Summer Camp for Kids with LD: Getting the Right Fit - Page 2

High School

By high school, your teen likely has one or two strong interests, whether academic, athletic, or extracurricular. Summer camp can be an opportunity to explore an interest in depth. If your child is fascinated with flying, a camp with an aviation focus could be ideal; likewise, a budding chef may want to attend summer camp.

Some summer programs offer a chance for your student to get a taste of college. Many two-year and four-year colleges offer college-level courses for high school students, often with transferable credit. On perhaps summer camp is simply the time for your teen to step away from the rigors of academics and college preparation for some well-deserved time off enjoying outdoor adventures.

Making the Final Choice

Now it’s time to narrow your choice of camps to a manageable level. Contact the top options to start gathering more detailed information. Use the questions below as a guideline, and don’t hesitate to ask for references from past campers. When you’ve made the final choice, you’ll know that you’ve considered all the important elements necessary for your child to flourish. Then all that’s left is summer fun and a lifetime of memories.

Questions to Ask When Evaluating Summer CampsFinding a summer camp that fits both you and your child means looking beyond location, cost, and session dates. These questions will guide you in selecting just the right program. In your conversations with camp staff, be upfront about your child’s learning disability and ask questions about their experience with campers with LD. We’ve provided some questions to get the conversation started and help your child think about what he or she wants from a summer camp.

Camp Overview

Understanding the camp’s mission will help determine if their philosophy is compatible with your family’s.

• What is the philosophy or emphasis of the program? How is this philosophy integrated into program activities?
• Is the program accredited? What are the accreditation process and standards?
• What kind of child is typically successful at this camp?
• What do you hope campers will learn or take away from their time at camp?
• What percentage of campers return each year?
• Is there an open house or other way to visit the camp before committing?

Camp Staff

Learn about the ages, education, training, and background of the people who will be working with your child.

• What is the background of the camp director?
• How is camp staff screened and hired?
• What is the composition of the rest of the staff?
• What training is required for staff? Is training annual? Ongoing?
• How long has the average staff member worked at the camp?
• What is the staff-to-camper ratio?

Camp Program

Make sure that the camp’s program matches your child’s interests and personality.

• What activities are available?
• What is the schedule like? Is it highly structured or do campers have a lot of free choice?
• Is the camp experienced with campers with learning disabilities or AD/HD? How do they handle children with special needs?