Needs Ah, summer camp. The mosquitoes, the swim races, the friendships, the bug juice, the postcards home. What child wouldn't benefit from the fun and structured freedom camps provide? Kids with special needs are no exception. But the prospect can seem daunting to parents and kids alike — how can you be sure that your child will get the attention he or she needs? Will your child be able to participate fully? What about the other kids? Will your child make friends? Will they understand your child's special needs? The good news is that there are more camp choices now than at any other time for kids with special needs. From highly specialized camps to regular camps that accommodate kids with special needs, there are options for every child. With careful consideration of what will benefit your child most, along with thorough research, you should be able to find the right camp for your child. What Are the Different Types of Camps? When it comes to camps, kids with special needs have as many choices as other children. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires all camps to make reasonable accommodations (such as the installation of wheelchair-accessible ramps) so that kids with special needs can attend. So, camps that had never had a child with special needs attend before may now be on your list of possibilities. Inclusionary (or mainstream) camps do just what their name implies: They include kids with special needs in their groups of children with regular needs. These camps may have started out serving only a general population of kids, but they've gradually changed as the needs of the families they serve have changed. There are also camps designed just for kids with special needs, including kids who have learning or behavioral problems, kids with specific chronic illnesses, and kids with mental or physical impairments. Many of these camps accept kids with a variety of needs, but some camps only accept kids with specific problems (such as camps for kids with diabetes, cancer, speech or hearing impairment, cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, etc.). Within all of these categories, you'll have even more choices to consider in terms of duration, philosophy, and cost. There are nonprofit and for-profit camps, religious camps, camps run by national organizations, private camps, day camps, camps that run weekend sessions, and sleepover camps that accept kids for the entire summer. What Are the Benefits of Camp? The benefits of camp for kids with special needs are often the same as they would be for any child: increased confidence and independence activity and exercise the opportunity to interact with other kids, develop friendships, and build relationships positive role modeling by adults a chance for parents to have a likely much-needed break Independence is another benefit that camp can provide. For example, an overnight mainstream camp can give a special-needs child the chance to be without parents, doctors, or physical therapists for a week. This allows children to do more things for themselves and learn how to ask friends to help. Learning that their peers or other adults can help them is also valuable for kids with special needs. Children can learn to be assertive in problem-solving and communicating needs. In addition, camp provides the physical benefits of increased activity as well. Many kids with disabilities or chronic illnesses are sedentary and don't often participate in the sports or recreational activities that their peers do. They therefore miss out on the social and health benefits that exercise brings. Camp provides a variety of activities such as swimming, wheelchair racing, dancing, tennis, or golf. These give immediate health benefits in terms of improved cardiovascular fitness and also provide recreational options that can carry over into adult life. In addition, many camps combine learning environments with these physical activities, giving kids with behavioral or learning problems the chance to develop, or catch up on, needed skills during the summer. Starting Your Camp Search A good way to begin looking for a camp is to make several lists that establish the basics you're looking for: a list of goals, a list of caretaking priorities, and a list of other considerations (such as cost). You'll also need to figure out which type of camp might best suit your child: inclusionary (or mainstream) camps camps for kids with a specific special need camps for kids with many different kinds of special needs. When trying to find the right camp, consider whether your child has ever been away from home, for the weekend or even longer, and what experiences might have helped prepare him or her for camp. This will help you to decide not only the type of camp, but whether your child is ready for a day camp or a sleepover (residential) camp. Involving kids in the camp search will help to ensure that they get the most out of the camp selected. So, ask kids the following: What do you want to get out of summer camp? What are your preferences? Do you want to go to a coed camp, or just be around kids of the same gender? Are there any activities you really want to try? Would you be more comfortable going to a camp with kids who do or don't have special needs? Are you comfortable being away from home? If so, for how long? Do you have classmates or friends who have gone to a summer camp? If so, which ones? And did they like it? If it turns out that the idea of camp is a bit overwhelming for both you and your child, you might want to try starting small, like weekend sessions at a special-needs camp. Doing Your Research Whatever type of camp you're leaning toward, it's important to do your research. And there