tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post4063404267863728953..comments2024-03-28T21:36:55.157-04:00Comments on Love That Max : Sleepaway camp for kids with special needs: Should he stay or should he go?Ellen Seidmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01433429847255621203noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-16138609317787195372011-05-22T10:07:10.934-04:002011-05-22T10:07:10.934-04:00I remember that anxiety. My DD is now 15 and has ...I remember that anxiety. My DD is now 15 and has been going away to camp for 5 years. I just heard about them 5 years ago. I cried after dropping her off but seeing how much she enjoyed being around kids like her was amazing. She was so excited to go and is every year. They tailor the activies for her so I dont have to worry about her sitting on the sidelines. She gets to participate and that is priceless in a world that is not always forgiving of special needs. I send her a couple of letters while she is gone for the week so when the mail runs she gets a little something from us. Anyone who is thinking about it who would like to chat contact me at kristin(at)couponscribbles(dot)com. I guess im a veteran at it now. It also helps with socialization.Kristinhttp://www.couponscribbles.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-14690695977657121752011-05-19T19:36:23.355-04:002011-05-19T19:36:23.355-04:00Ok, I'm late on responding to this one.
I woul...Ok, I'm late on responding to this one.<br />I would say NO to this camp but YES to a camp for all kids. Most kids wouldn't be ready for camp until they are approx 9yo in my opinion so we plan to do the school camp then and just maybe one of us will have to do the sleep over since Mac doesn't yet sleep through the night (i'm volunteering Mac's dad since it will be a boy's tent/cabin). Why oh why are we having to have "special" stuff. Why can't we just have "kid" stuff.Gina @ Inky Ed!http://inkyed.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-89378649022028393622011-05-19T01:49:24.773-04:002011-05-19T01:49:24.773-04:00My guess is that many of the people here who are n...My guess is that many of the people here who are not comfortable with the idea of sleep away camp never did it (or at least never liked it). Where I live it's very common. And it's not a new thing. My mother went to sleep away camp. And so did my step-father whose camp experience was more than 75(!) years ago!!! I did and my kids did. As I told a friend who moved here and couldn't believe that so many kids went, "Jews send their kids to sleep away camp, and have for more than three quarters of a century". Indeed my stepfather says that his camp, which was not Jewish affiliated was 90 percent Jewish. Not sure what it is about our culture but it defintiely has a thing for sleep away camp!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-39232016415726033082011-05-18T16:21:09.220-04:002011-05-18T16:21:09.220-04:00I've been reading your blog for a while, but c...I've been reading your blog for a while, but commenting for the first time.<br /><br />Last summer I worked at a sleepaway camp for special needs kids. They were there for less than a week, had one on one counselor time + a TON of fun!!!<br /><br />Even wheel chair bound kids got to rock climb, zipline and ride horses, etc. And they all had fun! And we took great care of them!<br /><br />So I can feel your anxiety, being a mom of a 5-year old, I have hard time letting him go even to his grandma's house... But at the same time, I think it'll be great for Max, you both can have some time apart, which I think is important.<br /><br />I'd say go to open house and see what it's like! Then even if you do send him, nobody is stopping you from going to pick him up whenever! :)<br /><br />P.S. - My son's favorite color is purple too! :)Tanyahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12213863574315489390noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-67427891388968109972011-05-18T13:24:44.091-04:002011-05-18T13:24:44.091-04:00Hi! I work at a camp for kids who have disabilitie...Hi! I work at a camp for kids who have disabilities (most of our campers have CP or Spina Bifida). I'm not a mom so I don't have that perspective on camp, but from the perspective of a camp staff, camp is an amazing experience. It is a great place for campers to make friends, try new things and build independence. And of course have a huge amount of fun! Good luck with your decision and even if Max isn't ready for camp this year, I hope you consider it in the future.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-68903850402494777282011-05-18T03:48:33.407-04:002011-05-18T03:48:33.407-04:00It's so easy to say YES when it isn't your...It's so easy to say YES when it isn't your kid. I don't know whether that's because a person wouldn't care the same about another kid or whether distance gives perspective.<br /><br />In the end we can't stand in our kid's way, whether they have special needs or not. I know I would be anxious and seeing problems at every step. I suppose ultimately it comes down to what Max would like, how good the staff and facilities are and how at peace you can make yourself with the situation.