Camp is right around the corner at Aaron’s Acres! Supervisory staff have already met several times, shopping for every supply imaginable, and staff orientation is almost here! We are all getting ready for the first day and cannot wait to welcome participants and their families this summer!

When one thinks of camp, one’s thoughts might be of being outside, going swimming, playing group games, and maybe even trying some activities for the very first time. It can be a time of growth for a camper as he develops and strengthens skills, resulting in increased self-esteem and confidence.  Creating new friendships and memories can all occur at camp! For many families, it is an exciting time; waiting for that first day is filled with all positive feelings!

For a parent who is raising a child with a disability, this experience might be a bit more challenging, and the emotions felt by family members might be a bit more difficult to manage. Attending school and following the routine in the classroom is familiar for this child. Being dropped off at a different location (not school) and seeing unfamiliar faces (of staff members and other children) can be anxiety inducing for this child along with his parents. How do parents best prepare their children who have disabilities for camp? Listed below are a few suggestions:

1. Reviewing with your child the different activities that will be at camp can be extremely helpful. Describing and possibly having visuals can provide a better sense of what is involved with each activity. Creating a social story for a camp day might work well for some children.
2. Visiting the camp location and seeing the swimming pool, the outdoor area that the camp program uses and even the bathrooms might lessen one’s anxiety regarding this new experience. Consider bringing a snack or a picnic lunch (if possible) to allow the child to experience the setting for a period (and hopefully have fond memories of having a snack that they enjoy at this camp location).
3. In preparing for the first day of camp, have your child (if possible) pack her bag with her favorite towel, bathing suit and even a lunch bag with her favorite items to eat. 
4. Letting your child pick what he/she wishes to wear on the first day can also be helpful.  The more appropriate control that you can give your child as it relates to getting ready for camp, the more likelihood that he/she will respond positively about this experience.

Throughout the time that your child attends the camp program, be sure to communicate (when it is appropriate to interact with the staff) any concerns or questions that you might have. Staff need to be aware of issues that might exist for your child and the sooner you share with the staff, the sooner they can address the issue and hopefully resolve it. Don’t assume that the staff knows what is going on; your input and feedback is critical to creating a most positive experience for your child and for you.

Camp can be an incredible experience for everyone, regardless of ability or disability.  Staff and parents just need to prepare as best as they can before the program begins and then be open to changes or additional modifications during the camp session. Here’s to outdoor play, swimming, horseback riding, music therapy, visits with reptiles and a petting zoo……and so much more! It will be here before we know it!