Five Tips to Selecting A Summer Camp for Your Special Needs Child

Thoughts to consider further… A break in routine can provide both you and your child with a much needed and life-changing sense of relief and reward, opening up new and exciting experiences that help to facilitate growth and development; physically, emotionally and socially. Do your research before making any final selections. Remember to always trust your instinct. However, separating from your child can be very stressful and for parents of special needs children, this feeling can be amplified exponentially. Make sure that you and your child feel comfortable with the change, and as with any transition, there will be bumps in the road, remember to be patient with your child and most importantly with yourself. Letting go and trusting others with the care and well being of your child is a huge challenge. Here’s a journal entry written immediately after my son Evan left for his first day of camp. First Day Jitters-Learning to Let Go

1. Consider your child’s cognitive, physical, social and emotional needs when selecting a setting. Think about both your child’s strengths and challenges and move forward from that vantage point. Do you want a camp that’s geared primarily for special needs children? Do you have a specific goal in mind that you want your child to focus on for the summer? If not, consult with his/her case manager to help identify a goal (s) for the summer. Be realistic and set attainable goals, no more than one-two at most. Remember Rome wasn’t built in one day or one summer for that matter. If  you want your child to attend a more mainstreamed inclusion program that includes typical peers, remember to consider how your child will function without your support and assistance and then decide on which kind of environment will best serve their needs. Here are a list of Special Needs Summer Camps. However, as with most things, the best advice is through word of mouth. Don’t be shy about asking your child’s case manager/child study team, special education teacher, primary physician, and/or fellow parents of other special needs children. Some districts will actually pay for the entire tuition and/or a part of the tuition depending on the facility. ( We ended up declining the services that were offered via our district through a few special needs camps and paid out of pocket for a more inclusive program through the JCC. We worked with both the camp director to receive a reduced rate due to a grant by their synagogue. My district wouldn’t pay for the camp due to the religious affiliation, however the program was not limited to members of the synagogue.)
2.  Meet the director as well as any other support staff, prior to the start date. Many camps offer this option via an orientation. However, for your special needs child, a one-to-one meet and greet might be the best option. Make sure that there is a registered nurse on staff, especially if your child requires medication to be administered throughout the day or have any additional physical and emotional needs that may need additional support. Feel free to inquire about their ask about their educational background and prior work experience. My son was fortunate enough to have a one-to-one aide that was pursuing a graduate degree in special education. Every organization has their mission statement and/or a specific ‘vision’ of what they hope your child’s experience will be, ask what that is.  Have a list of questions prepared and consider how the staff will address them. Questions to Consider Asking
3. Visit the location and consider what limitations the space may present. Survey the landscape and identify any challenges that you may anticipate for your child. For example, my son attended a camp that had a great deal of support, however there were some physical challenges that needed to be revised in order to fully support his physical needs. Is there a means of getting around the campgrounds and/or campus such as a golf? Will there be access to an air conditioned space? Can your child take breaks as needed and retreat to a more quiet location? Don’t be shy to make requests specific to your child’s needs advocating all that you anticipate your child may need.
4.  Ask for parent references. Don’t be afraid to ask to speak with other special needs parents who have had their children attend the camp. No one understands our challenges like a fellow special needs parent. Get into the nitty-gritty, do not leave any stone unturned! 
5.  Request support. If your child requires physical, emotional and/or cognitive support do not hesitate to ask for a one-to-one aide. It could make all the difference in your child’s experience. While safety is paramount, having your child meet with success and enjoy the experience is key.