The Benefits of Summer Camp Are Even Greater for Special Needs Children
Many special needs campers have never been away from their parents before. Some have never even spent a night away from home. Parents naturally worry how anyone else could possibly understand and care for their disabled child as they have done. But like any other child, camp and fun with friends are important elements to growing up. Getting away from home, meeting new people, facing challenges in a new and exciting environment are crucial steps in building self-confidence and independence in special needs children. It’s also a big step for their parents to entrust them to new caregivers.
Each child's needs are different. A good camp for special needs children has an intake process that enables parents to work closely with the camp’s staff of professional therapists and counselors to design a program structured for each child. Campers must be physically safe at all times, and each child must feel emotionally safe and free to try new activities. But the best reason to go to summer camp is to have fun and play sports and games with new friends. Most campers can enjoy all the traditional fun of water sports, hiking, music, arts and crafts, campfires, s'mores and sing-alongs. They can make new friends and share experiences in a healthy, natural outdoor environment.
There Is A Camp For Your Special Needs Camper
There are many summer camps across the country designed for kids with special needs. Camp programs cater to the individual physical, mental or emotional needs of each camper. Such camps have a low camper-to-staff ratio, allowing for more individualized attention and care. They are staffed by people who are experienced and enjoy working with special needs kids. This brings a special needs child into contact with professionals in education and childhood development who will look for each camper’s unique abilities and potential as an individual.
The following websites provide a partial list of some of the many special needs summer camps:
- http://www.veryspecialcamps.com/
- http://www.camphuntington.com/
- http://www.mysummercamps.com/camps/Special_Needs_Camps/Cerebral_Palsy/index.html
- http://www.kidscamps.com/special_needs/developmt_disability.html
- http://www.campresource.com/summer-camps/special-needs-camps.cfm
If you suspect a birth injury may have resulted in your child’s disability, you may be able to receive financial help for special needs summer camps and medical expenses through a birth injury lawsuit. For more than 30 years, Sokolove Law has been successfully fighting for the rights of families affected by birth injuries. Call Sokolove Law today. Nurse case managers are available to understand your situation and help begin the process of getting your questions answered. For legal help, call (800) 581-6358.
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