are plenty of places to get information on camps these days. The American Camp Association (ACA), for example, has an online listing of special-needs camps that's broken down by the types of camps, cost, length of stay, state/region, and campers' ages. The site is also loaded with general as well as age-appropriate advice for parents of would-be campers. You can also call local chapters of major disability organizations to find out what camps are available in your area. Many organizations publish lists of camps and can connect you with camp directors and former campers. In addition, you might be able to find a special- needs camp fair in your area. Check the calendar listings in your local newspapers and monthly parenting magazines. Many of these are held in January or February, which means that you need to start your camp search early. Of course, part of your research will involve figuring out what you can afford. The cost of camps varies widely, with some high-end special- needs camps costing thousands of dollars for multiple-week sessions. Although you can help fund your child's camp experience by applying for scholarships, experts say you should make sure to do so from December through March, because the money is gone by April or May. You can contact charitable organizations and fraternal organizations (such as the Lions, Kiwanis, and Rotary Clubs, all of which sponsor special-needs camps). And depending on your child's specific special need, he or she may be eligible for financial aid from your state. Other sources of scholarships include religious or ethnic charities. One thing to bear in mind, though: You usually first need to find a camp that's willing to take your child — most of these organizations send the scholarship money to the camp in the child's name, not to the parents directly. Questions to Ask So, how do you narrow down your choices and pick the camp that's right for your child? Some basic and special-needs- specific questions you'll need to have answered include: How long are the sessions? What's the cost? Are scholarships available? Is it coed, girls-only, or boys-only? What's the age range of campers? Where is it located — and how far away from your home is it? What's the staff-to-camper ratio? How old are most of the counselors? What type of certification do the counselors have? What's the turnover rate? Do kids and staff come back? What's the camp's philosophy? Does it fit with your goals for your child? What's the camp's transportation system like? If physical accessibility is an issue, what's the layout of the camp? What provisions has the camp made (or can it make) for wheelchairs or crutches? If your child needs a special diet, can the camp provide appropriate meals? If not, can you provide food for your child? Do staff members have a background working with kids with special needs? Do the counselors have first-aid training? What kind of medical staff is available in the infirmary and during what hours? Can the staff administer any medications your child needs? If your child has behavior problems, what's the training and experience of the available staff to help? And how does the camp staff handle behavioral problems? What's the procedure if your child develops a complication related to his or her medical problems? How far is the nearest hospital? If your child needs specialized treatment, is it available at that hospital? Although you can get some of this information through phone calls, emails, brochures, and websites, experts recommend visiting the camp. You can talk to the director, visit the site, and get a comprehensive picture of where your child will be. Probably the only way to get a true feel for the camp is for you and your child to visit it together. This is especially important if your child is going to a regular (inclusionary or mainstream) camp where they haven't dealt with many children with special needs, because it gives you the opportunity to point out changes they might need to make and to gauge the reaction of the camp's staff to your requests. If you can't visit a camp, interview the director and some staff members to get a feel for the place. Ask them to describe the physical layout and the kinds of activities your child will do. You should also ask to speak with other families whose children have attended the camp to see what their experiences were like. In fact, word of mouth is one of the most effective ways to find out what you need to know about each camp. As you're trying to figure out which camp is best, just remember that whatever the special need, there's likely a camp out there to suit your child. With some research and understanding between you, your child, and the camp director, your camper-to-be will likely be well on the way to having an unforgettable summer. Reviewed by: Steven J. Bachrach, MD Date reviewed: October 2007 www.kidshealth.org Emotional/Behavioral Issues Camp Attaway Day camp for children with emotional and behavioral disorders Columbia, Maryland, Ages 7-13, 410-730-2633 www.campattaway.org Camp Greentop For individuals with emotional and multiple disabilities and their families. Catoctin Mountains National Park, Maryland, Ages 7-adult 410-323-0500, www.campgreentop.org Kidz Clubhouse Themed camps for kids with and without disabilities. Ages 5-22, Great Falls, Virginia, 703-438-8370 www.kidzclubhouse.org Fairfax County Government Fairfax County Park Authority The FCPA offers inclusion opportunities in summer camps for residents of Fairfax County, Falls Church City or the City of Fairfax as well as out-of-county residents. Only the Rec PAC Summer Camp program is closed to out-of-county residents. Camps open to all disabilities. Ages 3-16, 