LEONARDTOWN, Md. — St. Mary’s County commissioners accepted a $35,000 state grant on Aug. 19, 2025, to support Camp Discovery, a therapeutic summer program for children with disabilities operated by the county’s Recreation and Parks Department. The funding, from the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration, supplements existing budgets for the camp, which serves residents aged 5 to 20 and focuses on recreational and developmental activities. This action, part of a broader meeting agenda that included other public safety and infrastructure grants, underscores ongoing county efforts to provide inclusive services amid state resources allocated for developmental support.
The grant acceptance occurred during the commissioners’ regular business meeting in the Chesapeake Building, where they approved multiple items under County Administrator Time. Specifically, the Developmental Disabilities Administration Community Grant award aims to bolster Camp Discovery, enabling the program to maintain its specialized offerings for participants with various disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders, cognitive challenges and physical impairments. County documents indicate the funds help cover operational needs for the camp, which has run for more than three decades as part of the department’s adaptive recreation initiatives.
Camp Discovery operates as a therapeutic recreation camp, providing structured environments that promote social interaction, skill-building and enjoyment. In 2025, the program ran from June 30 to July 31, Monday through Thursday, excluding July 4, at Esperanza Middle School in Lexington Park. Sessions lasted from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., starting with an open house on June 30 that was not a full camp day. Participants engaged in a range of activities tailored to their needs, such as arts and crafts, music sessions, swimming, adapted physical education, field trips and exercises focused on social development and life enrichment. These elements are designed to foster positive peer relationships and continue therapeutic learning outside traditional school settings.
Eligibility for Camp Discovery includes children and young adults with disabilities who benefit from specialized programming. The camp serves as an approved respite care provider and allows coordination with St. Mary’s County Public Schools for extended school year services or other specialized support during sessions. Nursing staff are available on-site to handle medication administration, non-delegated duties and emergencies, ensuring safety for those with medical requirements. Registration required a $25 deposit per week, with full payment due by June 16, 2025, and scholarships covered up to 50% of fees for qualifying county residents based on income criteria tied to school lunch programs.
The program’s history traces back over 30 years, evolving within the Recreation and Parks Department’s therapeutic recreation framework to address community needs in St. Mary’s County, where approximately 86,000 residents include families seeking accessible summer options near landmarks like the Patuxent River. State funding like this grant aligns with Maryland’s broader efforts through the Developmental Disabilities Administration, which distributes resources to local governments for community-based services. In fiscal year 2026, starting July 1, 2025, such allocations help sustain programs amid rising demands for inclusive recreation.
Local officials have highlighted Camp Discovery’s role in community wellness. The camp concluded its 2025 season with closing ceremonies attended by county representatives, marking the end of activities that included outings like beach visits, as noted in department updates. These experiences contribute to participants’ growth, with the program partnering with public schools for integrated support. Registration for the 2025 season opened March 3, drawing from a catalog of county camps that also includes traditional day and sports options.
Beyond the grant, the commissioners’ meeting addressed related items, such as waterway improvements and other health initiatives, reflecting a comprehensive approach to public services. Camp Discovery fits into this by offering targeted recreation that complements year-round adaptive programs, like those for adults with disabilities. County data shows increasing participation in such initiatives, supported by state grants totaling millions annually for developmental services across Maryland.
St. Mary’s County’s investment in Camp Discovery aligns with state priorities for disability services, as outlined in annual budgets from the Developmental Disabilities Administration. This funding mechanism, established under Maryland’s health department, provides community grants to counties for programs promoting independence and inclusion. In St. Mary’s, this translates to sustained operations for Camp Discovery, which has adapted over years to include innovative elements like field trips to local sites.
Participants benefit from a supportive environment that extends beyond summer, linking to school-year services. The camp’s location at Esperanza Middle School facilitates this integration, utilizing facilities equipped for adapted activities.
As St. Mary’s County plans for fiscal year 2026, the grant positions Camp Discovery for another season of therapeutic recreation. Residents can access more information via the Recreation and Parks Department, which coordinates with state agencies to secure such funding. This acceptance on Aug. 19 follows a pattern of grant approvals that total over $2 million in the meeting, emphasizing fiscal responsibility in public programming.
