FINDING A CAMP THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD
With warm weather and the end of another school term approaching, most families with children start thinking of summer camp. The choices are many and varied, and for kids with special needs, the search for the right camp may require extra attention.
Here are some of the benefits from enrolling your child in a day camp:
· Friendships: Kids bond in all sorts of ways during structured activities and challenges.
· Independence: They can practice taking responsibility for some of the activities of daily living without totally having to fend for themselves. This learning can be cemented when they return home at the end of the day.
· Social skills: Kids develop stronger social skills simply because counselors and other campers are part of that universe. Day camp helps a child develop social skills in smaller doses than the more immersive experience of a sleep-away camp. Choose an option that challenges your child’s development and fosters growth in doses that are comfortable for them.
While the concept of mainstreaming offers benefits for children, in practice it’s not for everyone. Some children with special needs thrive in environments where they’re integrated with the full range of similar-age kids. Others do better in environments where the whole population shares similar challenges. The most important factors to consider are the capabilities and needs of your particular child.
· Diversity and similarity: Some children prefer bonding with others who face the same challenges. Others respond better when they’re surrounded by kids who are different in as many respects as possible. Choose a camp that mirrors your child’s comfort level—or one that mirrors your realistic aspirations for them.
· Skills: Like school, camp is a learning experience. As children learn new social, physical or intellectual skills, a feeling of pride and accomplishment will result. If your child’s challenges are limiting, choose a camp that’s customized for kids with similar challenges. Otherwise, a more mainstream camp may encourage your child to develop a different range of skills.
· Self-esteem: If one of your goals for your child is to bolster confidence and self-esteem, summer camp can help. Just navigating the new routines of daily life can boost self-reliance and self-esteem.
Need help deciding? The academic year will be over before you know it, and the time to make decisions about summer camp for your child is now. To learn about Camp Hope, schedule a tour or call us at 904-346-5100.