OUR STORY

Camp Reece launched in 2016 as a stay-away summer camp at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York. We have since expanded and are newly located in Johnsburg, New York as of 2021. With an idyllic natural setting and experienced staff members, Camp Reece provides a fully immersive environment for individuals with disabilities from age 8 to 17. Our skilled and caring staff members differentiate instruction and modify activities whenever needed to ensure campers of all levels, abilities, and ages can participate fully and successfully.

Camp Reece derives its name from its sibling institution, The Reece School. Founded in 1948 by Ellen S. Reece and chartered by the State of New York in 1955, the Reece School is one of the oldest non-profit special education schools in New York City. Originally housed in Ms. Reece’s home on East 93rd Street, Reece School’s on-going commitment to providing a nurturing and academically engaging environment for its students resulted in the school expanding its student body over the next several decades. Eventually outgrowing its original home, in 2006, Reece School moved into its new location at 25 East 104th Street next to the famous Museum Mile and Central Park.

The Reece School’s practices of differentiated emotional and social support, as well as a well-structured environment, are translated to the fun-filled landscape of Camp Reece! Campers will be able to explore a myriad of different activities, across programs such as arts, sports, and adventure. With a structured weekly schedule, campers will be able to explore everything Camp Reece has to offer and then tailor their schedule to their favorite activities. Through practical and extracurricular programs, campers will not only have fun, they will also learn new skills and build self confidence and self-esteem which they will carry with them long beyond their time at Camp Reece.

Camp Reece Heading

Meet the Team

  • Bret Weiss

    CAMP DIRECTOR

    Hello! My name is Bret Weiss and this will be my first summer at Camp Reece! I'm from Brewster, NY and studied Business Administration at SUNY Oswego. I went to camp myself since the age of 5 and have worked with children in a camp setting for over 10 years. Some of my favorite camp activities are high ropes, archery, and white-water rafting. During the school year, I work at the Reece School as Positive Behavior Support. When I'm not at camp, I enjoy being adventurous, traveling, sports and music!

    I cannot wait for this summer to be here! See you soon!

  • Kiersten Twitchell, LCSW

    CLINICAL DIRECTOR

    I have worked with children and teens for over 15 years, and during much of that time, I spent my summers in a camp setting. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and worked in New York City for 10 years after receiving my Master’s from NYU. I spent three years working as a Counselor at the Reece School, which is how I got connected to Camp Reece.

    I’m originally from Kansas City, Kansas and currently live in Nashville, Tennessee. My favorite activities are yoga, being in nature, spending time with my friends and hanging out with my husband and two dogs – Jackson and Kennedy. Jackson is also one of our camp dogs – he loves it there! I am excited about many things this summer – getting to know all of the amazing campers and staff, being outside all day, and going on adventures like white water rafting and high ropes! See you this summer!

  • Charlotte Lester

    PROGRAM DIRECTOR

    Hi there - My name is Charlotte Lester. I am originally from Westchester NY and now living in NYC. I’ve been involved with Camp Reece since its start in 2017. I’ve loved watching it grow and develop into the amazing program it is today! Some of my favorite camp activities are tubing, ceramics, and six flags. When I’m not at Camp, I teach photography at the Reece School and coach alpine ski racing at Gore Mtn.

    Counting down the days until SUMMER 2025

  • Brent DiVittorio

    AQUATICS DIRECTOR

    Hey, camp crew! Brent here, gearing up for my second go-round at Camp Reece. Having spent a decade teaching swimming, you can count on me to keep the swimming program just right. I'm all about weaving outdoor adventures into the mix, adding that extra splash of excitement. Whether we're fine-tuning our strokes or diving into various camp activities, I'm here to ensure we have a summer that's both enjoyable and packed with learning. So, gear up for some good laughs, a bit of exploration, and plenty of aquatic excitement!

  • Emma Reinisch

    HEALTH DIRECTOR

    Hi everyone! I'm Emma and I'm excited to be your Camp Nurse this summer! I am originally from Florida and now live in Los Angeles, California, where I work as a school nurse during the year. I spend my free time spending as much time outdoors as possible with activities like hiking, backpacking, scuba diving, and trail running.

    This is my second year at Camp Reece and I cannot wait for an unforgettable summer with you all!