Things I Learned Sending My ND Kid To Summer Camp
When my child (SP) was 5, we decided to send her to what I would call a “regular summer day camp.” Up until then, her summer experiences had been limited to her nursery school’s camp, where she had strong relationships with her teachers, and the groups were small.
Regular summer day camps are generally of broad interest, with activities such as crafts, sports, walking trips, and a field trip once or twice a week. These camps often have larger groups of kids with multiple camp leaders and are typically more affordable as they are offered through municipalities or community organizations.
Our experience with the regular summer camp made it clear that something more was going on with my child. From then on, we were more mindful about which camps and activities we registered her for. We also implemented the one-week-on, one-week-off rule for summer camps because any other arrangement resulted in a burnt-out child.
I recognize that not putting your child in full-time care may not be an option for everyone, but I hope that by sharing some of what I learned, you can avoid some of the heartache. We might have managed things differently if I had more of these tools in my kit when SP first went to summer camp.
👧🏻 Choose Smaller Groups
For my child, a small group needs to be small, not just a low leader-to-child ratio. Smaller groups provide a more controlled and less overwhelming environment.
🚌 Be Cautious with Field Trips and Transportation
Field trips to busy places that require a school bus can be overwhelming due to noise, crowds, and sensory overload. It's best to approach these with caution.
🧷 Ensure a Safe Connection
My child always did better when she connected with one of the camp leaders. A safe adult can provide a sense of security and be a go-to person for any issues.
🌿 Consider Nature or Outdoor Camps
Nature camps or forest schools can be highly beneficial, especially when they are less structured. These environments tend to be more calming and provide a natural sensory diet. An added plus is that the sound doesn’t reverberate off ceilings, floors, and walls when the other campers are noisy.
🎬 Look for Special Interest Camps
Camps that align with your child’s interests can be very successful. We had great experiences with camps focused on swimming, art, horse riding, and forest school because my child enjoyed these activities.
✅ Get Your Child’s Input
When possible, try to involve your child in choosing the camps. Even if they need to attend several weeks of camp, having a say in the types of camps can help them feel more in control.
🌪️ Prepare for First-Day Drop-Off Chaos
First-day drop-offs can be chaotic and overwhelming. Prepare yourself and your child for potential sensory and social overload. Having a plan and discussing it beforehand can help ease anxiety.
💭 Plan Drop-Off and Pick-Up Logistics
Think about the logistics of drop-off and pick-up to make these transitions as smooth as possible. For us, dropping off right on time worked best as it allowed my child to ease into the day before it got busy. At pick-up, being there right at the start meant she didn’t have to wait, which reduced end-of-day stress. Always have a snack and comfort item ready for the ride home.
⛺️ Communicate with Camp Staff
Provide the camp with information about your child’s needs, preferences, and potential triggers. Good communication can significantly improve your child’s camp experience.
🎧 Bring Sensory Tools
Send sensory tools or comfort items with your child, such as noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, or a stuffed animal. These items can stay in their bag but provide a sense of security, knowing they are available if needed.
💪🏼 Maintain Flexible Expectations
Understand that some days might be more challenging than others, and that’s okay. If your schedule permits, allow a day off if your child needs it.
🗞️ Stay Informed
Keep yourself updated on the camp’s daily schedule and any changes. Knowing what to expect can help your child feel more regulated and reduce anxiety.
🧑🧒 Make Time to Be Together
Spend quality time with your child throughout the week. This might be reading a story together at bedtime or snuggling before lights out. Celebrate the end of the week with a treat and talk to your child about what they liked and didn’t like about their week at camp.
I hope these offer valuable ideas for creating a more positive and supportive summer camp experience for your neurodivergent child.
I would love to hear about your camp experience, what has worked or not for you, and any follow-up questions you might have.
