 |
June 1996 |
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
June 1996 |
| |
|
|
|
|
Summer camp can be a growing experience for a child and a chance for
parents to gain some much needed respite. Some see summer programs as
a way to extend the school year by choosing camps that continue
education and therapy goals. Others find the summer a perfect time for
their child to get to know other children with and without
disabilities.
Where can a child with a disability go to camp?
Possible information resources include:
A "regular" camp will introduce children to peers without
disabilities as well as peers with disabilities different from their
own. A special needs camp is more likely to have the equipment, staff
and adaptations needed for all campers to participate in activities. In addition, a special needs camp will provide a child more opportunities to share feelings, thoughts and stories of living with a disability.
After compiling a list of possible camps, create a list of
expectations (parents' and child's) of what the camp will
provide. Should it be a fun vacation or / and a time to enhance
skills? What do the parents want their child to gain from the experience? friends? increased confidence? a new understanding of the world around them? What are the child's abilities and interests, and how will each of these affect the experience?
When these goals have been determined, a list of questions will help narrow the field of possibilities. Through this list, parents will be able to get a good idea of how the camp will provide for their child.
Directly asking "How will you achieve this?" will help to prepare everyone involved. Some topics that may be covered include:
The National Information Center on Deafness (NICD),has a resource list
which identifies summer camps for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children to
assist parents looking for summer camp programs for their
youngsters. A new listing is currently being published and will be
available soon. Copies of the list are available for $3.00 each,
prepaid from the National Information Center on Deafness, Summer
Camps, Gallaudet University, 800 Florida Avenue, NE, Washington, DC
20002-3695. Or call, 202-651-5051. Gallaudet University offers two summer programs beginning June 22 - July 20. Summer Science Program - For deaf and hard of hearing students, ages 14 -16, who want to learn more about science. The fee is $3,000.
Young Scholars Program - For talented and gifted deaf and hard of hearing students, ages 14-17 who are at or above age and grade level. The fee is $1,800. Gallaudet does have a limited number of scholarships available, but also recommends that additional funds may be obtained through local service clubs. For additional information contact Mr. Richard Mei-segeier, at 202 651-5550 V/T.
The MDA Camp, located at Camp Maria, in Leonard-town, Maryland, is
from June 30-July 6 and is free to MDA members only. They accept
children ages 6 to 21. This yearıs activities include fishing,
swimming, a petting zoo, horseback riding, speedboat races, and a
square dance. Volunteers are welcome and needed. For more information
call: the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and ask for Aili-son Shorb
at 703-922-4336. The Montgomery County Therapeutic Recreation Sec-tion, is once again offering a variety of day camps through the Montgomery County public schools, for children through young adults as well as other summer activities. Extended camps are available in some areas. The operating hours are Monday through Friday.
Apollo - (ages 6 -12) For children with mental retardation and autism. Staff ratio: 1 staff to 2 participants. Registration is limited to 20. Activities include arts and crafts such as swimming, music, field trips and special events like picnics and circus day. Location: Fallsmead ES, 1800 Greenplace Terrace, in Rockville MD. Cost: $155. The hours are 12:30-4 pm. Dates: I July 8 to 19 and II July 22 to August 2.
Big Pines - (ages 6 - 12) For children with Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, learning and/or emotional disabilities. Registration is limited to 40. Staff ratio: 1 staff to 3 participants. Activities include arts and crafts, swimming, music, and special events as family fun day and dinosaur week. Location: Carl Sandburg Learning Center, 451 Meadow Hall Drive, in Rockville MD. Cost for 1 is, $195; for 2 and 3: $155. The hours are 9 am-4 pm. for 1; 2 and 3 12:30-4 pm. Dates: l, June 24 to July 5; 2, July 8 to 19 and; 3, July 22 to August 2.
Chesapeake - (ages 12 -21) For teens with mental retardation. Registration is limited to 15. Staff ratio: 1 staff to 3 participants. The focus is on creative and adventurous activities including hiking, swimming, visiting fire stations and community parks, and special events. Also, one extended camp night experience held to enhance camping skills and promote nature awareness. 12:30 pm - 4 pm. Location: Potomac Community Center, 11315 Falls Road, in Potomac MD; Cost: Three sessions, all are $155. Dates: Session l, July 8 to 19; Session 2, July 22 to August 2; Session 3, August 5 to 16.
Personal Pursuits - (ages 13-21) For teens with multiple disabilities. Registration is limited to 15. Staff ratio: 1 staff to 3 participants. Activities focus on leisure and vocational skills through interesting workshops which include grooming and job readiness, cooking, creative drama, arts, and special events. There are three sessions, all are from 12:30 - 4 pm. Cost: All $155. Location: Rock Terrace High School, in Rockville MD. Sessions run from July 8 to August 16.
