Text Box: Parents may have questions and concerns about sending a child to camp for the first time, particularly a child with special needs.  Will my child be able to handle being away from home?  How can my child possibly participate in activities like white water rafting and tree climbing with his disability?  Are these activities really safe?  Is the camp staff really qualified to provide my child with the care he needs?  According to Jane Carr, camp director of Easter Seals Central California, concerns are only natural.  The following tips can help parents through the camp selection process: · Review you child’s interests and abilities to determine what type of camp setting may be most appropriate for him (e.g., day, residential, special interest, or inclusive camps). · Find out if the camp you are interested in is accredited by the American Camping Association (ACA) and if “standards for persons with special needs” have been met.  ACA accreditation ensures that camps meet recognized requirements for safe and stimulating programs. · Talk with the director about the camp’s philosophy and  goals. Can the camp provide the type of experience you and your child anticipate?  Ask about the Text Box: · director’s training and experience in working with children who have similar disabilities to those of your child. · Check on the camp’s health and safety procedures and facilities, e.g. , is there a registered nurse in residence and have emergency arrangements been made with a nearby hospital?  A strong supporter of camping for all kids, Bridget Houlihan’s mother Patsy maintains, “Parents should come prepared with a list of their questions and concerns for camp staff, and if their child has special medical problems they should talk to camp medical personnel beforehand.” · Determine the age, training and experience  of councilors.  Are they at least 18 years old?  Have they had experience working with children with disabilities?  Camps having a tie-in with professional schools or offering college courses to counselors are optimal.      

Text Box: · Refer to the return rate of campers and counselors as an indicator of quality.  An extremely low rate would be a bad sign. · Inquire about the ratio of counsilors to campers. For children with severe disabilities, the ratio should be at least one counselor for every two or three campers. · If possible, visit the camp to observe the quality of its facilities and programs.  Is it accessible to children with limited mobility?  Are its activities interesting, stimulating, and appropriate for you child’s age, interests, abilities?  Are campers encouraged to choose and plan their own activities?  Since many children with disabilities have had very little opportunity to make choices, this can be a great experience.  Others can benefit from learning that living with a group can sometimes limit choices.   Information provided By Easter Seals at www.easter-seals.org   Text Box: Thinking about summer activities? Text Box: Idaho Family Support Enhancement Project

Text Box: April 16, 2002 Text Box: Volume1, Issue 2

Text Box: Making Connections         Providing supportive information to all families    

Text Box: Contact Information: Idaho Family Support Enhancement Project Center on Disabilities and Human                Development College of Education University of Idaho 129 W. Third St. Moscow, Idaho 83843 1(800)871-7004 Project Coordinator: Julie Magelky jmagelky@uidaho.edu

 

 
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