A high risk camp is a special needs camp for children with special needs such as learning or behavioral problems, chronic illnesses, or physical and mental impairments. Children who have cancer, ADHD, autism, weight problems, epilepsy, speech, or visual impairmenSee More »

A high risk camp is a special needs camp for children with special needs such as learning or behavioral problems, chronic illnesses, or physical and mental impairments. Children who have cancer, ADHD, autism, weight problems, epilepsy, speech, or visual impairment and so on are the primary participants of such camps. High risk camps differ not only in category but also in duration, cost and philosophy. Some camps are nonprofit while others require a fee. Some run for a whole month while others can be as short as an overnight or weekend stay. Some are private, some are religious and some are run by nongovernmental organizations.

Highlights: The activities in these camps are designed to suit the participants. Typically, programs will include art workshops, talent shows, musical lessons, craft making and more.

Medical considerations: An ODD camp should provide appropriate accommodation for the participants. For example, if the camp is for physically handicapped children, wheelchair accessible ramps should be installed. There should also be a medical staff on-site at all times to provide any necessary medical treatments.

Special Counselor Considerations: A camp counselor should have specific background and experience handling children with a particular challenge. For instance, if it were a special needs camp for children with ADHD, camp personnel should have backgrounds in behavioral psychology.