Camp is a fun part of summer for thousands of children each year. But
what about your special needs child? Will he miss out on experiencing camp? He
doesn't have to. With all the camps that have sprung up, children who
previously couldn't attend now may. Camps range from those designed
specifically for certain special needs such as asthma, cancer, or ADHD to
traditional camps that accommodate children with some special needs. It takes
thought and research to find the camp that is best for your special needs
child.
Benefits of Camp
Camp benefits all children. The positive outcomes for children with
special needs are much the same as for other children, but often go beyond
those. Here are some possible benefits.
- The chance to try new experiences. Things that aren't possible for your child to do at home may be available at camp. Swimming, horseback riding, canoeing, fishing and group games are adapted so that all children can take part. There are also crafts, campfires, and social activities. For children with physical, mental, and behavior problems, camp is an ideal setting to try new things.
- The opportunity to be around children with the same challenges. Your child might be left out as the only one in a wheel chair at school but will fit in at camp. She'll talk to other children who've been made fun of for being different. Your child with cancer can share his fears with campers who are facing or have overcome the same.
- Your child will make friends who can become penpals either through U.S. mail or by e-mail. Or perhaps they can talk into a tape player and send tapes back and forth to stay in touch.
- Increased independence and confidence. Camps have modifications so that children can be as mobile and independent as possible. Children with physical, mental, and behavioral difficulties find freedom at camp that they don't experience elsewhere. Counselors are trained to give help when needed and to encourage campers to do as much as possible for themselves. With more independence comes improved self esteem and confidence.
- Learning from peers. Your child may learn coping skills and different ways to do things from children who share his challenges. He'll see what other children are capable of doing and try to do more for himself.
- Increased physical activity. At home your child might find it easier to watch television than be active. Helping your child be active might be draining for you also. At camp your child will take part in adapted swimming, hiking (if mobile), horseback riding, sports, and group games.
- It gives you time to spend alone or to give extra attention to siblings. You can do activities that you ignore because your special needs child can't participate.
Finding the Right Camp
There are many things to consider when choosing a camp for your child.
Here are some things to consider and do.
Start early! Try to make your final decision in February or
March. Many camps hold open houses
during the spring months. Many camps will fill up in early spring and you may
be on a long waiting list.
Make a list of your child's needs. Before searching for a camp,
consider your child's needs. Make a list of special accommodations and services
your child requires. Does he need injections that must be given by a trained
medical person? Does she have a special diet? Does he sleep on a special kind
of bed?
List your expectations. What do you want the camp to do for
your child? Allow activities within a structured environment? Provide new experiences? Do you hope for
increased independence?
Consider your child's desires. Your child will do better if he
helps with decision making. Does he want to go to camp? What kind of camp? What
activities does he hope for?
Decide on duration, location, and cost. Consider what you want.
Do you want your child to stay a week? Longer? How far away? What if the best
camp for your child is in another state or across the country? How much can you
pay? The cost of a special needs camp can be as high as $5,000 for a 2-3 week
session. Check with local organizations for sponsors or scholarships.
Make a list of camps that match the criteria on your list. Go
to the websites listed below or ask other parents for camp recommendations.
List the ones in which you are interested. Then find out more about each.
Know what kind of training does the staff receives. This varies
by whether your child attends a camp specifically for special needs children or
a traditional camp that accepts children with certain needs. Is medical staff
available at all times? Do counselors know how to deal with your child's
specific challenges?
Know what kind of children attend the camp. Just because a camp
says they accept ADHD children or children with disabilities, it doesn't mean
that they have any attend or that they are set up to work with and nurture
these children. A camp may be willing to accept children with asthma but not be
able to accommodate wheelchairs for many of the activities. Or they may accept
children with physical disabilities but not be accepting of behavior disorders.
Find out about child to caregiver ratios. How many children are
in each cabin? How many counselors are there per child? Find out if the number
of counselors mean adult counselors or counselors in training.
Check that the camp is clean, safe, and in good repair. If
possible, visit the camp. That's the best way to know it's really like. Are
wheelchair ramps in good condition? Are the cabins clean with screens on the
windows? Are bathrooms and showers accessible for your child? Are there wide
paths? Is there a place for your child to sit apart from the group if he needs
to calm down? Is play equipment clean and in good repair? Does the camp seem
bright and cheerful? If you can't visit, ask for a video.
Make sure the overall attitude
is nurturing, positive and upbeat.
All children need to feel accepted and cared for. The director and
counselors should be positive and cheerful. Gloomy staff members won't
contribute to a positive camp experience for your child. Nurturing camp staff
is essential.
Communicate with the staff. Once you've chosen the best camp
for your child, contact the camp director and be sure that your child will have
everything she needs for a positive camp experience. You will be more relaxed
about sending your child to camp if you know she will receive her medicine at
the right time, have the diet she needs, and get appropriate help with daily
care.
Preparing Your Child for Camp
Once you've selected the best camp for your child, it's time to begin
preparing your camper. Here are some suggestions:
· Become familiar with the camp. Either visit or get a
video if you haven't already done this. Find out the schedule. Give your child
as much information as possible.
· Give your child practice being away from home. Arrange
for your child to spend the night with a friend or a few days with a relative
to help them learn how it feels to be away from home and to develop ways to
cope.
· Help your child learn to eat, dress, shower, and
prepare for bed as independently as possible.
· Label all belongings going to camp. Check the packing
list to be sure you've included everything. Send extra socks and underwear.
These get lost easily. Make sure to pack all medicines and special equipment
needed. Pack a comfort item such as a favorite photo, stuffed animal, or
pillow.
· Discuss any fears or concerns your child might have.
Is she afraid of the dark? Does she wet the bed? How can she deal with these
things at camp?
The camp experience is beneficial for most children, especially those
with special needs. Don't assume your child can't go to camp because of
limitations or challenges. Research the camps available and decide if there's
one that would provide a positive experience for your child.
Camp listings:
Camp list Extensive directory of camps from day camps
to sports camps to camps dedicated to a particular academic need
summer camps Easy to use
summer camp directory. You can search by location or type of camp.
What has been your experience in the past with camp?
