What should you look for in a special needs camp?

It is very important to find the right camp for both the family and the individual with disabilities. Both need to feel comfortable in order to have a positive experience. This comfort level may take a while to develop for a camper, so the caregiver and family’s feelings are just as important. Concerns are natural for caregivers in making this choice.

Easter Seals Wisconsin Camps is A.C.A. (American Camp Association) accredited. Our camps have consistently received 100% in the accreditation, which is a challenge and fairly unheard of. For 100% certification there is need for around the clock registered nursing, and more. It is helpful to start with the American Camp Association (ACA) website. This will find camps in your area that are accredited by ACA; which ensures that camps meet requirements and standards for a safe and high quality camp program.

TOP FIVE QUESTIONS TO ASK THE CAMP DIRECTOR

1. What disabilities and ages does your camp serve? This will help you find out right away if your camper is a good fit. Don’t be afraid to tell the director about your child and be honest about care levels or behaviors. This is important information for the director to help determine if it is a good fit for everyone involved.  Ages and disabilities we serve are listed on our programs page. and our new to camp page.
2. How many campers is one counselor responsible for? Depending on the type of disabilities and the needs of the child, it is very important to know if the counselor is going to be available for the campers they are responsible for.  Easter Seals Wisconsin Camps ratios are covered under the FAQ "What is the difference between Camp Wawbeek and Elks Respite Camp?"
3. What type of training does the camp provide the staff? This will help you to determine the experience and the background of the staff. Many camps have extensive training programs, while some may not. Also ask about the camp director’s qualifications. At Easter Seals Wisconsin Camps our staff go through a minimum of one week of training before the summer starts.  Program staff receive 2 weeks of training, while our AmeriCorps members receive 3 weeks of training.  Training includes a number of topics including policies and procedures, abuse and neglect, personal care and promoting independence, lifts and transfers, CPI (nonviolent crisis intervention training), adapting activities, diversity, disability awareness, record keeping, outcome based programming, nursing and medical information. Program and Leadership staff also receive driver and van training, Professional Rescuer CPR and First Aid, and training with some of our specialty programs such as ropes, pontoons, and tractor driving.
4. What types of programs are offered to the campers? There are many camps with different specialties. Some camps are travel camps, some have special themes, while others have traditional camp programming. See if this fits your child’s interests. Camps may be different lengths of time; day camps, two to three day sessions, week long, or two weeks long.  All of Easter Seals Wisconsin Camps programs are listed on our programs page.  When you select a program dates are provided or linked on each program page.
5. What medical personnel are available to campers and when? If your child takes medication or has health concerns, is there appropriate medical staff on site to deal with these situations?  Easter Seals Wisconsin Camps has at least one nurse on site for every weekend session and up to 3 nurses for week long sessions.  Our nursing staff provides 24 hour care.

A visit to the camp is recommended to observe the camp in action. You can see the types of campers, the interactions that staff have with the campers, the programming, if the campers are engaged in the activities, and the facilities. This also gives you the opportunity to meet the camp director and get an overall feeling of the camp. Call ahead and the camp director can set up a time for you to meet with the medical staff, programming staff, and maybe even some counselors. This is also helpful for your child to see camp before they go. This may help with the transition of being at a new place.

Attending camps are beneficial for the camper, caregivers, and families. Camps are amazing places where new experiences take place and independence is developed. The first time can be a nerve racking experience, but minimizing the worry is half the battle. Talk to parents, families, caregivers, and campers about their experiences. The benefits of camps for people with disabilities are tremendous.