Spend the summer at Camp Lee Mar of course!
The summer is a great time to get out and play, to swim with friends in the sun, make art projects and try new sports. All while making new camp friends and building on those social skills that have been developing over the school year.
Without a good summer program the summer can be a very overwhelming time for families with children who have special needs. The long relaxing summer days are hard to fill when the structure of the school year has ended. Although it is nice to slow down a little, the lack of daily structure can create anxiety in some children. Additionally, for some children they lose their primary social outlet and the opportunity to practice vital social skills that they have been developing over the school year. Parents often share that they feel they cannot provide enough during the summer, or that they are constantly running, trying to fill their child’s day with fun-filled social experiences.
There are many programs that can provide safety and supervision throughout the summer, but finding a program that understands your child’s needs and can also help them retain and build on their social growth can be difficult.
Camp programs for children with special needs can be hard to find. Residential programs for children with special needs can be equally as hard to find and online search for camps for children with autism or camps for children with special needs can be a little overwhelming.
The usual concern I hear from parents is that they are not looking for a program to “watch” or “babysit” their child with special needs. They want a camp or program that will help their child grow throughout the summer; to maintain skills and learn new skills. They want their child to have a great summer experience and be ready for the school year ahead. So when looking for camps for children with special needs, parents often look at the reasons Camp Lee Mar is different from other programs for children with special needs.
Overall Focus – Every game, art project, event, meal, and trip is designed for our special needs campers. Parents know that their child will be included and able to participate to the best of their ability.
Leadership – The priorities and overall structure of a camp starts at the top. Camp Lee Mar’s three directors not only have extensive camping experience, but also have a wealth of experience working with special needs individuals.
Safe Haven – Our campers have an amazing summer and are in an environment where they are just like everyone else. At Camp Lee Mar we build strong self-confidence and lifelong friendships.
Counselors – Lee Mar’s counselors come to camp specifically to be with special needs campers. They are motivated to work with special needs children and are the best individuals to be working with the campers. Many of our counselors are pursuing careers in the field of special needs.
Staff – Our counselors and support staff arrive a week before our campers and go through intensive training and workshops preparing for the arrival of our campers.
So before worrying about how to fill those long summer days with fun and educational activities, give us a call to find out if Camp Lee Mar is the right fit for your child.
Written by Lynsey Trohoske
My name is Lynsey Trohoske, I am the assistant director at Camp Lee Mar. I have three amazing children, my middle child happens to be on the autism spectrum and is a camper at Lee Mar. I joined camp as a counselor in 1998 and loved the campers and their families so much that Camp Lee Mar became my second home!
