Re: Any positive stories about day camp over the summer?

[Guest guest]

my son loves going to day-camp.  In our area, we have inclusion leaders.  They

are there to make sure he's safe and that he participates in everything he feels

comfortable with.  Some people send an aide that they pay for personally.  we

are lucky that an inclusion leader is provided for 1 week for free.  he is so

happy when i drop him off in the mornings and always has fun.  I do it because

my son loves the interaction with other kids, not for any other reason than

that. it's not a special needs camp, just something fun for everyone!

sandy

p.s..  I am soooo not ready to send him to away camp!

________________________________

From: mykitkate <mykitkate@...>

Sent: Fri, April 30, 2010 12:25:54 PM

Subject: [ ] Any positive stories about day camp over the

summer?

 

I can't recall where I read it but there was an article for reasons to send a

child with special needs to camp. My husband does not want to send my son to

camp and I thought it could be good it it was a day camp for a week or so.

Anyone have any experience to share? Kate

>

> What Parents Are Saying About Camp Ramapo...

>

>

> " [My daughter]'s experiences at Ramapo have been some of the happiest and

> most meaningful in her life. I know she has a long road ahead of her, but

> along that road is Ramapo. You have shown her, and me, a side of [my

> daughter] which offers hope and promise for her future. "

> - parent of a Ramapo camper

>

>

>

> " . He came back a new child. He was talking more, smiling at adults,

> interacting with his peers at school. He still has a long way to go, but

> everyone who knows him was amazed at the difference that three weeks made

> for him. "

>

> - parent of a Ramapo camper

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Each summer, Ramapo for Children serves more than 500 children with special

> needs, ages 5 to 16, in a beautiful, engaging outdoor environment about two

> hours from New York City. This summer, children can once again enjoy a wide

> range of creative projects, sports and outdoor experiences. All activities

> are individualized to each child's abilities. One-, two-, three-, five- and

> six-week sessions are available from late June through August 2010.

>

> Now in its 88th year, Ramapo for Children is a nationally recognized,

> not-for-profit organization serving children with special needs who may

> typically demonstrate learning, emotional and behavioral challenges. Learn

> more about Ramapo for Children by visiting our website at

> <BLOCKED::blocked: :blocked: :http://www.ramapofo rchildren. org>

> www.ramapoforchildr en.org or by calling (845) 876-8403.

>

>

>

>

>

> Ramapo for Children, P.O. Box 266 (Route 52/Salisbury Turnpike) Rhinebeck,

> NY 12572, (845) 876-8403

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you Sandy. The day camp I am looking at is not a special needs day camp

either. In the article I am looking for about why camps are good for kids with

special needs I didn't even think they only meant special needs camps but could

be wrong as I can't find it! It is good to hear from at least one other person

here on this. Thank you for taking time for me. Kate

> >

> > What Parents Are Saying About Camp Ramapo...

> >

> >

> > " [My daughter]'s experiences at Ramapo have been some of the happiest and

> > most meaningful in her life. I know she has a long road ahead of her, but

> > along that road is Ramapo. You have shown her, and me, a side of [my

> > daughter] which offers hope and promise for her future. "

> > - parent of a Ramapo camper

> >

> >

> >

> > " . He came back a new child. He was talking more, smiling at adults,

> > interacting with his peers at school. He still has a long way to go, but

> > everyone who knows him was amazed at the difference that three weeks made

> > for him. "

> >

> > - parent of a Ramapo camper

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Each summer, Ramapo for Children serves more than 500 children with special

> > needs, ages 5 to 16, in a beautiful, engaging outdoor environment about two

> > hours from New York City. This summer, children can once again enjoy a wide

> > range of creative projects, sports and outdoor experiences. All activities

> > are individualized to each child's abilities. One-, two-, three-, five- and

> > six-week sessions are available from late June through August 2010.

> >

> > Now in its 88th year, Ramapo for Children is a nationally recognized,

> > not-for-profit organization serving children with special needs who may

> > typically demonstrate learning, emotional and behavioral challenges. Learn

> > more about Ramapo for Children by visiting our website at

> > <BLOCKED::blocked: :blocked: :http://www.ramapofo rchildren. org>

> > www.ramapoforchildr en.org or by calling (845) 876-8403.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Ramapo for Children, P.O. Box 266 (Route 52/Salisbury Turnpike) Rhinebeck,

> > NY 12572, (845) 876-8403

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

My daughter did day camp for many years and eventually worked at one for 5

years. The camp experiences have been well worth it for her. Some of her biggest

gains in speech and independence have happened at camp. I would highly recommend

the camp experience.

