Wonderfund Scholarship program. After all, The Woodlands is for everyone!

Click HERE to view our Cost and Payment options.

What to pack for retreats

What to pack for summer camp

Both paid staff and volunteers at The Woodlands are required to go through an extensive interview process and pass a thorough criminal background check, child-abuse clearances and FBI fingerprinting.

The Woodlands has a full-time registered nurse and healthcare associates on-staff 24 hours a day and a doctor on-call 24 hours a day.

Yes, you will be provided with a 24-hour cell phone number upon registration.

No, families and participants are responsible for all transportation to and from The Woodlands campus.

Many of our participants come from the Pittsburgh area and neighboring counties, but we also have participants from all over the United States. There are no eligibility stipulations based on a participant’s residency, however you do need to have an emergency contact available within 60 minutes from The Woodlands during your participant’s stay with us.