Many families choose to send their child with a disability to a summer camp. Choosing a camp that is appropriate and that accomodates your child's needs takes some time and work, but is often well worth the effort. The following are some tips to help you select a camp that is appropriate for your particular situation.

* Choosing a Camp
* Assessing a Camp
* Where to Find Funding
* Links to More Camping Information

Choosing a Camp

It is never too early to start searching for a camp. Most camps fill up fast, so it is best to make reservations as soon as possible. Finding a camp that addresses the needs of your child and the goals that you and your child have can take some time, so the earlier you start the search, the better. The following are some suggestions to help you start your search for a summer camp program.

* Assess your child's readiness for camp. Ask your child's therapists and doctors if they feel that your child is ready for a camp experience.
* Consider what your own expectations are of a camp and how you would like your child to benefit from the program. Keep in mind your child's interests and abilities.
* If appropriate, have your child help choose the type of camp they would like to attend. Let them be a part of the entire camp selection process.
* Ask for recommendations from other parents.
* Check with organizations such as the Epilepsy Foundation, Easter Seals, or the Brain Injury Association for camps that they sponsor.
* Check with your child's school for summer programs that are offered by the school or district.
* Use the Web site for the American Camping Association (ACA) at www.acacamps.org. The Web site offers a search feature to over 2,000 camps that have been ACA accredited.

Assessing a Camp

Once you have decided upon a camp, find out more about the specifics of the program. The following suggestions can be used to guide you in your assessment of a particular camp program.

* Make an appointment to meet with the camp director and, if possible, the personnel that will be with your child. If the camp personnel or director seems hesitant to talk with you, you may want to consider another camp. This is often an indicator that the personnel are not experienced with children who have a disability.
* Take an on-site tour of the camp. If possible, tour the camp the summer before your child would attend to observe the camp in action.
* Check to see what types of accommodations are made for campers with disabilities. Ensure that there are wheelchair ramps, adapted equipment, accessible showers, and other accommodations your child needs.
* When you meet with the camp director, be prepared with a list of questions, such as: What is the camp's philosophy? How are behavioral issues handled? What is the counselor to child ratio? What is the return rate of the counselors and campers?
* For children who have medical issues, ensure that there is medical staff on-site and emergency procedures in place at all times. Discuss your child's specific medical needs openly and honestly with camp personnel.
* Make sure that the camp is accredited by the American Camping Association (ACA) and that standards for persons with special needs have been met.

Where to Find Funding

Funding to help pay for the cost of summer camp programs also takes some time and effort to find. Unfortunately, funding for summer programs often comes out-of-pocket of the family. It is well worth the effort to check with the following possible funding sources.

* County MR/DD Family Resources program (differs from county to county)
* Individual Options or Home and Community Based waiver programs (usually not covered, but can sometimes partial payment is granted)
* Local groups, such as the Lion's Club, Sertoma, and Rotary
* Scholarships from organizations or through the sponsors of the camp program

Links to More Camping Information

* American Camping Association www.acacamps.org
* Easter Seals - Selecting an Accessible Camp www.easter-seals.org/services/camp/select.asp
* KidsCamps.com www.kidscamps.com
* (Special Needs Camps section) WeMedia - Special Camps for Special Kids www.wemedia.com (go to the "Kids" section and the to the "Parents and Caregivers" section)