Overview
This session provided a comprehensive overview of Camp Migdal, focusing on its role as a specialized summer camp for children with special needs, and offered practical advice for parents considering sending their child to camp. Key points addressed who benefits from camp, decision-making factors, communication strategies, and how to maximize the camp experience for children, families, and staff.
Camp Migdal Overview
- Camp Migdal serves children with a wide range of special needs, including significant medical and behavioral challenges.
- The camp maintains a high staff-to-camper ratio to meet individual needs.
- Campers include non-verbal, non-mobile children, children with autism, and those requiring specialized diets or seizure management.
Who Benefits from Summer Camp
- The child receives individualized attention, opportunity for skill maintenance, social engagement, and a supportive environment.
- Families gain respite, renewed energy, focused time for siblings, and exposure to new strategies and perspectives from staff.
- Siblings may develop a more positive view of their sibling with special needs by seeing them celebrated at camp.
- Staff members gain valuable experience, personal growth, and appreciation for their abilities, impacting their outlook and future careers.
Reasons to Send a Child to Camp
- Multiple professionals support each child, offering specialized care not possible at home.
- Camp may fit during times of family change, medical need, or personal goals for the child.
- Children benefit through the development of friendships, a sense of community, goal achievement, and skill generalization in new settings.
Considerations and Potential Hardships
- Financial burden can be significant, with funding varying by location.
- Separation can be challenging for both child and parent but can lead to growth.
- Parents should reflect honestly on their child’s needs, medical stability, behavioral challenges, and sleep or care requirements to ensure camp is an appropriate fit.
Selecting and Preparing for Camp
- Research camp offerings, safety protocols, staff qualifications, and available supports (medical, behavioral, dietary, therapy).
- Ask specific questions about routines, accommodations, and emergency procedures.
- Complete paperwork on time, and label/send appropriate clothing and supplies.
Parent and Staff Collaboration
- Establish trust and set healthy communication boundaries with counselors.
- Prepare the child for camp transitions and changes in advance.
- Maximize parental respite by planning personal and family activities while the child is at camp.
Communication Strategies
- Before camp: Share all relevant details about the child’s needs and family expectations.
- During camp: Focus communication on issues that are fixable in the moment; defer non-urgent concerns.
- After camp: Provide specific feedback and gratitude to staff; highlight what worked well or could improve.
If Camp Is Not the Right Fit
- Evaluate the experience as an opportunity for clarity and future decisions.
- Not every camp suits every child or situation; needs and camp dynamics change over time.
- Temporary setbacks can lead to personal growth and better alignment with child/family needs.
Decisions
- Evaluate camp suitability based on each child’s current needs and family situation.
- Communicate specific, important needs and expectations to camp staff prior to the summer.
Recommendations / Advice
- Assess your child’s medical and behavioral stability before camp enrollment.
- Be specific and honest about your child’s needs to ensure safety and success.
- Trust the camp after doing due diligence but maintain open communication.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- Reach out to camp organizers for further guidance or placement questions.
- Clarify any unanswered questions regarding camp logistics, safety, or individual child accommodations.