How to Start a Special Needs Summer Camp
Special needs camps play an important role in today's world, especially as more funding becomes available through government grants and special low-interest loans. Families with special needs children are always looking for stimulating and challenging activities for their loved ones. Summer camps or year-round programs that can make a difference for families with special needs children and adults are not only needed, but can become very popular with the Special Olympics and other programs that recognize handicapped and special needs people. Camps for special needs children and adults help build increased confidence, independence and interaction with others; and provide good exercise and positive activities through role modeling and relationships.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
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Establish your organization as a nonprofit agency. This will be especially important for obtaining free government grants and any other items at a discount or even for free from corporations, schools, hospitals and other community organizations. This might include items like special needs tools, medicine/first aid, games, office supplies, outdoor camp equipment and other miscellaneous items that might serve as a tax-deductible donation for these organizations. Read up on The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to learn what is required for special needs camps. For example, this act requires that all camps have reasonable accommodations (such as the installation of wheelchair-accessible ramps).
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Determine the needed staff. Special needs camps usually have counselors, nurses, cooks and an activities director, as well as other employees who serve as guides and support staff. How many special needs kids (and adults) are you planning to have? This will determine the number of staff you will need. Hiring a staff of people who have prior experience working with special needs children and adults will be your top priority in terms of building a strong camp network. Parents want to be convinced your camp is the best for their children. An educated and experienced staff will make all the difference in helping to influence parents to choose your camp.
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Determine the location of your camp. You can either rent a space or camp during the summer months or lease/buy a piece of land with cabins and lodging to accommodate your special needs children and adults. Your location will obviously need to be appropriate, and as mentioned above, will also be wheelchair accessible with all accommodations being handicap-friendly. Your camp should have a wooded area with trails, as well as an open space for outdoor activities. The camp should be centrally located near a hospital in case of emergency.
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Rent, lease or buy special needs equipment. Determining what sort of equipment you will need to run a special needs camp should be organized in terms of indoor and outdoor needs. Make a list. Many items might be donated or sponsored by local community organizations or corporations. Consider all the camp activities that will be available, depending on your special needs attendants. Some might be too handicapped for swimming and running, while others might be physically able to do both. Consider the beach area (if you have one) and any activities related to water and sand sports: volleyball (net and ball), boating (rowboats, oars, floating devices and safety jackets); outdoor sports (basketball courts with ball and hoops, and soccer fields.); nature walks (proper trails for walking); arts and crafts (supplies like paper, pens, crafts, paints and pottery-making materials); dance and yoga programs (stereo and mats); and music (instruments, microphones, music-related games and chairs).
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Determine what to charge. Do your research to see what other camps are charging. Many start between $250 and $350 per week, and some charge by the month. Study the camps that are successfully doing what you want to do, and model your camp accordingly. Visit various special needs camps listed in Resources below.
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Promote your new camp. The next step is to set up a website, create a brochure, write a press release and send out a letter inviting your target market for an open house at your camp facilities. All your staff should be present for the initial welcome and tour of your site. Give a formal presentation, introduce your staff and give a thorough tour of the camp. Offer discounts for those who sign up on the spot. Serve refreshments, and make your open house an event that will not soon be forgotten!
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