What questions should I ask when looking for an inclusive camp?

We recommend that parents ask these three critical questions when searching for an inclusive camp:

1. Do you have experience working with kids with disabilities? I’d love to speak to the camp director to see if the camp could be a good fit for my child.

   Tip: think about specific accommodations your child might need to be successful, and ask how the camp can support them.

2. Can a 1:1 aide accompany my child to provide extra support?

Tip: Some camps put extra restrictions on the number of people allowed. Aides take up one of those spaces, so it’s important to ask how that factors in.

3. How do you encourage socialization with kids who might communicate, behave, or interact in unique ways?

Tip: Here’s the real question: does this camp enthusiastically support inclusive play, accessibility, camp buddies, peer modeling, and celebrating each child for who they are? Be honest about what your child needs but also about what motivates them. Is the camp responding to your child’s strengths or focusing on what they “shouldn't do”?

For more tips on finding the right camp for your child, check out this article.