During the years she worked at the local 4H camp, she had many awesome

experiences. The school speech pathologist went to camp for a couple of

reasons-speech for her and support to the staff if they had questions about

anything. 2 cute stories-one is the camp director would have different staff

members drop by and join in the speech sessions (camp had a lot of foreign

staff) It was nice because with others joining the group, no one thought

anything of it.

The other one is my severely apraxic daughter was in charge of helping the

Korean counselor understand American slang.

Hope you do try camp!!

My best.

Sue

[ ] Re: Any positive stories about day camp over

the summer?

Thank you Sandy. The day camp I am looking at is not a special needs day camp

either. In the article I am looking for about why camps are good for kids with

special needs I didn't even think they only meant special needs camps but could

be wrong as I can't find it! It is good to hear from at least one other person

here on this. Thank you for taking time for me. Kate

> >

> > What Parents Are Saying About Camp Ramapo ...

> >

> >

> > " [My daughter] 's experiences at Ramapo have been some of the happiest and

> > most meaningful in her life. I know she has a long road ahead of her, but

> > along that road is Ramapo . You have shown her, and me, a side of [my

> > daughter] which offers hope and promise for her future. "

> > - parent of a Ramapo camper

> >

> >

> >

> > " . He came back a new child. He was talking more, smiling at adults,

> > interacting with his peers at school. He still has a long way to go, but

> > everyone who knows him was amazed at the difference that three weeks made

> > for him. "

> >

> > - parent of a Ramapo camper

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Each summer, Ramapo for Children serves more than 500 children with special

> > needs, ages 5 to 16, in a beautiful, engaging outdoor environment about two

> > hours from New York City. This summer, children can once again enjoy a wide

> > range of creative projects, sports and outdoor experiences. All activities

> > are individualized to each child's abilities. One-, two-, three-, five- and

> > six-week sessions are available from late June through August 2010.

> >

> > Now in its 88th year, Ramapo for Children is a nationally recognized,

> > not-for-profit organization serving children with special needs who may

> > typically demonstrate learning, emotional and behavioral challenges. Learn

> > more about Ramapo for Children by visiting our website at

> > <BLOCKED::blocked: :blocked: : http :// www . ramapofo rchildren . org>

> > www . ramapoforchildr en.org or by calling (845) 876-8403.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Ramapo for Children, P.O. Box 266 (Route 52/Salisbury Turnpike) Rhinebeck ,

> > NY 12572, (845) 876-8403

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

LOVE THIS (about the slang part!!) Kate I tried to search the archives but too

much comes up under camp-so I searched online and found this article (hope this

helps!)

Finding a Camp for Your Child With Special Needs

Ah, summer camp. The mosquitoes, the swim races, the friendships, the bug juice,

the postcards home. What child wouldn't benefit from the fun and structured

freedom camps provide?

Kids with special needs are no exception. But the prospect can seem daunting to

parents and kids alike — how can you be sure that your child will get the

attention he or she needs? Will your child be able to participate fully? What

about the other kids? Will your child make friends? Will they understand your

child's special needs?

The good news is that there are more camp choices now than at any other time for

kids with special needs. From highly specialized camps to regular camps that

accommodate kids with special needs, there are options for every child. With

careful consideration of what will benefit your child most, along with thorough

research, you should be able to find the right camp for your child.

What Are the Different Types of Camps?

When it comes to camps, kids with special needs have as many choices as other

children. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires all camps to make

reasonable accommodations (such as the installation of wheelchair-accessible

ramps) so that kids with special needs can attend. So, camps that had never had

a child with special needs attend before may now be on your list of

possibilities.

Inclusionary (or mainstream) camps do just what their name implies: They include

kids with special needs in their groups of children with regular needs. These

camps may have started out serving only a general population of kids, but

they've gradually changed as the needs of the families they serve have changed.

There are also camps designed just for kids with special needs, including kids

who have learning or behavioral problems, kids with specific chronic illnesses,

and kids with mental or physical impairments. Many of these camps accept kids

with a variety of needs, but some camps only accept kids with specific problems

(such as camps for kids with diabetes, cancer, speech or hearing impairment,

cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, etc.).

Within all of these categories, you'll have even more choices to consider in

terms of duration, philosophy, and cost. There are nonprofit and for-profit

camps, religious camps, camps run by national organizations, private camps, day

camps, camps that run weekend sessions, and sleepover camps that accept kids for

the entire summer.