703-222-4664, www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ada.htm www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/rec_camps. htm www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ada/rec-pac.htm Fairfax County Department of Community & Recreation Services Therapeutic Recreation Services Summer Recreation Camps for Individuals with Disabilities. Provides children with disabilities the opportunity to engage in a variety of recreation activities with non-disabled peers in large group situations. Grades 1-6, 703-324-5532, www.fairfaxcounty.gov/rec Fairfax County Office for Children SACC Program Summer SACC Camp Discovery 2009 Fairfax County, Ages 5-12, 703-449-8989 www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ofc/saccsummer.htm ART CAMP Art at the Center, 2804 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria Virginia-just down the street from the Sherwood Hall Regional Library, www.artatthecenter.org/classessummer.htm Looking for high-quality, low cost art materials for using at home this summer? We sell new, renewable clay in amounts for use at home and in the classroom. We also provide training and support in the use of clay and other art materials. Let us know what you are interested in and we'll help you figure it out. All programs have 2 professional teachers for a low student-teacher ratio, allowing for focused attention and small group work. Drop-off sessions are designed for children who are comfortable separating from a parent and are toilet trained. Register early as class sizes are limited. Fees include all materials. Sensory Motor Integration Basic Concepts Full and half-day camps to improve sensory integration, speech, language, and social skills. Ages 3-9, Rockville, Maryland 240-447-8013, www.basicconcepts.org Camp Littlefoot @ Treatment & Learning Centers Therapeutic camps for sensory integration, speech/language, learning enrichment and handwriting Ages 3-13, Rockville, Maryland, 301-738-9691 www.ttlc.org/camp-littlefoot.html Summer Camp O.T. Foundations Camp 6179 Executive Boulevard, Rockville, MD 20852 301.770.0604 www.miwtherapy.com A fun-filled occupational therapy camp providing intensive handwriting and reading intervention along with Tae Kwon Do and Art. Limited to 8 campers per session. Lowell School Summer Programs Camps to enhance sensory motor development, Ages 4-10 Washington, D.C., 202-577-2006, www.lowellschool.org Sense Abilities for Kids ~ Camp Sensational Based on the principles of sensory integration in a fun-filled environment. All children are welcome. Leesburg, Virginia 571-232-9329, www.sa4kids.com Sensational Explorers Day Camp Camp for high functioning children with sensory integration needs Ages 5-10, Burke, Virginia, SensoryCamp@hotmail.com 703-978-6532, www.sensorycamp.citymax. com/page/page/2988246.htm Designed for children with sensory integration difficulties as well as speech and language delays. Ideal for children between the ages of 3 and 5 to provide them with an engaging social atmosphere that emphasizes sensory activities through play with peers. 703-750-2443, www.skillbuildersllc.com Summer Adventure Program by Lynn Israel & Associates Therapeutic camp to enhance sensory motor development Ages 4-11, Washington, D.C., 202-244-8089, x29, www.otpt4kids.com Social Skills * Autism Education Solutions
(703)232-1511, www.autismedsolutions.com, tracey@autismedsolutions.com Located in Ashburn, VA but serving all of Northern Virginia Social Skill Play and Leisure Groups Structured social skill play and leisure groups for children with developmental delays, language delays, social skills impairments and Autism Spectrum Disorders aging approximately from 2 to 15 years old will be provided to address your child’s pragmatic, communication and play/leisure skill needs. Pragmatic skills addressed will include joint attention, initiation, negotiation, compromising, communication, imagination and language. The groups normally are set up in the natural environment of a home or other mutually agreed upon space and typically run one-two times a week for 30-60minutes over an eight week span. The group usually consists of a child with special needs and 2 typically developing peer models. Typically developing peers should have age appropriate social and play/leisure skills. Group size will depend upon the targeted children’s needs. Parents are encouraged to form the playgroups, however, Autism Educational Solutions can assist with networking as needed. Goals from each child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will be selected to measure progress and an assessment will be completed to determine your child’s needs for the social skill group. Based on the assessment, our team will develop an Individualized Social and Play/Leisure Skill Plan. The group will be structured and led by specialists with parental training to assist in supporting the group if interested and needed. The structured social skill groups will follow a consistent ritual and utilize play/leisure theme choices that are of high interest and age appropriate to the children in the group. All the materials needed to structure and support the social skills playgroup will be provided. Educational Consultation/Advocacy Services for Families Autism Educational Solutions supports the unique needs of families that have a child with an autism spectrum disorder. Our independent team has extensive training and experience using a variety of research-based strategies in the school and home settings. We can provide expertise in all areas of educational programming. Some examples of the services we provide are: • Completion of educational assessments • Review of existing educational evaluations • Review of your child’s current Individualized Education Program (IEP) with recommendations for improvement • Preparation of your child’s present levels of educational performance, recommended goals and accommodations • Parent preparation for IEP meetings • Parent and caregiver training to address goals in the home setting • Assistance with organizing and visually structuring play space areas to meet your child’s needs • Toilet training as well as systems to address self- help skills • The creation of data collection systems to review progress • Development and training on the implementation of Functional Behavior Assessments
