July 12, 2021

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by: admin

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Tags: ADHD, Camp, Find, kids, questions

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Categories: adhd

7 Inquiries to Discover the Proper Camp for ADHD Children

It’s hard to believe that summer is around the corner, but luckily, Matt Weneta takes the stress out of finding a good summer camp for your ADHD kids. Camping as a great opportunity for kinesthetic kids who need to move – they can learn by doing. On this blog, Matt offers parents 7 questions to consider when looking for a summer camp program for their child with ADHD.

Summer is an opportunity: 7 questions to find the right fit for your child

Summer camps offer fun, a sense of community and friendship. They offer children independence and self-confidence, as well as social and emotional growth. In the camp, children can be themselves. For ADD / ADHD children, this can be a huge relief. For parents, finding the right camp for children with ADHD can be a challenge.

In the camp, the children escape the normal routine and can try out new, more exciting ones. Finding the right fit is very important for children, especially if they are facing social, emotional, or learning challenges.

Before you start looking for the “right camp”, decide what you want for your child. Are you looking for fun, growth, support, or community? All camps offer a level for everyone, but what is the focus for your child?

1. How do you find a camp for ADHD children?

Web searches are the best place to start. Top Google-rated camps may have great marketing, but may not have strong programs. Flashy websites and expensive materials are not always a good indicator of a meaningful camp experience. Use search engines that list many programs and take the time to explore all of your options. Find programs that focus on substance. Also, ask local organizations and other parents for recommendations.

2. What about overnight camps?

Overnight camps are best for growth. There is more time to become part of a community and to program much more intensively. In the sleep-away camp, children learn to overcome their fears of being away from home, along with their peers who have the same experience. Are you wondering, is my child ready for bed camp? And then you ask yourself, am I ready for my child to go to camp? Despite fears that your child might have a new experience, the trip to camp often causes more anxiety in parents than in their children. Your fears will spread to your children, so be confident in your decision. Knowing that your child (and you) may be scared of bedtime – and that’s normal – will enough support make a difference? Initial struggles for parent and child are typical, including a tearful, homesick evening or two. A good camp provides a safe environment to deal with these fears and to make the children capable and confident. Later in life, children have some experience in dealing with their fears.

3. What about day camps?

If your child isn’t quite ready for bedding just yet, don’t despair. Day camps also offer your child wonderful experiences and enormous growth. Use the following questions to choose a day camp or an overnight camp.

4. What kind of support does your child need?

Next, be honest with yourself: how much support does your child need? Children who need little support and who function well in social settings can usually go to camps that don’t make a lot of adjustments. Finding the right summer camp fit can be more difficult for children who need more support. How prepared is a camp to support your child? Look for a higher than average staff-to-camper ratio and staff who have both the educational background and the practical experience to give your child the support they need.

5. What kind of staff does the camp employ?

When evaluating the staff-to-RV ratio, find out how that ratio is determined. Are the canteen staff and maintenance staff included in the staff quota? The qualifications of the camp leaders are important, but more important is the experience and training of the direct nursing staff. They will have the greatest impact on your child’s daily experience. If a camp staff is mostly composed of well-meaning and energetic college students, ask yourself whether they are able to meet your child’s physical, social, and emotional needs. For many children the answer is yes. To determine this, ask the camp about the staff who will manage your child’s daily experiences. Will they be able to keep your child physically and emotionally safe? Ask for specific examples of how the camp has treated children in a similar way to yours in the past. Talk openly about all of your child’s strengths and weaknesses.

6. What type of camp is best?

Finding the type of camp for kids with ADHD can be easy if you are looking for skills development for your child. If your child wants to become a better soccer player, check out soccer camps. Otherwise, explore camps that offer your child new experiences. New experiences enable children to discover new interests and strengths. While familiar experiences allow children to practice the tools and habits they already have, new and interesting experiences need to reach your child. This helps develop inner motivation, interest, and exploration.

7. What will it cost?

When it comes to cost, know your budget and stick to it. Beyond class, find out if there are any additional fees for admission, special activities, excursions, warehouse operations, or equipment. Ask what your child needs to bring to the camp that you do not already own or that is not provided by the camp. Take all of these costs into account in your bottom line.

Like any industry, summer camps are and should be competitive. When trying to find the right camp for children with ADHD, don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions and make sure your questions are answered to your satisfaction. If a camp doesn’t have the time and attention to address your pre-camp questions and concerns, it likely doesn’t have the time and attention your child needs during camp.

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