What Are the Benefits of Camp?

The benefits of camp for kids with special needs are often the same as they

would be for any child:

* increased confidence and independence

* activity and exercise

* the opportunity to interact with other kids, develop friendships, and

build relationships

* positive role modeling by adults

* a chance for parents to have a likely much-needed break

Independence is another benefit that camp can provide. For example, an overnight

mainstream camp can give a special-needs child the chance to be without parents,

doctors, or physical therapists for a week. This allows children to do more

things for themselves and learn how to ask friends to help.

Learning that their peers or other adults can help them is also valuable for

kids with special needs. Children can learn to be assertive in problem-solving

and communicating needs.

In addition, camp provides the physical benefits of increased activity as well.

Many kids with disabilities or chronic illnesses are sedentary and don't often

participate in the sports or recreational activities that their peers do. They

therefore miss out on the social and health benefits that exercise brings. Camp

provides a variety of activities such as swimming, wheelchair racing, dancing,

tennis, or golf. These give immediate health benefits in terms of improved

cardiovascular fitness and also provide recreational options that can carry over

into adult life.

In addition, many camps combine learning environments with these physical

activities, giving kids with behavioral or learning problems the chance to

develop, or catch up on, needed skills during the summer.

Starting Your Camp Search

A good way to begin looking for a camp is to make several lists that establish

the basics you're looking for: a list of goals, a list of caretaking priorities,

and a list of other considerations (such as cost).

You'll also need to figure out which type of camp might best suit your child:

* inclusionary (or mainstream) camps

* camps for kids with a specific special need

* camps for kids with many different kinds of special needs

When trying to find the right camp, consider whether your child has ever been

away from home, for the weekend or even longer, and what experiences might have

helped prepare him or her for camp. This will help you to decide not only the

type of camp, but whether your child is ready for a day camp or a sleepover

(residential) camp.

Involving kids in the camp search will help to ensure that they get the most out

of the camp selected. So, ask kids the following:

* What do you want to get out of summer camp?

* What are your preferences?

* Do you want to go to a coed camp, or just be around kids of the same

gender?

* Are there any activities you really want to try?

* Would you be more comfortable going to a camp with kids who do or don't

have special needs?

* Are you comfortable being away from home? If so, for how long?

* Do you have classmates or friends who have gone to a summer camp? If so,

which ones? And did they like it?

If it turns out that the idea of camp is a bit overwhelming for both you and

your child, you might want to try starting small, like weekend sessions at a

special-needs camp.

Doing Your Research

Whatever type of camp you're leaning toward, it's important to do your research.

And there are plenty of places to get information on camps these days. The

American Camp Association (ACA), for example, has an online listing of

special-needs camps that's broken down by the types of camps, cost, length of

stay, state/region, and campers' ages. The site is also loaded with general as

well as age-appropriate advice for parents of would-be campers.

You can also call local chapters of major disability organizations to find out

what camps are available in your area. Many organizations publish lists of camps

and can connect you with camp directors and former campers.

In addition, you might be able to find a special-needs camp fair in your area.

Check the calendar listings in your local newspapers and monthly parenting

magazines. Many of these are held in January or February, which means that you

need to start your camp search early.

Of course, part of your research will involve figuring out what you can afford.

The cost of camps varies widely, with some high-end special-needs camps costing

thousands of dollars for multiple-week sessions.

Although you can help fund your child's camp experience by applying for

scholarships, experts say you should make sure to do so from December through

March, because the money is gone by April or May. You can contact charitable

organizations and fraternal organizations (such as the Lions, Kiwanis, and

Rotary Clubs, all of which sponsor special-needs camps). And depending on your

child's specific special need, he or she may be eligible for financial aid from

your state. Other sources of scholarships include religious or ethnic charities.

One thing to bear in mind, though: You usually first need to find a camp that's

willing to take your child — most of these organizations send the scholarship

money to the camp in the child's name, not to the parents directly.

Questions to Ask

So, how do you narrow down your choices and pick the camp that's right for your

child? Some basic and special-needs-specific questions you'll need to have

answered include:

* How long are the sessions?

* What's the cost? Are scholarships available?

* Is it coed, girls-only, or boys-only?

* What's the age range of campers?

* Where is it located — and how far away from your home is it?

* What's the staff-to-camper ratio?

* How old are most of the counselors?

* What type of certification do the counselors have?

* What's the turnover rate? Do kids and staff come back?

