The Early Bird Catches the Camp!

Winter is the time to think about summer camp!

As you learned if you attended the Special Camp Fair, camps have begun to open registration. But if you haven't found a camp for your child, it's not too late.

Summer is a time to learn new skills, meet new friends, swim, play, experience new environments, learn to trust in new adults, and develop self-confidence. There are special needs camps that meet the needs of children with just about any disability. Having said that, it is important to remember that the Americans with Disabilities Act supports your child’s right to be included in mainstream programs. The law says that your child with special needs is entitled to be given “reasonable accommodations."

You are the best person to tell the camp what those accommodations might be. 

If you weren't able to visit camps last summer to find one that is appropriate for your child, you can ask camps to send you a video about the program. Many camps will do that. Speak to other parents about their experiences with camp. Contact organizations like Resources for Children with Special Needs to get feedback from professionals who know the programs. 

Below are some questions you might want to ask camps in order to feel more confident that the program is appropriate for your child:

• Who are your staff and how are they trained?
• Who is the Director and what are his/her qualifications?
• What is the ratio of staff to children?
• What type of medical staff do you have?
• What is your camp’s philosophy?
• How do you handle behavior problems?
• How many children return each year?
• How many staff return each year?
• Can you accommodate specific dietary needs?
• What will my child learn at your camp?

“Nobody can care for my child like I can!” you may say.

I hear this all the time, and indeed, it may be true. But unless you plan on living forever, experiences that give your child an opportunity to trust in other adults, be as independent as possible and spend time away from you are all preparations for the eventual transition into adult life.

Take a deep breath and give yourself a much needed break. Summertime and the living is easy... and so it will be if you find the appropriate camp for your child. You will be doing yourself a favor and your child as well.

For more information on mainstream day camps you can contact:

NYC Department of Health Bureau of Inspections-Day Camps
311 and ask for the Bureau of Inspections-Day Camps Division or 212-442-2630

American Camping Association
800-777-CAMP (2267), 212-391-5208
Day and sleepaway camps that are accredited by the American Camping Association

Resources for Children with Special Needs
212-677-4650 ext. 20 or 34
Call for special needs camps or search our 2011-12 Camps Guide:

http://www.resourcesnyc.org/4000-2011-special-camp-faircamp-directory-pdf