Tracey Greenwood is the owner and founder of Autism Educational Services. She holds a special education teaching credential in early childhood and grades kindergarten through high school. Tracey has a B. S. degree in Special Education from Ohio University and a M. A. degree in teaching from National University, graduating magna cum laude from both schools. She has 17 years experience in the public schools as both a special education teacher and an Autism Program Specialist. Tracey has over 400 hours in training on Autism Spectrum Disorders and research-based related strategies and methodologies. These research-based strategies and methodologies include Applied Behavior Analysis (Verbal Behavior, Discrete Trial Training and Pivotal Response Training), Structured Teaching Model (TEACCH), Floortime Model, Picture Exchange Communication, Sensory Integration and Social Skill Strategies. She brings experience in developing, implementing and supervising developmentally appropriate programs for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. This includes utilizing a variety of assessment tools and developing Individualized Education Programs. She has worked directly with parents by leading parent support groups, conducting training and implementing strategies in the home setting. Tracey has also been an adjunct professor at George Washington University, teaching graduate students in elementary and special education. In addition, she has supervised students in their university teacher training programs. * Basic Concepts Full and half-day camps to improve sensory integration, speech, language, and social skills. Ages 3-9, Rockville, Maryland, 240-447-8013, www.basicconcepts.org Summer Social Groups with Kate McClain A social group is the perfect opportunity for your child to maintain and improve social, communication, and play skills over the summer in a small group of similar-age peers. The main goal of these groups is to help children feel confident and successful in social situations by providing a structured, supportive environment in which to explore and play. Please see below for descriptions of groups, broken down by age: Ages 3 to 5 (pre-K and K): Little ones will improve social interaction and communication at they engage in sensory exploration, arts and crafts, fine and gross motor play, simple games, pretend play, and more! Ages 5 to 7: Kindergarten and primary school kids need to know how to play and talk with other children in many different contexts, including on the playground, in the lunchroom, on a play-date, and at home. Facilitated play is one of the best ways to help them learn to do this! Ages 8 to 11: In the upper elementary grades, play becomes more sophisticated and centers around favorite interests. Though one of the goals of this group will be expanding interests, favorite interests will be used for motivation during various activities, including active games (think Pokemon Tag), board games, sports, and playground games. We will also discuss “pop culture” topics such as current books, movies, music, etc. Depending on the group, we may go on some outings, such as to a local restaurant or playground. Teens/Young Adults: I will teach social and communication skills as well as practical skills through activities and outings based on the participants' interests and abilities. We will work on expanding interests through discussion of pop culture topics. Possible excursions include taking the Metro, walking to a restaurant, buying stamps at the post office and mailing a letter, or planning and inviting a friend to a party. Please contact me for schedule and fees Fee includes a gluten-free, nut-free snack, where applicable* *Sessions that have children with nut allergies will be nut-free, and sessions with children who are on a GF diet will be GF. Register early; groups will be limited to 5 children (4 children in the 3-4 year old group) and fill up fast! Email me at kate.mcclain@gmail.com, call me at 571-312- 2704, or check out my website, www.katemcclain. org, for more information. Expressive Therapy Center Xpress Yourself Social Skills Camp, 14808 Physicians Lane, Suite 111, Rockville, MD 20850, 301-869-1017, www.expressivetherapycenter.com Camp attendees will be involved in a number of therapeutic activities that include such topics as: Self-esteem building Bully Busting Expressing Feelings Making & Keeping Friends Setting Goals Problem Solving Organizational Skills Conflict Resolution Reading Verbal & Non-verbal Cues Activities: Groups utilize developmentally appropriate activities that may include: Role Playing Relaxation Techniques Creating “All About Me” Books Art & Games Music Traditional Therapeutic Techniques