<br /><br />I hope the taster visit will help answer your questions.Penblethhttp://penbleth.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-311346938934522192011-05-17T23:39:00.266-04:002011-05-17T23:39:00.266-04:00Oh man, that's a tough decision. You'll ma...Oh man, that's a tough decision. You'll make the right one for Max.Team Carter Jayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00364088148612828851noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-3457065338241521022011-05-17T20:45:29.222-04:002011-05-17T20:45:29.222-04:00I TOTALLY understand. My daughter is going to go ...I TOTALLY understand. My daughter is going to go to sleepaway camp next year and I am already sweating....I am sending her to the same camp that I went to and that is giving me some peace of mind. I think when you go to the camp, you will get a clearer sense of the plave and will feel better about the whole thing (or you won't and then you'll know that it's really not for you and Max). OY, it is VERY hard to let go of our kids, isn't it?????Wendynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-85008640645863607042011-05-17T19:51:26.400-04:002011-05-17T19:51:26.400-04:00We sent ours at 6 - much more delayed than he is a...We sent ours at 6 - much more delayed than he is at 11 (Gr 6 and passes for normal) - still with some toiletting issues, poor speech, and definately autistic. The camp is all of 3 miles away and only for the weekend. We opted to bring him home overnight the first year. So he'd stay until after campfire and be back for breakfast and had an amazing time. He's going yet again, this year and has only missed one year so far.<br /><br />Unfortunately the younger cannot go. He needs constant supervision that I cannot supply and the rules for toiletting a child with special needs and.... Oiy!!! So, if you get the chance and he's able to go... send him... even if you can make arrangements for him coming home nights that first year.farmwifetwohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02680758336779501712noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-59616185099808914382011-05-17T19:05:17.161-04:002011-05-17T19:05:17.161-04:00YES, YOU WILL FREAK OUT. AND YES, YOU SHOULD DO IT...YES, YOU WILL FREAK OUT. AND YES, YOU SHOULD DO IT!<br /><br />I waited until Ben was 15. It was the best experience of his life.<br /><br />This is an incredible opportunity for Max and for you. xoBLOOM - Parenting Kids With Disabilitieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06901482901008135659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-78424507125219157692011-05-17T18:31:17.210-04:002011-05-17T18:31:17.210-04:00Molly did a sleepaway Easter Seals Camp a few year...Molly did a sleepaway Easter Seals Camp a few years ago (I think she was 8)- I'm sure she was more ready than I was too. But when I came to pick her up I had to find her in the middle of a pack of kids who were all singing camp songs at the top of their lungs (you'd have to know Molly to know how much she would LOVE this ;-) (Assuming of course that it is a reputable camp) I think it would be great for both of you - DOOOOO IIIIIT! ;-)Juliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13169805542797414245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-22114285409566842752011-05-17T15:38:02.285-04:002011-05-17T15:38:02.285-04:00I'm coming at this from a slightly different p...I'm coming at this from a slightly different perspective. Yes, both my kids have special needs but neither are anywhere near old enough to go to sleepaway camp (5 months and 2 years). However, I co-run a summer program for teens with Marfan syndrome & related disorders.<br /><br />Right now it's a day program at a hotel, a long weekend. There's a program for kids 5-12 and one for 13-19; I run the latter. I really hope to someday help open a weeklong sleepaway camp for them, but that's a ways out. I am always a bit surprised by the number of parents who are upset over leaving their teens with us, even though we're in the same location. As Peggy said, I think we sometimes unintentionally make our kids more dependent on us. I get nervous about the idea of sending M to school/therapy without me next year but at the same time I recognize things like this are important for not only his growth, but mine.<br /><br />In any case, the change I see in those teenagers in just those 3 days is AMAZING. Not only do they take new ownership in their own medical care, but they are able to bond with other people who have similar medical challenges. It's a huge self-esteem boost and really changes the way they see themselves. They go from being "disabled, sick" kids to teens who have different abilities from their peers. It brings me to tears each year, that's how beautiful it is, and I'm humbled and grateful to be a part of it.<br /><br />So please, do send Max to a sleepaway camp someday. Only you and your husband and Max will know when he's ready, but the benefits of these camps are enormous.Mayahttp://marfmom.