Let's All Go
TO Camp!
A guide to selecting an inclusion summer camp and preparing your child for the experience of a lifetime
ith the school days behind us and
summer days approaching, many
parents may still be considering the decision to send their child to a sleep-away camp. And not just any camp but one that will accept their child. This is a big decision for families of children with special needs and, if new to the camping world, raises a lot of questions. Is your child ready to go off to an inclusion camp program or would your child do best at a camp that serves only children with special needs? How do you know?
For many parents, the first thing they wonder is if their child is ready. While there is no magic age or factor that deems a child “ready” for camp, there are some tell-tale signs that a parent can look for or even help a child with to prepare for a great camp experience.
1. Can my child take care of their basic needs on their own? Bathing and washing your own hair is expected in an inclusion camp program as well as going to the bathroom on their own. This is an important measure to determine if your child is ready for an inclusion camp experience or would be a better fit for a camp that specializes in children with limited abilities. Typically an inclusive camp will assign a counselor buddy for your child to get around the facility, complete a craft project, incorporate them into the camp programs and help keep up with their personal belongings. Counselor buddies are there to assist with fixing a young girl’s hair style into a braid or pony tail but campers are expected to be able to brush their own teeth and manage their own showers at an inclusion camp. If you have a child who has not ever learned these skills, encourage them to do so now at home so they are comfortable with the process. Start a few weeks before camp so they have time to practice and get your help or input as needed.
2. Does my child make friends easily? Summer camp is about making new friends and learning to meet different children. Some children are ready to go on their own, and others may find it more comfortable to ask a friend to go as a camp buddy.
3. Has my child spent the night with a family member or friend without you? Some families may choose a short camp session as a first-year trial and consider a camp that is not too far from home. (within 2 hours) – Many camps, like Camp El Tesoro, offer first and second graders a 4-day camp session as well as one week sessions for older campers just coming to camp for the first time.
Once the decision is made that your child is ready to attend camp, the process of finding and selecting a camp begins. The good thing is that it is never too late to start looking. While there are camps that fill their cabins early in the year, many don’t fill every space, or have spaces open up as the summer progresses.
When looking at camps for your child it is important to note that just as every child is different, so is every camp. There are more than 12,000 day and overnight camps in the United States! Choose your camp with the same level of care that you use when selecting a school.
Begin with a basic criteria decided on by you, the parent, and the potential camper. Use things such as interests, location, cost and accreditation in your discussion. Also, ask the camper why they want to go to camp. This can help narrow the list.
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Next, head to the internet. Almost every camp has information online or videos that show both the parent and the camper what they can expect. Look for camps that mention their inclusion program. Keep in mind inclusion camp programs embrace and provide environments that foster the joy of engaging in play, making social connections and discoveries for every camper. The campers in the program may receive special assistance from an Inclusion Counselor or have slight accommodations made for the program. Expect the camp to work with you in advance for the success of your camper.
If at all possible, take the time to tour the camp and meet the staff. Ask questions about the inclusion program and the staff they hire for the inclusion campers. Openly share your concerns for any special needs or diet your child may require to be successful away from home.
As we do with our Camp Fire Camps, many offer a free day or a local “party” where families can come and get all their questions about camp easier making the transition easier for both the parents and the camper.
A great online resource for parents is the American Camp Association’s Website: http://www.acacamps.org/ and use “Find a Camp” option.
Once you have decided on the camp for your child, you can work with staff and the director for details on check-in & check-out, what to pack and any additional information or resources that you may need to help your child have the best time possible at camp.
A special note to parents:
Enjoy the time that your child is at camp and let the camp do their job. Write letters to your camper and encourage them. While they are away, don’t make any major life changes that you haven’t discussed previously with your child and above all be positive about camp! Before you know it, your child will be back in your home telling you about the adventures, friends and fun they had during their time at camp and more than likely asking you, “When can I go back?”
Guest columnist, Susan Merrill is a 27- year veteran camp director and current Director of Programs at Camp Fire Camp El Tesoro located in Granbury, Texas. She is a camp mom and camp grandma and has held the hands of many first-time parents and campers!
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