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- Request a video chat with a camp leader. This may allow the camper to meet a few team members and enjoy a short virtual tour of the campus.
- If your camper connects with a staff member, ask that staff member if they can be the designated “safe person” for extra support during the camp stay.
- Take a picture of that person to use as a visual.
- Request a daily camp schedule to review with your camper. Make a laminated copy, or create a visual schedule, if needed, and laminate that. Your camper can keep it with them to refer to when needed.
- Take some photos of camp to look at and talk about in the weeks before your camper’s stay.
- Request a “What to Bring” list from the camp if not already provided.
- Review familiar coping strategies beforehand, as well as what to do if your camper feels sad or needs an adult’s help.
- Provide staff a list of your camper’s favorite (and not so favorite) things, along with other helpful information to help them get to know your camper.
- Encourage your camper to ask questions about camp. If you don’t know the answers, ask the camp manager!
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What to Bring to Camp
- Charging cord for communication device
- Headphones
- Fidgets
- Favorite items and family photos
- Extra change of clothes, socks, shoes for each day. (Even two sets! If your camper gets wet or dirty, it may feel uncomfortable and prohibit them from enjoying their day.)
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray
- Reusable water bottle
- Any visuals they use regularly or ASL visuals for counselors
- Weighted blanket or vest if they use one
- Security items if permitted
Camper Success Story
Christian came to Camp Cheerful for the first time when he was 17 years old. He has developmental and intellectual disabilities, epilepsy, and is fed by G-tube. Christian is nonspeaking and uses a communication device.
His first week, Christian often walked behind Dad as they checked in each morning and was very shy. But each morning, his smile started to grow and grow.
By the second week, he walked alongside Dad to check in and eventually would greet staff at the table ahead of Dad.
The first couple of weeks, Christian never wanted to go in the pool. As he became more comfortable at camp, it became one of his very favorite activities of the day. Everyone at camp knew Christian’s name and how much he loved Frozen. They would sing “Let it Go” with him as many times as he wanted! He also loved singing “Hot Potato” with his hot potato toy along with his counselors.
His favorite game was Operation and if he ever left it somewhere on campus, everyone knew who it belonged to and would be thrilled to deliver it to him.
By the end of the summer, Christian wasn’t known for being shy anymore. He was an energetic, smiley, silly, and fun camper who made lots of new friends and left a lasting impression on all his counselors.
Dad’s thoughts at the end of camp:
“Director Maggie and Assistant Hailey were very caring and professional and set an exceptional example for the camp counselors. Christian really enjoyed his camp experience, and we are planning to be back next year! I just wish the camp was closer to our home, which is an hour drive.”