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-50987243641556973042011-05-17T15:31:44.612-04:002011-05-17T15:31:44.612-04:00I've worked as a counselor at a special needs ...I've worked as a counselor at a special needs camp the past 2 summers, and I'm heading back for my 3rd time! I've met with several REALLY anxious parents who aren't sure about leaving their child at camp, but at the end of the session they come to collect their child and see how much fun they've had and know they've made the right decision. The camp will keep you updated though if you're really worried, and you'll be able to write letters etc =)<br /><br />It'll give you some time to share with your daughter and Max will learn lots while away, and get to experience things he might not be a fan of if you offered the chance because he'll see everyone else doing it. <br /><br />I'd totally say go for it, but I think I might be a bit biased because I just love working with the kids =)Beccanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-88517476281580268962011-05-17T15:15:47.345-04:002011-05-17T15:15:47.345-04:00Oh. Wow. Survey says....YES! Assuming Max is truly...Oh. Wow. Survey says....YES! Assuming Max is truly ready. Which I think he is; he loves the outdoors and being around kids. And he had a blast at the camp we went to last year. He's never slept away from us, but I honestly think he'd do fine. We're going to take him for a visit in a few weeks.<br /><br />This mostly about my own fears. Felicia (who I am convinced was related to me in a former life) touched on the main one: the prospect of pervs. That terrifies me. I am going to call the local police and see if there have been any complaints filed and otherwise do due diligence. <br /><br />It's interesting to hear about other camps for kids with special needs; I'm going to check them out.Ellen Seidmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01433429847255621203noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-44049012607193526932011-05-17T14:39:45.695-04:002011-05-17T14:39:45.695-04:00It's hard to say for sure, but if the opportun...It's hard to say for sure, but if the opportunity for camp came up and I was convinced it was well staffed and well run... I'd be very nervous and a little a freaked out, but I think I'd let my son go.sheisjen@gmail.comhttp://www.jitteryplanet.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-12675113722228170702011-05-17T14:32:23.690-04:002011-05-17T14:32:23.690-04:00I don't know if I could do it, Ellen. We have ...I don't know if I could do it, Ellen. We have one near us that Olivia could go to...but I just don't think I could do it for a week. Maybe one night? I don't know. I don't think so.Tiffanyhttp://www.elastamom.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-33178860975025593082011-05-17T14:23:51.547-04:002011-05-17T14:23:51.547-04:00I only went to day camp and they were really fun, ...I only went to day camp and they were really fun, with respite workers. But, I did go to one overnight camp. And I stayed up all night! I didn't get any sleep for the whole weekend or three days or whatever it was...because I missed my mom so much!<br />And then she wondered why I wasn't calling her when I came home:)Toonerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13035308590730363327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-44687520190245230132011-05-17T13:37:29.601-04:002011-05-17T13:37:29.601-04:00Friends of mine will be sending thier 1st grader w...Friends of mine will be sending thier 1st grader with autism to a sleep away camp this year. Mom and dad REALLY need the time. Based on how their son does, I will do my best to send my son (who is a year older) next year. If you would have asked me last year, I would have said no-way, no-how. But my son has done lots of growing this year and so have I.<br /><br />My advice is always to take these things year-by-year. You have to do what works for you.Janetnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-27146270763464263112011-05-17T12:55:43.708-04:002011-05-17T12:55:43.708-04:00N and Z are way off from this (being just a year) ...N and Z are way off from this (being just a year) but I went to camp every year when I was a kid, from about summer btwn 2nd and 3rd grade until summer btwn 6th and 7th (broke my arm couldn't go that year) and I loved it! But I was always the kid who according to my mother would "go with anyone anywhere". I was definitely pretty independent. However, the one year (maybe 4th into 5th grade summer?) we tried to do 2 weeks in a row. I couldn't do it. Was too homesick and mom wound up coming to pick me up after 8 days (she had come to visit me and I asked to go home, if she hadn't come to visit I might have made it through, lol) <br /><br />I had always planned to send my kids to sleep away camp (assuming personality wise it worked for them) because it was a great experience for me. I don't think that that should change just because N has CP. It might mean N and Z can't go to camp together (as Z is typically developing -albeit delayed due to prematurity) But I think it fosters independence and self reliance which is important for every child special needs or not. <br /><br />If you think Max is emotionally ready to go, then I would give it a shot. Maybe test out a sleepover at a friends/relatives before just to make sure he is ok from you overnight.