* What's the camp's philosophy? Does it fit with your goals for your child?

* What's the camp's transportation system like?

* If physical accessibility is an issue, what's the layout of the camp? What

provisions has the camp made (or can it make) for wheelchairs or crutches?

* If your child needs a special diet, can the camp provide appropriate

meals? If not, can you provide food for your child?

* Do staff members have a background working with kids with special needs?

* Do the counselors have first-aid training?

* What kind of medical staff is available in the infirmary and during what

hours? Can the staff administer any medications your child needs?

* If your child has behavior problems, what's the training and experience of

the available staff to help? And how does the camp staff handle behavioral

problems?

* What's the procedure if your child develops a complication related to his

or her medical problems? How far is the nearest hospital? If your child needs

specialized treatment, is it available at that hospital?

Although you can get some of this information through phone calls, emails,

brochures, and websites, experts recommend visiting the camp. You can talk to

the director, visit the site, and get a comprehensive picture of where your

child will be.

Probably the only way to get a true feel for the camp is for you and your child

to visit it together. This is especially important if your child is going to a

regular (inclusionary or mainstream) camp where they haven't dealt with many

children with special needs, because it gives you the opportunity to point out

changes they might need to make and to gauge the reaction of the camp's staff to

your requests.

If you can't visit a camp, interview the director and some staff members to get

a feel for the place. Ask them to describe the physical layout and the kinds of

activities your child will do. You should also ask to speak with other families

whose children have attended the camp to see what their experiences were like.

In fact, word of mouth is one of the most effective ways to find out what you

need to know about each camp.

As you're trying to figure out which camp is best, just remember that whatever

the special need, there's likely a camp out there to suit your child. With some

research and understanding between you, your child, and the camp director, your

camper-to-be will likely be well on the way to having an unforgettable summer.

Reviewed by: J. Bachrach, MD

Date reviewed: October 2007

http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/ill/finding_camp_special_needs.html

=====

[Guest guest]

Hi, I have sent my daughter to day camp for the last three years in summer

-- with a behavioral aid (her two sisters attend too). Camp is a great

opportunity to practice socialization, and since there's lots of physical

activities (pool, etc.) a great sensory work out. I believe that the more

your child is around " typical " kids the better -- just as look as he/she has

the support they need and a camp location that is warm and welcoming to

them. Good luck!

On Fri, Apr 30, 2010 at 9:25 AM, mykitkate <mykitkate@...> wrote:

>

>

> I can't recall where I read it but there was an article for reasons to send

> a child with special needs to camp. My husband does not want to send my son

> to camp and I thought it could be good it it was a day camp for a week or

> so. Anyone have any experience to share? Kate

>

>

> >

> > What Parents Are Saying About Camp Ramapo...

> >

> >

> > " [My daughter]'s experiences at Ramapo have been some of the happiest and

> > most meaningful in her life. I know she has a long road ahead of her, but

> > along that road is Ramapo. You have shown her, and me, a side of [my

> > daughter] which offers hope and promise for her future. "

> > - parent of a Ramapo camper

> >

> >

> >

> > " . He came back a new child. He was talking more, smiling at adults,

> > interacting with his peers at school. He still has a long way to go, but

> > everyone who knows him was amazed at the difference that three weeks made

> > for him. "

> >

> > - parent of a Ramapo camper

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Each summer, Ramapo for Children serves more than 500 children with

> special

> > needs, ages 5 to 16, in a beautiful, engaging outdoor environment about

> two

> > hours from New York City. This summer, children can once again enjoy a

> wide

> > range of creative projects, sports and outdoor experiences. All

> activities

> > are individualized to each child's abilities. One-, two-, three-, five-

> and

> > six-week sessions are available from late June through August 2010.

> >

> > Now in its 88th year, Ramapo for Children is a nationally recognized,

> > not-for-profit organization serving children with special needs who may

> > typically demonstrate learning, emotional and behavioral challenges.

> Learn

> > more about Ramapo for Children by visiting our website at

> > <BLOCKED::blocked::blocked::http://www.ramapoforchildren.org>

> > www.ramapoforchildren.org or by calling (845) 876-8403.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Ramapo for Children, P.O. Box 266 (Route 52/Salisbury Turnpike)

> Rhinebeck,

> > NY 12572, (845) 876-8403

> >

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

OHG, send him!  Josh has gone to camp every year since he was 5 and he will be

12 in a couple of weeks!  Josh has been to inclusive day camps through the park

district, he's been to special needs camp, and it all has been great for him! 

