Partnering with summer camps on behalf of your child with special needs: Part 3, Preparing your child

by Staff of the Newton Partnership

You have decided to enroll your child with special needs in summer camp and want to make it the best experience possible. Whether it is your child’s first time going to a particular camp, or you want to plan for a smooth transition returning to a camp, there are a number of ways you can prepare your child.

Ways to prepare your child

• Visit the camp with your child at least once, and more times if possible. Have your child meet the camp director and any staff that may be available. This will help familiarize your child with the setting and familiarize the director/staff with your child.

• If it’s possible, spend some time on or near the camp grounds before the start of camp (pack a picnic lunch, take a hike, swim at the lake, ride bikes near the camp).

• When you visit, bring a camera and take pictures of the camp and your child at the camp setting. Ask if you can videotape the camp grounds, and include your child at the setting. Reviewing the photographs and/or videotape with your child numerous times prior to attending camp will promote familiarity and ease anxiety.

• Create a calendar at home with your child. You can display the first day of camp, session days, themes, “countdown to camp,” etc. Have your child participate in this project as much as possible.

• Get a list of activities in which your child will be able to participate. Preview the list ahead of time and have your child choose which ones he/she prefers.

• Get the names of the counselors directly responsible for your child prior to the start of camp. If the camp is willing, have them send/email a photo of these counselor(s).

• If possible, get a list of campers in your child’s group.

• Get a list of the rules at camp. Preview these rules prior to the first day of camp, and make sure your child understands them.

• Establish what your goals are for having your child attend camp. Have your child set his/her own goals (try a new sport, make a new friend, learn to swim, etc.). Remind your child that this will be fun and that you will be proud of him/her for going to camp.

• Anticipate what challenges might arise (your child is afraid of bees, has food allergies, always wants to go first, etc.) and create strategies with your child. Come up with some scripts your child can use to respond to certain situations. Role-play some scenarios with your child to help him/her practice appropriate responses.

This is the third of a three-part series entitled Partnering with Summer Camps on Behalf of your Child with Special Needs. For more information, see part one,  Preparing the Camp and part two, Matching with the Right Counselor and Peer Group.