Project Discovery - (ages 5 -18) For children and teens with physical disabilities. Campers are grouped according to age. The focus is on self confidence and enhancing abilities already existing in specific skill areas through swimming, arts and crafts, drama, music, and special events. The hours are Monday through Friday, 9 am - 2 pm. Location: E. Brooke Lee Middle School, in Silver Spring M D. Cost: $225., plus a public school tuition fee. Dates: July 8 to August 2. For an application call: 301-657-4959.
Creative Afternoons - (ages 5 - 21) For children and teens with multiple disabilities, in conjunction with United Cerebral Palsy. Campers are grouped according to age. Traditional activities focus on social skills and peer interaction as well as sensory and auditory stimulation. The hours are Monday through Friday, 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm. Locations: Stephen Knolls School in Kensington, MD, and Longview School in Gaithersburg, MD. Dates: July 8 to August 2. Cost: $300 w/transportation, $200 without. Transportation is only available to home from camp. For information and applications, call: U.C.P. at 301-262-4993 or 1-800- 621-9403.
For more information on Montgomery County Therapeutic Recreation camps, Write: 12210 Bushey Drive, Silver Spring Maryland 20902-1099 or call: 301-217-6890 (V) or 301-217-6891 (TT).
The Greenbelt Recreation Department welcomes individuals with disabilities into their programs. They comply with the ADA in making reasonable accommodations to encourage participation. Summer Camp registration begins March 4. Camp dates are June 28 - August 9.
Kinderkamp - runs Mondays - Fridays, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Before and after care is available from 7 to 9 am and from 3 to 6 pm. Kinderkamp is a summer camp for children ages 3 to 5 years old who are toilet trained. Activities include swimming, arts and crafts, gross motor skills events, storytime, games, music and field trips. Children will be provided a rest time after lunch. Camp begins for 4 two week sessions, June 12 - August 11.
Camp Sunshine - for pre-school children, ages 2 1/2-5, with communication disorders or who are develop-mentally delayed. The camp focuses on increasing listening skills, expressive and receptive vocabulary, social skills, and gives campers an opportunity to interact with non-impaired peers. Traditional activities. Camp has 4 two week sessions, starting June 17. The hours are 9 am to 1 pm. The cost for residents is $100 per two weeks, Non-residents $120. A $25. non-refundable deposit is required each session.
Camp Horizons-for children, ages 6-1 4. (Same description as Camp Sunshine). Camp hours are 9 am to 3:30 pm.
Kreative Kidıs Camp - for children ages 6-14. Four, 2 week sessions from June 17 - Aug. 13. Activities focus on the Arts. There is no camp July 4. Hours are 9 am - 3:30 pm.
Camp Pine Tree- for children ages 5-14. Four 2 week sessions starting June 17 through August 18. Camp Pine Tree I, for ages 5 - 9, and Camp Pine Tree II for ages 9-14. Extra staff is hired to help integrate children with disabilities. Transportation is available to residents. For additional information, call, Ms. Karen Haseley, 301-397-2200/08 (V), 301 474-2046 (TT).
Camp Greentree, in Gaithersburg, MD, is a camp for children and teens with emotional and/or learning disabilities. The camp is spon-sored by the Community Psychiatric Clinic, Inc. The camp offers daily psychiatric and behavioral sessions, as well as Counselor -In -Training sessions for teens. The camp runs Monday through Friday from June 26 to August 11. The cost is $3,000, and Camp Greentree accepts all major medical insurance. For information and applications, call: 301-656-5220. Application deadline is April 12.
Camp Fairlee Manor, in Chestertown, Maryland, is sponsored by the
Easter Seal Society of Del-Mar, for ages 5 through adult. Highlights
include a Computer Camp, Travel Camps and Respite Weekends. Activities
include; Horseback Riding and a Ropes Course.
Camp Greentop accepts children from age 7 through adult and runs from June through August. Camp Green-top is sponsored by The League, serving people with disabilities, and is located in the Catoctin Mountain National Park, a mile and a half away from Camp David. Camp Greentop is accredited by the National Camping Association and is licensed by the state of Maryland for Youth Camp Certification.
Activities include fishing, swimming, hiking, canoeing, and much more. Financial assistance is available. Vol-unteers are welcome and needed. For more information, as well as dates, call Camp Greentop at 410-323-0500.
The Lions Camp for the Deaf, is for deaf and hard of hearing children, ages 6-14. The camp usually runs for four weeks, from July to August. Campers may attend for a week or two at a time. The camp is located on the Potomac River near Maryland Point, (south of Nan-jemoy, Maryland). Activities are organized around daily themes, such as Indian culture. Other activities include; swimming, archery, canoeing, basketball, and arts & crafts. Hearing children of deaf parents and hearing siblings of deaf children, may attend if they know sign language.
Camp Glyndon, sponsored by the American Diabetes Assn., Maryland Chapter, is for children, 8 - 15, with diabetes. They also have a family session. One week sessions begin July 7, 14, 21, and 28. For information call Tia Taylor, 410-526-2900, or write 407 Central Ave, Reisterstown, MD 21136.
Horizons is published monthly and is available at P.O. Box 985, Gambrils, MD, 21054 (301) 621-9332.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|