Summer is approaching and parents are considering activities for their children. Yesterday team and individual sports were reviewed and today we will look at camps.
Many children attend camps, day and overnight ones. Camps expose children to new activities and experiences. Children develop new friendships and learn to interact with adults other than their parents and teachers. Camps also get your child out of the house and away from the television to participate in exercise and fun activities. Summer can be a long time with the kids at home, so take a look at some of your camp options.
As a parent of a child with special needs, you have more considerations than other parents when selecting a summer camp. There are many options, from regular camps to those that are specialized. Numerous camps that do not specifically focus on children with special needs are experienced with including them. Talk with other parents and teachers about the possibilities. Many areas have local parent magazines that list and review all the available camps. Once you have narrowed your search, talk with those in charge about your child’s needs and if their camp will be a fit.
I want to take a closer look at camps that are specifically for children with special needs. These are a little more difficult to locate and evaluate. First, these camps are either geared towards children with a specific need or accept children with a range of needs. Talk with your child about a day camp as opposed to an overnight camp. Also discuss the various types of activities that may be of interest to your child.
Once you have an idea of what interests your child, search these options to find a possible fit.
- Camp Resource offers over 150 camps that can be searched by 26 special needs. If you select your state, the number of camps by each special need is provided.
- Beyond the special need area of interest, The Camp Resource for Families allows you to search by a day or overnight camp, your child’s age, geographic area of interest, preferred length of camp stay, and cost per week.
- Once you select a special need at Kids Camps, you have the opportunity to refine your search by geography, camp type, child’s age, and even religion.
- My Summer Camps offers a listing of traditional camps and camps for special needs. The special needs area allows you to search by 25 different special needs.
- Very Special Camps has close to 200 camps that can be searched by state or special needs.
In addition to the above, check the websites of major disability organizations for more camp options. If they have a local chapter in your area, call and discuss camp opportunities. They may be able to refer you to local parents who can provide their insight and experience.
Now that you have some options for camps, take a look at this free Summer Camp Handbook. The handbook explains the different types of available camps, how to gather camp information, and finally how to select an appropriate camp for your child. The third part of the handbook addresses homesickness, a parent’s anxiety, preparation, and packing. Peruse their archives to listen to an interview with Dr. Chris Thurber on homesickness or to read up on the ten things to do in preparation for summer camp.
As you locate camps that appear to be a fit for your child, do your research. Check the camps’ references. Ask for names of other parents who have sent their children, especially if this is an overnight camp. Check on-line for reviews or comments regarding the camps.
Questions for Evaluating a Summer Camp at Family Education lists some useful questions to ask when selecting a camp. Questions range from what to ask about the director and staff of the camp, to questions about the camp setting, program, and accreditation. Do adequate checking to ensure your child has a wonderful camp experience.
If you know of a good camp for children with special needs, please share in the comments area below. Help create a useful resource of camps from one parent to another. Thanks for your input!
About Danette Schott, M.A.
Share Your Thoughts...