Illinois has a system of special recreation programs with organizations in

different areas - NWSRA, NISRA, etc. and they are terrific.  The special rec

organization either has camps available to the kids or they provide an aide or

supports of some kind for the park district camps.  For instance, last year,

Josh had ESY that only went until 11:30 in the a.m. and NWSRA had an afternoon

camp in the same school building until 3:00 - they took the kids swimming, did

all the arts/crafts stuff campers do, provided socialization, and he had an

aide.  Then NWSRA provided an aide for a park district camp where they went on

day trips to the beach, movies, pools, played games, and so on.  One summer,

they took the kids rock

climbing (he had rock climbing therapy through Easter Seals prior to that so he

was pretty good with the idea!), they took the kids to museums, and so on.  It

was terrific and Josh loved it!

 

This year, Josh will have ESY again in our new school district and NISRA will

have the camp in the same building.  They already have planned to go to the

pool at least twice a week, and will continue doing all the camp stuff.  I have

signed Josh up for Friday field trips to the planetarium, a new tree house park,

and one other that I can't remember right now.  Then, when ESY ends for the

summer, we'll have time for a vacation, and then he goes back to week-long day

camp through NISRA - one week doing regular camp stuff and the second week to a

camp at a therapeutic riding center.

 

I would suggest contacting your park district to see if there is a similar

special recreation program to provide an aide if your son would need one, or

contact the school.

 

It is so important for all kids, I think, to have the camp experience.  I know

I didn't when I was a kid - my mom shipped me (and an aunt shipped my cousin)

off to my grandmother's house in Miami.  She was great and we did cool stuff,

but all my friends in the fall talked about the great stuff they did in camp and

I recall being pretty jealous (the fact I'm writing this now kind of confirms

that maybe I still am!  LOL!)  If Josh didn't have camp, he'd wind up with a

kidsitter all day (I work full time) and where's the socialization with his

peers in that?  And, Josh is coming into the age where, if he had his druthers,

he'd lay in bed or on the couch watching TV all day - yuck!!!  Going to camp,

while they do all the cool things during the day, still provides the structure

and routine that kids need, and helps get back into the swing of things when

school kicks in again in the fall. And, depending on where you send your son to

camp, he may very

well have kids at camp that he knows from school so it would not be too

difficult a transition for him.

 

This is the time to get the kids signed up for camps and camps fill up pretty

quickly.  I would really suggest getting him signed up soon!

 

Good luck! and Have a great Summer!!

 

Sherry and Josh

From: mykitkate <mykitkate@...>

Subject: [ ] Any positive stories about day camp over the

summer?

Date: Friday, April 30, 2010, 11:25 AM

 

I can't recall where I read it but there was an article for reasons to send a

child with special needs to camp. My husband does not want to send my son to

camp and I thought it could be good it it was a day camp for a week or so.

Anyone have any experience to share? Kate

>

> What Parents Are Saying About Camp Ramapo...

>

>

> " [My daughter]'s experiences at Ramapo have been some of the happiest and

> most meaningful in her life. I know she has a long road ahead of her, but

> along that road is Ramapo. You have shown her, and me, a side of [my

> daughter] which offers hope and promise for her future. "

> - parent of a Ramapo camper

>

>

>

> " . He came back a new child. He was talking more, smiling at adults,

> interacting with his peers at school. He still has a long way to go, but

> everyone who knows him was amazed at the difference that three weeks made

> for him. "

>

> - parent of a Ramapo camper

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Each summer, Ramapo for Children serves more than 500 children with special

> needs, ages 5 to 16, in a beautiful, engaging outdoor environment about two

> hours from New York City. This summer, children can once again enjoy a wide

> range of creative projects, sports and outdoor experiences. All activities

> are individualized to each child's abilities. One-, two-, three-, five- and

> six-week sessions are available from late June through August 2010.

>

> Now in its 88th year, Ramapo for Children is a nationally recognized,

> not-for-profit organization serving children with special needs who may

> typically demonstrate learning, emotional and behavioral challenges. Learn

> more about Ramapo for Children by visiting our website at

> <BLOCKED::blocked: :blocked: :http://www.ramapofo rchildren. org>

> www.ramapoforchildr en.org or by calling (845) 876-8403.

>

>

>

>

>

> Ramapo for Children, P.O. Box 266 (Route 52/Salisbury Turnpike) Rhinebeck,

> NY 12572, (845) 876-8403

>