Now that June is here, many schools across the country are preparing to close up for summer vacation. Camp season, on the other hand, is just getting started. Whether your child attends a day or sleepaway camp, the experience can be transformative. According to the American Camp Association’s Case for Camp, “A quality camp experience provides our children with the opportunity to learn powerful lessons in community, character-building, skill development, and healthy living — a meaningful, engaged, and participatory environment.”
Yet, despite all those advantages, many children and parents suffer significant anxiety before they send their children to camp. For campers with special needs and their parents, pre-camp anxiety may be more pronounced. Â Here are some tips to minimize concerns and maximize the chances that your child will have a successful camping experience.
Be transparent
If you have not already shared all pertinent information with the camp’s staff, now is the time. Though it’s natural to have some concerns about revealing sensitive information about your child’s medical status or behavioral tendencies, not doing so could put your child, camp staff and other campers at risk. “The more they know, the more prepared they can be,” writes Maggie Loiselle in Indy’s Child magazine.
Talk about camp with your child
Prepare your child for the camping experience by talking with him about his hopes, expectations and fears. There are plenty of books for children of all ages about camp and even about camp and disability that can spark conversation and help to put your child at ease.
 Take a pre-season visit if possible
If your child is attending a later camp session, having her visit to get a sense of what to expect is a great way of helping to ease the transition. If that’s not the case, visiting the site of the camp before camp is in session (if that’s possible) or meeting with directors or other staff members may also help.
 Write a social story or role-play
If your child has difficulty with social skills, try creating a social story or role-playing some camp-related situations. Here’s a link to a great resource for social stories.
Plan pre-camp sleepovers
If you have family members or friends who are well-acquainted with your child and equipped to manage his special needs, arrange to have sleepovers with the trusted person(s). This will help your child to feel more comfortable being away from you for a significant period of time.
Enjoy the break!
If your child will be attending sleepaway camp, enjoy some well-earned time off. Assuming you have chosen a camp with a responsible staff that will provide a safe, happy and compassionate environment, rest assured knowing that you are giving your child a wonderful opportunity!
