Collaborating at Summer Camp 

Cheers to teachers and students everywhere. Summer break has officially arrived! As a former teacher, I remember the deep sigh of relief that came with closing my classroom door and stepping into vacation mode. Now, as a parent, that sigh feels a little different. It’s less about relaxation and more about the overwhelming shift in routine, or the lack of one. Instead of winding down, I’m shifting gears, working to create new routines and plan meaningful activities. And of course, it’s also that time of year: summer camp season!

Navigating Summer Camps for Special Needs: Tips to Evaluate, Adjust, and Prepare for Next Year

Many parents send their children to summer camps or programs. As a parent of a special needs child, this can be a nerve-wracking endeavor! Which camp is best? Will my child thrive there? Will the counselors or care providers know how to care for my child? Will my child be able to handle this big change, just in time to change again in a couple of months? 

Now that summer is here and your child is already settled into their new routine, let’s see what is working and what isn’t. Here are some helpful reminders about what you can do today to keep them on track and how to research a summer program for next year to make each transition a bit easier.

Set Summer Camp Expectations

If possible, go early to meet the counselors, coaches, or care providers. Building a relationship from the start can make a big difference in your child’s experience.

If you haven’t already, consider providing them with an “All About Me” worksheet. Much of this information can come directly from your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Be sure to include details such as:

• Your child’s likes and dislikes

• Triggers and behavior challenges

• Strategies that work best for your child in preventing or resolving challenging behaviors

• Any medications or allergy information

• Communication needs (including devices used, if any)

• General strengths and challenges — physical, emotional, communication, and social

This kind of personalized insight helps summer staff better support your child from the very first day.

Tips for Next Year’s Summer Camp

Research Inclusive Programs

These programs have experience with children of all abilities. They will be more aware of your child’s needs and have experience in meeting those needs. Ideally, they will also be cultivating a truly inclusive experience. Because these camps are unique and often staffed by highly trained counselors, they tend to fill up early. Be on the lookout for registration dates as early as late December, a full six months before camp!

Communicate Early, Ask Questions, and Visit Beforehand if Possible

Send an email or call the program to express your interest in sending your child to their camp or program. Ask any and all questions. What will the day look like for your child? What qualifications do the staff have? What kind of medical needs can they accommodate? Trust your gut on whether the program would be right for your child. 

Be honest about your child’s needs. We know that it is tempting to omit every detail, for fear of discrimination, but the result could be a camp staff that is not prepared to care for your child.*

Prepare Your Child for Summer Camp

Ideally, take your child to visit the program prior to starting. Allow them to meet care providers, explore the new environment, and discuss expectations and routines. If that’s not possible, ask for pictures or video to be sent to you prior to the first day. Please discuss with your child what their day will look like and the expectations of the camp or program.

Overall, look for inclusive programs, prepare staff, your child, and yourself, and communicate, communicate, communicate. It is better to over-communicate than under, especially when it comes to our children. It may not be a perfect summer experience, but hopefully, by taking some of these steps, it will be a positive one!

About the Author

Jessica is a special education teacher turned military wife and stay-at-home mom as her little ones grow. She holds a Master's degree in Special Education and has completed the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship Program. She provides special education coaching and consulting services to families with IEPs, 504 plans, or those in the evaluation process. She supports parents in becoming the greatest advocates for their children by building collaborative relationships, providing education on strategies for success at school and home, and assisting with transitions. She especially enjoys walking with fellow military families through their child’s educational journey as she fully understands the extra challenges.