Choosing a Summer Camp
by Douglas Lathrop
This article excerpt is reprinted with permission from Kids on Wheels, the dynamic new magazine for young wheelchair users and the adults who care about them.
Given the diversity of today’s summer camp programs, how does a parent decide on the best camp for his or her child? American Camp Association (ACA) president Ann Sheets recommends, “Start with the child. What activities does he or she enjoy? Include the child in the decision-making process.” The ACA and other organizations, such as Easter Seals, are excellent resources in finding a camp that matches your child’s age, interests, and abilities.
Once you and your child have looked through the camp directories, poured over the brochures, and narrowed your search down to a handful of programs, you should ask the camp director a lot of questions, including:
- How many campers are there at a time? How long is the usual stay?
- What kinds of activities does the camp offer?
- Is the camp designed only for kids with disabilities, or is it integrated with other kids?
- If your child has particular physical or dietary needs, how will the camp meet them? In the event health problems arise, how close are the nearest medical facilities?
- What is the ratio of campers to staff? How experienced is the staff with working with kids with disabilities?
- What kinds of screening and training do the counselors and other staff undergo?
- How do parents communicate with their children during camp?
- What is the cost? What kinds of scholarships or grants are available?
Sheets also suggests getting referrals from other parents, meeting the camp director and checking out the facility in person. As in all decisions involving your child, doing your homework is essential. “And remember that your child should be involved in the decision about which camp to attend.”
For your child, the foremost benefit to attending camp is, quite simply, having fun. Beyond the fun aspects, spending time at camp can strengthen a child’s sense of independence and ability to socialize with others – both of which help to boost his or her self-esteem.
Some children with disabilities benefit the most from being around other disabled kids – seeing others facing the same challenges and not feeling like the odd one out as they may at home. For other kids, being in an integrated environment helps them forget about their disabilities for a little while and helps them feel like part of the group, perhaps for the very first time.
Independence, self-esteem, and above all, fun – summer camp makes all of these accessible to your child regardless of his age or abilities.
RESOURCES
Websites…
The American Camp Association provides a searchable database of all ACA-accredited camps, including those that serve children with disabilities: www.acacamps.org
Easter Seals offers residential and day camp programs for children with disabilities throughout the country. Their website includes a nationwide directory of camps and advice for parents on choosing an accessible camp: www.easterseals.com
Book…
Resources for Children With Special Needs publishes Camps 2006: A Directory of Camps and Summer Programs for Children and Youth with Disabilities and Special Needs in the Metro New York Area. Ordering info: www.resourcesnyc.org/rcsn.htm
Summer Camps recommended by Kids On Wheels
Camp Aldersgate
2000 Aldersgate Road
Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
501/225-1444
Victory Junction Gang Camp
4500 Adam’s Way
Randleman, North Carolina 27317
336/498-9055
Rifton extends appreciation for the photos to Camp Aldersgate, serving campers with special needs for over 35 years.
