Since 1969
A history of making room
Summit began with a belief that young people who learn and connect differently deserve the full experience of camp.
An idea with a home
Mayer and Ninette Stiskin founded Summit Camp in 1969. At the time, they operated the Summit Schools of New York City and saw an opportunity to create a camp for the children and teenagers in those schools.
The property had first been intended as part of the Rose Lake Camps. The Stiskins gave it a different purpose: a place where campers could share the traditions, friendships and adventures of a residential summer.
An evolving community
Summit grew from its roots in special education and learning support. The camp developed programs centered on recreation, social connection and personal progress, and has continued to work with the wider camp and education communities.
The mission now reaches beyond summer camp through travel, Weekenders and the CENTER. Across those settings, the goal remains meaningful peer relationships and a genuine sense of belonging.