full of summer fun and friends! Summer Buddies provides inclusive summer playgroups for children with and without disabilities. The program, in its seventh year, is run by Angela Nance and Sarah Lubin, two highly experienced Masters' level special educators. Playgroups are held 3 days a week, for 3 hour sessions, in the morning (10a.m.-1pm) or afternoon (3p.m.-6p.m.), from 6/28-8/6 at Christ the King Church in Silver Spring, MD. Little Buddies (3-5 years) and Big Buddies (6-8 years) will participate in a variety of fun and educational summer activities that aim to enhance and increase their social skills, and foster rewarding friendships with a diverse group of children. Funding opportunities and sliding scale payment options are available! For more information and registration info, please visit our website -www.summerbuddies.org. We look forward to hearing from you! Angela Nance, M.Ed & Sarah Lubin, M.Ed Summer Buddies Co-Directors summerbuddies@comcast.net www.summerbuddies.org 301-642-0844 (Angela) 201-803-0170 (Sarah) Creative Health Solutions Therapeutic Social Group Camps for children with AD/HD, autism spectrum disorders, emotional disabilities & learning disabilities. Fairfax, Virginia. Ages 2-12. 703-910-5006 www.creativehealthllc.com Inova Kellar Center Small therapeutic environment with emphasis on improved social skills and self-esteem Ages 6-12, Fairfax, Virginia, 703-218-8500 www.inova. org/community/inova_kellar_center/summer.jsp North Star Academy Day Camp Day camp that stresses cooperation and social skills Ages 5-15, Richmond, Virginia, 804-747-1003, www.northstaracademy.net Stepping Stones to School Success Summer program for social skills Ages 5-12, Fairfax, Virginia, 703-876-8480, www.insteppc.com Chesapeake Center Speech/language, PT and OT therapy sessions Ages 3-6, Springfield, Virginia, 703-924-4100 www.chesapeakectr.com Socialization and Sensory Integration Experiences Leesburg, VA, Ages 4-10, 703-858-7388, www.childrens-speech.com Sense-Ational Play Time Therapeutic summer camp staffed by speech/language therapists Ages 3-5, Rockville, Maryland, 301-942-6006 MIW (Move into Writing) Occupational Therapy 6179 Executive Boulevard, Rockville, MD 20852 301.770.0604 www.miwtherapy.com MIW Therapy is a pediatric occupational therapy clinic specializing in the treatment of dysgraphia (handwriting difficulties). Our core program, Move into Writing, teaches handwriting in a fast-paced, multi-sensory, and systematic manner. Handwriting problems often occur in combination with fine and gross motor coordination difficulties. Identifying the presence of these underlying motor issues is a critical part of the diagnostic process which provides a solid foundation for comprehensive treatment of the child. In addition to occupational therapy services, our practice also provides Reading tutoring using the Phonographix method. Summer Camp O.T. Foundations Camp 6179 Executive Boulevard, Rockville, MD 20852 301.770.0604 www.miwtherapy.com A fun-filled occupational therapy camp providing intensive handwriting and reading intervention along with Tae Kwon Do and Art. Limited to 8 campers per session. OT Ventures, LLC will be running our highly successful multi-day camp program again this summer in Ellicott City, MD. Children learn through their senses. This camp program is designed to be both fun and educational for children. Children will participate in multi-sensory activities to improve their social interaction, sense of movement, touch, taste, and sound, as well as fine and gross motor coordination. This amazing camp program will be led by a multi- disciplinary team of Occupational Therapists, a Speech Language Pathologist, and a Special Education student. For more information, please contact Jamie Levine, OTR/L at ot_ventures@hotmail.com or 443-812-6396. O.T. FOUNDATIONS CAMP & INTENSIVE SUMMER PROGRAMS, 6179 Executive Boulevard, Rockville, MD 20852, 301-770-0604, www.miwtherapy.com, cheryl@miwtherapy.com OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY FOUNDATIONS CAMP The MIW Handwriting Curriculum and the Phono- Graphix Reading Program form the foundation of our intensive instructional approach to writing. Campers participate in Tae Kwon Do and Art & Craft classes that are structured to target specific fine and gross motor goals. Remediation strategies for early elementary age children with written language problems include instruction and practice using appropriate pencil grip, correct letter formation and uniform letter size, practice to increase fluency and direct instruction to improve writing organization. Children's Speech Therapy Center, ASHBURN: 44025 Pipeline Plaza, Suite 105, Ashburn, VA 20147, 703-858-7388 info@childrens-speech.com, www.childrens- speech.com This Summer Children’s Speech Therapy Center will be offering Social Language Skills Camps in our new Ashburn facility. These camps are designed specifically for children who need to enhance their social and language skills to better interact with their peers. Sports Burgundy Farm Summer Day Camp Co-ed traditional camp Ages 3-15, 703-960-3431, www.burgandyfarm.org Camp Virginia Jaycee Camping opportunities for children and adults with special needs Ages 5+, 800-865-0092, www.campvirginiajaycee.org Challenger Baseball Skill Builder Camp Sports camps for mentally and physically challenged Ages 6-18, Virginia & Maryland, 888-854-5608 Challenger Baseball Little league baseball for kids with disabilities Ages 4 - 21, Springfield, Virginia, 703-304-2330 www.springfieldchallenger.org Freedom Center Special Needs Camp Recreation and sports camp Fairfax, Virginia, Ages 6-12, 703-993-8444, www.freedom-center.com National Ability Center Adventure camps that include horseback riding, water skiing, cycling and canoeing, Park City, Utah, All ages, 435-649-3991, www.nac1985.org/camps Rivers Way Outdoor Adventure Center Outdoor adventure and recreation summer camp with rafting, hiking, climbing for disabled and non-disabled Bluff City, TN, Ages 10-18, 423-538-0405, www.riversway.org |
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