How to Attend a Summer Camp for Cerebral Palsy

Summer camp is a fun way for kids with cerebral palsy to learn skills, make new friends and gain independence. Choose between camps geared toward kids with disabilities such as Easter Seals camps or mainstream camps that can meet special needs. Campers can attend camps close to home with local daily programs or venture off to sleep-away camp for a week or two at a time.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Find a Summer Camp for Cerebral Palsy

1. Make a checklist of your child's interests and preferences for the type of camp he'd like to attend. Be sure to include your child when making the list and allow your child to weigh in on the decision-making process.

2. Search for camps for children with cerebral palsy online through the Easter Seals and American Camping Association websites (see Resources below). The American Camping Association requires that camps meet safety and curriculum standards for accreditation.

3. Make a list of camps meeting your criteria. Call each camp to learn more about the services they provide. If the camp is close to home, visit the facilities to see how well your child will be able to move about the campgrounds and to learn more about the camp's programs.

4. Speak with the camp's director and ask about her qualifications. Ask about the age and training of camp counselors, and whether or not the camp can meet your child's medical needs. Find out if there will be a nurse on the premises and what types of emergency services are available.

5. Speak to the families of campers who have attended previously. Find out if they would attend the camp again.

Pay for Summer Camp for Cerebral Palsy

6. Find out if the camp offers a special, discounted rate for children with disabilities.

7. Apply for camp scholarships through service-based organizations, such as the Lion's Club, Elks Club, United Way and Easter Seals.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to let your child's pediatrician and therapists know that your child will be going away to camp and how long she'll be gone. This is especially important for therapists who may need to adjust their schedules while your child is away.
• Make sure your camp has all of the current medical information for your child, including phone numbers of doctors, insurance information, medication, dietary needs and food allergies.

Resources

• Camps and accreditation information at the American Camp Association.
• Special-interest camp information at EasterSeals.com.

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