Summer Camp for Kids with LD: Getting the Right Fit

Does the mention of summer camp conjure up idyllic images of rustic cabins by a mountain lake and making s’mores around a campfire? Well, it may have been that simple once, but today’s summer camps go beyond the traditional model of the past — way beyond — to the point where the sheer variety of camp options can make a parent’s head spin. Add learning disabilities or AD/HD into the mix, and suddenly choosing a summer program for your child goes from stressful to seemingly impossible.

The task of selecting the right camp doesn’t have to be unmanageable, though. With the help of pointers in this article, thoughtfulness, and family conversations, you can pare the selection down to the camp that’s just right for your child.

Specialty Camp or General Program: Narrowing the SelectionWhen you start investigating camp options, you’ll find programs that range from the traditional (à la crafts, canoes, and campfires) to the academic (reading, math, or science) to the adventurous (think mountain trekking, astronaut training, and scuba diving). There are camps for sports or learning a new language, community-service camps, day camps, and sleep-away camps. There are also camps specifically for children with learning disabilities or AD/HD.

To narrow down the selection, think about what you hope your child will get out of attending a camp. Is maintaining or gaining academic skills paramount? Building confidence in social situations? Do you want your child to break away from the rigors of school and focus on activities he or she loves or exploring new ones? Ask children what they think would be the most fun and talk about how LD or AD/HD might influence the choice.

Consider Your Child’s Age and PersonalityYou know your child’s strengths, and you know where he or she lacks confidence. Think about situations where your child thrives or struggles. These factors, along with age, maturity, and social development should play into the type of camp and camp program that you choose.

Elementary School

The wide array of camp programs available for grade school-age kids means that even younger students can break out of routines and try new things with new friends. Choosing the right camp structure can be challenging, though. Think seriously about your child’s personality. Factors such as how many activities are in a typical day and how hands-on the supervision and instruction are should be matched with how well your child handles change and his or her preferred level of autonomy.

Another choice that merits careful consideration at this age is sleep-away camp versus day programs. Some sleepover camps will accept children as young as seven, but many children aren’t ready for that step until age 11 or 12. All camp programs, day or overnight, allow your child to leave a familiar environment, integrate into new surroundings, and try new experiences. For many younger kids, a few hours a day at camp is just enough to expand their horizons without overwhelming them.

Middle School

Children in middle school are starting to assert their independence from their parents, making this an ideal age for summer camp. The variety of camp options for this age group is vast, but the choice will still boil down to traditional, academic, or programs focused on a specific activity. Camp can be a great opportunity for your child to set school aside for a few weeks and try some new activities with peers.

As part of their growing independence, “tweens” place great importance on friends and social circles. Because of this, your child’s personality and social skills should factor heavily into camp selection: Is he a leader or a follower? Does he interact best in large or small group settings? Does he make friends easily or need encouragement? Try to match your child’s traits with the camp structure and philosophy. And because children in their early teens tend to worry about logistical aspects of new experiences, take advantage of open houses or any opportunity to visit and become familiar with the camp ahead of time.