As the first Camp Jabberwocky campers arrived on-Island Sunday morning on the 10:45 ferry out of Woods Hole, a camper leaned over the railing and pumped his fists in the air.

“Are you ready?” Seth called out from high above on the boat. A roar of cheers erupted from the counselors waiting on the dock below, decked out in animal onesies, cowboy hats and feather boas.

Counselors dressed for a party to welcome campers. — Ray Ewing

Seth said he has been attending Camp Jabberwocky for so many years he can’t remember the exact number. Other campers were visiting the Island for the first time.

Camp Jabberwocky is the oldest sleep-away camp for people with disabilities in the United States. Founded in 1953 by Helen (Hellcat) Lamb, its mission is to give campers a summer full of adventure and friendship.

About 127 campers are expected to arrive during the next eight weeks. Each session is filled with picnics, beach outings, singing and laughter.

Campers old and new arrived Sunday morning. — Ray Ewing

A camper named Stephanie said that she is excited to eat veggie burgers and potato salad, but that nothing quite compares to the feeling of being with friends.

“My friends are awesome,” Stephanie said. “We love to spend time with each other. I cannot wait to meet people.”

Stephanie said it’s easy to make friends at Camp Jabberwocky, and then proved her point by walking off with a new group of friends and counselors to cheer about her love for popstar Justin Bieber.

High fives and hugs all around. — Ray Ewing

This was the first arrival that Hilary Dreyer has attended as executive director of Camp Jabberwocky. She said the welcome-party tradition is important to let campers know that they have a home at Camp Jabberwocky.

“Camp Jabberwocky is pretty well known for spreading the joy and happiness around the Island,” Ms. Dreyer said. “I’m feeling very eager to meet all of the campers and see Camp Jabberwocky in full camp mode.”

After everyone had disembarked and reunited, they paraded through Vineyard Haven, then headed to base-camp on Greenwood avenue

Another summer on the Vineyard begins. — Ray Ewing

Caitlin Lamb, a summer camp co-director and the granddaughter of Camp Jabberwocky’s founder, said that the Vineyard community builds a safe-haven for the campers.

“It really just feels like we create a space that you wish the entire world could be like all the time,” Ms. Lamb said.

More Pictures.