04 Jun
Posted in: Special Needs Camps
Summer camps usually mark the most amazing experience in every child’s life. With the many summer camps available today, it is no surprise that some already cater to special needs. Giving equal opportunities to children and teenagers with disabilities and mental disorders, special needs summer camps were developed in the United States and other parts of the globe.
Perhaps the most famous special needs camps are ones made possible by Paul Newman. He created Hole in the Wall Camps to make it possible for children with life threatening illnesses to enjoy summer camp. Best of all these camps are free so there is no financial barrier to attending. These medically supervised camps are located in Connecticut, New York, Florida, California, North Carolina, Ireland, France, Israel, Italy, and the UK. The Hole in the Wall Camps Association provides programmatic and financial support for these camps.
The Tikva Program and Camp Ramah are just some of the widely known special needs
summer camps catering to youngsters aged 13 to 18 years old suffering from
autism spectrum impairment as well as other neurological disorders. These camps are also religious camps and are the camping arm of Conservative Judaism.
Foundation of Dreams, a special needs summer camp located in Bradenton, Florida, has partnered with the Boy Scout of America’s Southwest Florida Council in order to develop the now well-accredited institution. In the summer of 2001, Dream Oaks Camp started with 56 children with different mental impairments, all of which did not become an obstacle in the children’s participation to all outdoor activities. From canoeing and horseback riding to specializing in arts and crafts, children with ages 7 to 17 easily found enjoyment in the new organization.
The American Camp Association has accredited a number of camp operations in the United States that are best suited for your child’s special needs.
It is always best to ask question to the people involved and supervising the camps and know if their program is most appropriate in accordance to your child’s situation. A child’s age and interests should also affect the selection of a special needs summer camp.
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One Response
JamesD
11|Jun|2009 1Thanks for the useful info. It’s so interesting
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