Thinking about what summer camp to send your child to can be filled with anxiety, especially if your child is differently abled. Do not be afraid to advocate for your child to ensure a beneficial camp experience. Advocacy is a skill that you build over time, so it is okay to be a little nervous or uncomfortable at first about speaking out.
Be Proactive
First, to avoid potential problems, be proactive. Choosing an appropriate camp and understanding its policies may prevent misunderstandings. Do research which includes talking to other parents whose children recently attended the camp. Whether it is a camp designed exclusively for children/teens that tailors to their challenges or if you are seeking an inclusion experience, having this knowledge will help you choose the best fit. If you are able, observe the camp (the summer before or an earlier session) prior to registering.
Practice Good Communication
To help your child get the most out of camp, communication with staff is key. Meet with the camp director and counselors. Ask if the camp communicates with parents via email or other social media so you can be informed about what is happening during the day. Have a conversation with the director about the camp’s policies and obtain a copy of them for future reference. Be honest about your child and what they need to succeed. For example, if your child is used to working with a one-on-one aide, make sure you know the camp policy on that before applying. Ask about the staff to camper ratio and if there are extra staff available to help in an emergency. The more informed you are, the better you will be able to advocate for your child.
Discuss Accommodations
If your child needs accommodations – like extra time to get ready, being forewarned about transitions, down time to avoid sensory overload, etc. – make those requests known (preferably in writing) on the application and discuss these accommodations in person so there is not miscommunication. You may also consider sharing your child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) with the camp.
Because camp is such a short period of time and in most cases, a more relaxed environment, make sure your expectations are reasonable and be able to compromise when necessary. Advocacy does not have to be confrontational. It can be a positive experience that builds understanding and teamwork.
Know The Law
Your child has rights. Become familiar with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If there is a problem or a need not being met, document it and the camp’s response in writing so there is a paper trail. Make sure that the appropriate staff are copied as well. If you think your child needs more help than is available at the camp in order for them to be successful, ask if you can provide that help in the form of resources or trained staff (such as a consultation with a behavior specialist, speech pathologist, occupational therapist, etc.).
Bring up concerns as they arise and invite the camp to be part of the discussion by asking them how they will address the problem. Give them a chance to address the problem first. If their attempts to address the problem fail, then consider taking your concerns to the next level and offering possible solutions.
Parents may also hire an advocate or attorney to help them navigate a stalemate or complicated situation. If all else fails, and the camp is not a good fit, ask what the policy is on leaving early and possible tuition reimbursement.
Be Positive
Be sure to tell the camp what it is doing well. Hopefully, this will help staff remain positive and open to suggestions for improvements.
Advocacy is an essential part of your job as a parent, as well as teaching your teen advocacy skills that can be practiced at camp. This will build independence and hone skills for when they are an adult. Summer camp is supposed to be a fun experience, so hope for the best possible outcomes and know that you have the support of many parent advocates who have come before.
Diana M. Martin, MFA, has been an adjunct professor and freelance writer for more than 20 years.
Disabilities Advocacy Resources in DC, Maryland and Virginia
Parents are the primary advocates for their children. But having children who are differently abled presents a unique challenge, and parents need reliable, reputable places that can offer assistance. These are local organizations and advocacy groups that offer training and provide plenty of resources to help both parents and children.
- The Arc of District of Columbia, Loudoun County, Montgomery County, Northern Virginia, Prince George’s County. The Arc is a nonprofit and each location is dedicated to the human rights, inclusion and community of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Advocates for Justice and Education in DC offers training and advocacy sessions designed to clarify legal rights and assist parents and advocates in preparing for educational meetings.
- Community Support Services in Montgomery County, Md. assists children and adults with a community approach, focusing on self-advocacy and individual strengths.
- DC Special Education Cooperative works with educators, parents and community members to support and improve the educational environment for students with disabilities.
- DC Special Education Hub provides tools and support to parents for their child’s education, but much of their Advocacy page advice could be valuable in any situation, including at camp.
- ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia offers a workshop for students with disabilities, ages 14-22, to improve their self-advocacy skills.
- Parent Education and Advocacy Training Center in Falls Church, Va. provides workshops to help parents understand the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and a variety of other resources to navigate the educational system.
- The Parents’ Place of Maryland provides many free resources, including advocacy, for parents.
- Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy, 2nd. Edition, The Special Education Survival Guide. The Wrightslaw website provides a link to the book and many other resources on deciphering special needs law.
- XMinds.org offers free advocacy by parents who have navigated the Montgomery County Public School (MCPS) system in Maryland.
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Diana M. Martin, MFA, has been an adjunct professor in the Writing, Reading and Learning Center at Montgomery College and a freelance writer for more than 20 years.
