As a parent, you may be anxious or worried about finding a camp that meets your child’s needs. From highly specialized camps, to regular camps that accommodate children with special needs, there are options for every child. With careful consideration of what will benefit your child most, along with some research, you should be able to find the right camp for your child.

Sending your child to camp will benefit her in many ways. She will be provided with structure and routine, she will have a chance to build her confidence and independence, and she will get plenty of activity and exercise. She will also have many opportunities to interact with other children, develop friendships and learn skills from others. Camp will help her learn to problem solve and communicate her needs to others outside her family circle. Even though it may be hard to let her go, camp will also give you some time to yourself.

Starting Your Camp Search

To start your search, it is a good idea to make a list of the kind of camp you want. It can be challenging to find a camp to meet your child’s needs and sometimes, you don’t even know where to start looking. The following questions can be used as a guide to help you decide what you are looking for in a camp:

1. Do you want day camp or overnight camp?
2. Do you want a specialized camp for children with special needs?
3. Do you want an inclusive camp?
4. Do you want a half-day or full-day program? Consider if your child is comfortable being away from home and her age?
5. Do you want a camp placement for one week, or the entire summer?
6. How far from home will you be comfortable for a residential or even day camp for your child?
7. What cost can you afford? Is subsidy available?
8. Do you have benefits for your child (e.g., Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities or Special Services at Home), that might assist with the cost for the camp or a support worker for your child?
9. If you want an inclusive camp, does your child need a support person to be with her and is this available at the camp? If so, is there an additional cost?
10. If your child is physically fragile, do you need a nurse on staff?
11. Do you want counselors with CPR and First Aid Training?
12. Does your child need medication? Can staff administer medication?
13. If your child has special dietary needs, can this be accommodated at the camp?
14. Do you need transportation for your child to the camp? Is it available?
15. Are their specific activities your child likes and you would like the camp to include?

Once you answer the above questions you are ready to begin your search for a camp program. Check out different camps to find the one that meets your expectations and your child’s needs. Here are some resources that can help in your search:

• Look in your local Parks and Recreation calendar for information about camps in your community. Try to find out if additional support is available. You may have to complete an application form to apply for a support worker.
• Parent magazines, such as “Today’s Parent”, often have articles or an issue early in the year that focuses on camps.
• Contact the Canadian Camp Association in your area for information.
• Look for a Camp Resource Fair in your area (organizations for children with special needs may hold Resource Fairs on a yearly basis).
• Ask other parents that you know about what camps they recommend.

Remember you must start early – summer camps and their support services, if available, are often full by early April.

Congratulations, you’ve registered your child for camp!

Before your child starts camp, try to prepare her for the upcoming experience. This can help decrease your child’s anxiety about the experience, get her ready for the transition, and build her confidence and excitement about the adventure to come. If you can, visit the camp with your child and take photographs of the camp environment, or counselor(s), if possible. If you cannot visit the camp in person, ask the camp to send pictures, or go on their website, if available.

Talking to your child about going to camp and her feelings about the upcoming experience is also a great way to get her ready for this new experience. You may also want to find out what special items your child wants to bring with her (e.g., blanket, photograph of family, special toy) to make her feel comfortable. Remember to label everything you send with your child to camp. Use a marker to write your child’s name on her clothing and any specialized equipment.

Sharing information about your child with the camp staff can also help the experience be a successful one. Let them know about your child’s needs, interests, likes, dislikes, medical needs, and/or allergies.