My child is struggling 
Now that my child has 
Page 3 of 3
Camp Safety and Health
Ask questions about how the camp handles the unexpected — from bad weather to illness or accidents.
- What emergency preparedness procedures are in place?
- What medical care is available on site? How are medical emergencies handled?
- Is the camp inspected each summer by the Department of Health?
Camper Behavior and Discipline
Find out how the camp handles challenges with camper conduct.
- What behavioral techniques or philosophies are used?
- How are disciplinary problems handled?
- How are adjustment issues managed?
Questions for Your Child to Think About
Discuss the following questions with your child:
- Do I want a camp that focuses on a specific skill or activity?
- What activities must the camp have?
- Do I want to go to a summer program that’s specially designed for kids like me (with learning disabilities or AD/HD) or a mainstream camp?
- Do I want a day camp or sleep-away program?
- How far from home do I feel comfortable going?
- How long do I want the camp program to last? A week or two? The entire summer?
- Do I prefer a large camp with many other kids or is a smaller group program right for me?
- Do I prefer a co-ed program or just boys/just girls?
- Do I want a camp where the activities are planned out each day or one where I have lots of freedom to choose what to do?
For more information, check out the National Camp Association.
Nancy Firchow is a freelance writer and research librarian. She specializes in learning disability topics and has worked closely with parents at the Schwab Foundation for Learning.
