Sending My Special Needs Children To Summer Camp

For many of my friends, they and their children alike meet summer time with ease and excitement.  I, however, have to take a deep breath and go into serious planning mode months before the heat of the summer sets in.  As the mom of children with special needs, I have to do a significant amount of research into the types of programs available and major planning once I’ve chosen the right program.  Not to say that all parents don’t research and plan, but finding the right summer program for my children was almost harder than finding the right school!

The first time I sent my two children to camp, when they were 3 and 4 years old, I kind of went on gut instinct. I didn’t realize the importance of doing my homework. Luckily, the experience was successful but from there on, I was a much smarter parent.  The first camp was run through a community centre, a half-day program. I signed up not knowing the staff or their philosophy on children with special needs.

When I dropped off my kids on the first day of camp the smiling counselors greeted them, spoke gently and occupied them right away. I went to see the director, who I had spoken to the week prior, to discuss how they would meet my children’s needs. The discussion was wonderful. She asked questions and really seemed interested in everything I said. She even took notes. I left, a little nervously, but I knew I had to give it a try.  When I returned my children were smiling, and weren’t so eager to leave.

Check #1 - The counselors came over to me with a list of questions they had about hearing loss.

Check #2 - They proceeded to tell me all about my children’s day and what they did to help them.

Check #3 - The director asked if I was free to meet the following night to talk to all the staff about hearing loss and how to accommodate my children. 

Check #4 - This is when I realized that my gut lead me in the right direction and provided me with the checklist I now use regularly when signing my children (now 12 & 13) up for any program. 

As a parent, you have to trust your own judgment.  Now that I know what I want, I know what to look for and will only work with people willing to help me make that happen. I ask A LOT of questions and use my intuition, helping to ensure a successful experience for my kids.

Here are some tips that I find helpful as a parent when signing my children up for camp:

  Be a part of the team. I explain that I’m a partner in my chilrden’s camp experience and am willing to support the staff in any way I can.

  Insist on honesty. I always let all the staff know that they can be completely honest about my children’s experiences.

  Provide the right tools. I can’t just drop my children off and say “go have a good time.” I need to give guidance to their counselors and other camp staff to ensure they’ll have a positive experience.  I work on a detailed fact sheet and give copies to everyone that needs one.  On it I include:

• A list of key phrases that my children are familiar with and respond well to
• A list of any words my children use that others may not understand
• I make sure staff are aware of any made up words my child uses for body parts, pacifier, blanket etc.
• I write down their routines or transitions that cause behaviours
• I note the strategies and techniques we use at home that promote success

  Attend the Our Kids Camp Expo: This is a great opportunity to meet with the camps and learn their philosophies. It is on Sunday, February 26 at Roy Thompson Hall.

Here are some of the questions that I ask camp directors and staff when trying to decide if the camp is the right fit for my children.

• My child relies on visual and auditory together, what is your view on using visual aids?
• Behaviours—my child may miss instructions, rules and expectations which may impact behaviour and adherence to routines.  Open communication is helpful as I can provide you with strategies that work for children with a special need
• What is your philosophy about children with disabilities?Have you ever had a child with a disability?
• What do you know about _________? (disability)
• Have you had any experience with a child with a _________?
• Are you willing to have someone come in and do an in-service (provide information on this disability and good teaching strategies)?
• Will you be willing to work with me to make accommodations for my child to access the information to the best of his\her ability?
• There are professionals involved in our life that assist our child in learning successful strategies- are you comfortable having them come in and visit to observe?
• Are there any forms we need to sign?
• Who can we coordinate appointments with?