2009 Summer Camp Directory

A Resource Guide for Families

with Children Who Have Special Needs

If you are considering sending your child to a camp program, you will need to make some decisions concerning the type of camp experience that is most appropriate for your child. You can use this guide to gather some basic information about some camps which might be appropriate for children with special needs in North Carolina .

There are camps specifically for children with disabilities and camps where children with disabilities are included with children without disabilities. You can choose a camp that best suits your child's abilities and interests. You may begin by considering whether a day camp or a residential (overnight) camp would be most beneficial.

Day camps usually offer a variety of recreational activities designed to promote your child's physical and mental well-being. Programs may run full days or half-days, five days a week or several days a week, all summer or only a few weeks. Advance registration and a physical exam with complete medical history are usually required. Day camp activities ordinarily include music, swimming, a variety of sports, arts and crafts, hobby clubs, trips, etc. Camps usually accept children 5 years of age and older.

If a program is offered by your local community or municipal recreation department, a minimum fee is often required. Most private agencies charge a higher fee, although they may offer scholarships or reduce the fee based on financial need.

Residential camps are those in which your child may spend two days, two weeks, or an entire summer away from home. These programs provide a unique living experience for children. In addition to offering some of the same activities available at day camps, “sleep away” camps enable children to live together in cabins or tents under the supervision of qualified staff. A major emphasis of these programs is increasing the independence and self-help skills of each child. Ages tend to range from 5 to 16; most camps do not accept teenagers over 18.

Advance registration and a complete physical examination are usually required, and sometimes, a formal interview may be required. Fees are generally charged; however, a scholarship program may be available.

Some camps have a religious affiliation. The emphasis on religious program content varies among religiously affiliated camps. Many religious camps welcome campers of all faiths. Camp staff can provide more information about camp philosophy.

Once you have decided on the type of camp program (day or residential), you may use the list of questions below to help you decide which camp will best meet your child's needs and interests.

•   How do you apply?

•   What is the deadline for submitting applications?

•   What are the camp's opening and closing dates?

•   Are there clothing requirements and clothing checklists?

•   Is transportation to and from the camp provided?

•   Is the program designed for children with specific disabilities?

•   Is the program accessible for children with physical disabilities?

•   Does the American Camping Association (ACA) accredit the camp?

•   Does the camp meet state and local health standards and regulations for the operation of day and residential camps?

Some general information can be obtained by visiting the camp's web site, requesting a brochure, calling the camp organization directly, or visiting the camp facility to get more specific answers to your questions.

•   What are the criteria for selecting a counselor (i.e., what education or experience is required by the camp)?

•   What are the counselors' duties?

•   What is the ratio of counselors to children?

•   Are counselors hired for short periods or for the entire summer?

•   Does the staff include a nurse and a doctor?

•   (For residential camps) How many counselors live in each of the cabins, tents, or bunkhouses?

•   What types of facilities are available?

•   What is the overall condition of the facilities?

•   Are the toilet and shower facilities adequate and accessible

•   (For residential camps) How many children are housed in each camper's quarters?

•   Is there a well-equipped infirmary on the premises?

•   Is the camp insured?

•   Is your child covered under that insurance policy?

•   Is the doctor/nurse on duty 24 hours a day?

•   Is there a hospital close by?

•   What types of activities are offered?

•   Are activities coordinated and designed according to the age or development of the child?

•   Is the program flexible or is it highly structured and formal?

Note: Look for programs that offer a wide variety of activities. Determine if those activities are the ones your child would most enjoy.

•   Is there a fee?

•   What is included with this fee? Does it cover transportation, meals, insurance, linens, laundry, special trips, entrance fees, canteen, health services, and use of equipment? Ask the camp director to itemize any services for which an additional fee is required.

•   Is there a membership fee? (Must you join the sponsoring organization in order for your child to participate?)

•   Is there a weekly dues system?

•   Are scholarships available?

Note: Day camps sponsored by municipal recreation agencies are available free of charge or at a low cost. Residential camps, however, usually charge a fee. Check with public agencies about special scholarships or aid programs for children, as well as civic organizations and religious groups in your community. Many offer full or partial camp scholarships.

•   What kind of transportation is provided?

•   Is it door-to-door or group pick-up?

•   Is a counselor or chaperone on the bus to take care of your child?

•   Do the vehicles meet state and local safety regulations for operation of vehicles that transport children?

•   How long does your child have to travel to and from camp?

•   For long trips, is there a bathroom on the bus?

•   Are vehicles owned, operated and supervised by camp personnel or by an outside, privately-owned company?

Note: Keep in mind the particular needs of your child when considering the length of the ride to and from camp. Make sure the vehicles have been properly inspected to ensure safety.

•   Are lunches provided by the day camp?

•   Are the residential camp menus prepared by a dietitian?

•   Can you obtain a sample menu in advance?

•   Are snacks provided during the day? What kind?

•   Are special meals available if needed?

Note: Remember to advise camp personnel of any food allergies that your child may have. Generally speaking, if the menus are planned or prepared by a trained dietitian, they will meet standards of high quality and nutritional value.

Once you have decided on a camp program, get to know the staff. If possible, meet with your child's counselors and continue to communicate with them periodically to discuss your child's progress.

•   Camp is intended to be fun, so you can expect it to be a bit messy!

•   Remember the setting and make sure your child is appropriately dressed. Good sneakers are a must!

•   It is a good idea to label all clothing.

•   It is a good idea to keep an extra set of clothes at day camp. Some have cubbies or lockers for this purpose.

•   Talk to your child's counselor about your child's likes and dislikes.

•   Beware of overstuffing backpacks. They get heavy and can become a nuisance.

•   Sunscreen!

•   Take a look at the camp before it begins to see if the setting is appropriate. Parents can usually make appointments with camp directors in the spring.

•   HAVE FUN!

•   If a camp for children with special needs is affiliated with another camp, ask when the campers will be together.

•   Will you be kept informed about your child's activities at camp?

•   Is the setting going to meet your child's needs?

•   How will the camp meet your child's special needs?

Don't be afraid to ask questions. The more you and your child know, the better the camp experience will be. Sometimes the best references for a camp are previous campers. Camps should be able to provide references.

The preceding section on selecting a camp was adapted from materials prepared by the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, Center for Recreation and Disability Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.