For many children, summer is synonymous with the joys of summer camps like swimming in the lake, making crafts, and meeting new friends. But opportunities like these were not always open to children with special needs. Times, however, have changed for the better and options are growing. Read on for tips on choosing a summer camp for your special needs child, courtesy of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Which camp fits your need?
Before deciding on a camp, make sure to do your research to find the best fit for you and your child. One great starting point is local organizations that serve those with special needs or disabilities.

Perhaps you are looking for a camp designed specifically for children with learning or behavioral problems, chronic illnesses or mental or physical impairments to introduce your child to others he can relate to. Or maybe you want to go the inclusionary route with a camp that will mix groups of special needs kids with groups of children with no special needs, which can bring an element of diversity your child may not yet have been exposed to.

There are benefits to both options, but first speak with your child to determine which choice may make him or her more comfortable. In fact, it may even be a good idea to start off slowly with a day camp experience, especially if the thought of sleeping away from home is not something they feel ready for.

Tips for making the best of their experience
Once you and your child have found a camp experience you are both comfortable, make sure to review these tips from The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia before sending them off to sing songs by the campfire:

• See it for yourself: Either in person or with the help of the Internet or brochures, help your child get a sense for their summer camp digs to ease the transition.

• What’s on your mind? : Is it missing the family dog? Fear of not making new friends? Whatever it is, ask your child about their concerns and do what you can to address them.

• Twice as nice: If it is a possibility, consider sending your special needs child to summer camp with a friend or a sibling. It’s a guaranteed stress reducer for both you and your little camper!

• The lowdown: This is one instance where there is no such thing as too much information about your child. Make sure to share as much information as possible, including medications and dietary needs. And then follow up with your child’s doctor to make sure you covered all t he bases. Also be sure to provide extra medicine in case of an emergency and provide the staff your doctor’s phone number in the event a prescription is lost or needs to be refilled.

• Going mainstream? Tour the camp and meet the staff first to make sure that everything is accessible for your child and that the staff understands their needs.

• Covering all the bases: This one is a given, but with so much going on it may slip your mind. So be sure to get a list of all emergency phone numbers should the need arise.

• The right support: Does your child need therapy or medical care or a therapist? Talk to the camp staff about needed support and make arrangements ahead to accommodate that need.

• We love you!: No matter how long your child is going to be away from you, it is only natural for them to feel homesick. So take the initiative and write him or her plenty of letters so that they know they are loved and missed. And encourage them to write back and share their camp experiences!

If you are feeling a little overwhelmed trying to line up support staff, research camps, and visit facilities, just stop for a moment and think about the increased sense of confidence and the chance to make new friends that you are providing. That will surely make up for a little bit of extra legwork on your part!