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Although some of us are still
living with the winter, it is NOT too early to start thinking and
planning for a summer camp experience with your child/adult with
disabilities. Summer camps provide a great number of outdoor
and personal growth experiences for people.
Sue Tarr
University of Wisconsin, River
Falls
Adapted Section Editor
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| The American Camping
Association |
| American Camping Association
This web site is probably the first site one would access when
thinking about summer camps. There are a great number of topics
(e.g., bookstore, conferences, public relations, parents, camp
counselors) to explore.
I would suggest the link for accreditation to understand what it
means for a camp to be accredited by this organization.
Probably the most valuable link on this site is for the ACA's
Camp Database. One can search the database by several features
(e.g., cost, state, activities, physical/mental challenges) to
locate specific camps. In the physical/mental feature some 19
disabling conditions were listed to select from. What a great
resource to access when trying to locate the best fit of a camp with
a child.
http://search.acacamps.org/ |
| If you have ideas, comments, letters to share, or questions
about particular topics, please email one of the following Adapted
PE Section Editors: |
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How
to Choose a Summer Camp
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There is more to finding a summer camp that
'fits' your child/adult than one thinks. The camp you attended as a
youngster or the camp that your child's friend attended, may not be
the type of camp that is good for your child. Connect to http://www.summercamp.org/guidance/
for specific information regarding each of the topics listed below.
These topics should be addressed in the selection of the 'right'
camp for your child/adult and you.
Camp Selection Considerations:
- What do you and your child want from the
camp experience?
- Selection of the type of camp desired.
- What is the cost of the camp?
- What is the size of the camp in reference
to the number of campers attending each session?
- The location of the camp should also be
considered.
- Are there specific programs and
activities at the camp?
Does the camp support the unique needs of the campers? For specific questions to ask a Camp Director, please
access these links from the American Camping Association:
www.acacamps.org/parents/question.htm
www.acacamps.org/parents/cpquestions.htm
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And I saw a new heaven and new
earth,
for the first heaven and the
first earth were passed away...
And I heard
a great voice out of heaven saying,
Behold...
I make all things
new.
Revelation,
21 |
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| Easter Seals. (2001).Camp-without barriers.
Retrieved January 28, 2002 from
Easter Seals.
Children with disabilities are now more able to enjoy the summer
camp experience. A number of recreational and camping facilities are
offering accessible sites across the country. Children with
disabilities can test their limits in the outdoors right along side
other children with disabilities. Comfort level and motivation can
both be increased from working with and watching others with
disabilities test their abilities.
Wassef, L. (no date). It's not just any summer. Retrieved January
28, 2002 from www.nfb.org/fr/fr1/fr98ws15.htm.
http://www.nfb.org/fr/fr1/fr98ws15.htm
Wow, what a moving piece!!!! Access this site and read what
Lucy has experienced in her years of attending camp with other
campers with visual impairments.
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Questions to Ask, or
Thoughts to Share?
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