<br /><br />Just my two cents!Cindynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-17146649507431892412011-05-17T12:33:56.835-04:002011-05-17T12:33:56.835-04:00I've been a couselor at similar camps! My advi...I've been a couselor at similar camps! My advice: Kids are always way more ready than their parents. And just in case there are times where the kids aren't as ready, the staff has the training and the background experience to handle it in really reassuring ways.A'n'G Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06319586269602054299noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-63527578539092078912011-05-17T12:13:37.202-04:002011-05-17T12:13:37.202-04:00My kids all went to summer camp for kids with disa...My kids all went to summer camp for kids with disabilities, starting at age 7. They loved it! And, except for Jesse, none of them had ever spent the night with grandparents or anyone else before that experience. I would say that there is little time for being homesick...during the day it's non-stop activity, and at night they're so tuckered out, they fall right asleep. I'd say that counselors at special needs camps are there because they really have a heart for special needs kids...it's not just another summer job for these young people, and a lot of them do it for years, so you get some really awesome counselors. Of course, you know Max better than anyone, but usually it's the parents who worry 'way more than the kids!Galenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02133622477462629829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-70697037025996235992011-05-17T11:25:24.457-04:002011-05-17T11:25:24.457-04:00My daughter with cp attended a 5-night sleepaway c...My daughter with cp attended a 5-night sleepaway camp through Easter Seals for the first time in her mid-teens. I was so sure I'd get a phone call mid-week asking me to come and get her. But she thrived! The counselors were sure tired by the end of the week. She attended each year for 5 or 6 more years and it was such fun for her each time. Each person with special needs is different, of course, but you're the one who'll know when/if Max is ready. (A suggestion might be trying a shorter duration first - the Easter Seals camp in our state offers respite weekends throughout the fall/winter/spring when summer camp is not in session.) Good luck!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-48964479265833107382011-05-17T11:00:04.574-04:002011-05-17T11:00:04.574-04:00This is just me, so don't take my advice or re...This is just me, so don't take my advice or recommendations as gospel (we know how I sometimes differ from the group). <br /><br />Not only no, but HELL NO. <br /><br />Why? Too young, too long away from home, I'd never get any sleep with worry, too many chances for things to go wrong, too many horror stories about perverts in those camps, too much separation-based stress and agita....a day camp? Sure! In a heartbeat!!! Overnight? Not only no, but, as I said, HELL NO!!!<br /><br />And no one can accuse me of being a helicopter mom--I'm one of those "bad" ones that lets the kids play UNSUPERVISED, in the MUD, in the back yard! In weather below freezing on occasion!!<br /><br /> I just have always had a BAAAAAAAD feeling about those places. Don't mean to paint with a broad brush, but I wouldn't feel comfortable. AT ALL!!!! If both I AND my parents needed to get away for a vacation or something, I'd rather have someone come in and take care of the kids in their own house and send them off to day camp for a week or so.<br /><br />Now, my favorite movie in the world, BEST BOY, has our disabled hero going to overnight camp before he transitioned to living in a group home...but he was an adult when that happened who had benefitted from some "living skills" classes, not a little boy. <br /><br />I just couldn't do it. But like I said, that's just me. Don't go by me, you go with your very own gut!!! Only you know what your kid is capable of handling.Felicianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-82725014194839362072011-05-17T10:39:51.565-04:002011-05-17T10:39:51.565-04:00OMG, no way. Not ready for that AT ALL!! Can't...OMG, no way. Not ready for that AT ALL!! Can't even think about it!!Dani Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14784014166868984046noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-27909793127003631162011-05-17T10:16:12.427-04:002011-05-17T10:16:12.427-04:00My son with autism is 11 and this year he is doing...My son with autism is 11 and this year he is doing sleep away camp for the first time. I did A LOT of research and found the perfect camp for him. If you're looking for me in August, I'll be up a tree somewhere outside of camp boundaries dressed in camoflauge holding a pair of binoculars. lol!Julie Colehttp://www.mabel.canoreply@blogger.com