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Camp should be for every child. Here’s how to ensure your Day Camp is inclusive for children of all abilities.

A lot of camp professionals operate under the belief that every child deserves a week at summer camp. However, when it comes to the execution of that “every” child, we can sometimes fall short when there is a camper who’s needs we feel like we don’t have the means to serve.

What we need to do is shift our paradigm of thinking that inclusion programs at camp are “more work” and think of them as “work worth doing”.

As you’ll hear on this episode, the benefits of an inclusion program stretch far beyond just the individual. From fellow campers, to staff, even directors, everyone has a ton to gain from welcoming campers and adults with differing abilities into your program.

To learn some of the best practices when it comes to inclusive programs, Andy, Sam and Ehren are joined by Lucia Thoensen from Tamarak Day Camp and Country School and Terri Southerland from Liberty Lake.

Tune in to learn:

• Why do inclusion? What are the benefits to your other campers?
• Having conversations with the parents about additional needs before, during, with the child present. What key questions should we ask?
• What information do you share with the other campers/parents?
• Training the whole staff about Inclusion
• What happens if we can't serve a child(he isn't making progress)?
• What happens when they “age out”? What opportunities can we give them?

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THE DAY CAMP PROGRAM TIP OF THE WEEK

Terri: Harmony Hut - A calming place for campers who need some time and space.

Lucia: Envelope system for camper behaviour

Ehren: Sensory overload staff training exercise to help build empathy

Sam: Craft for children with fine motor issues. Use egg cartons, plaster of Paris, water and paint and you’ve got some big chunks of paint!

Bonus Resource:

Andy’s ACA Presentation with lots of great Liberty Lake intake and scheduling resources:
https://libertylakedaycamp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Day-Camp-Inclusion.pdf 

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YOUR HOSTS:

• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Ehren Gluckstein, Assistant Director - Camp Robin Hood - Robin Hood 
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
• Lucia Thoensen, Director - Tamarak Day Camp and Country School
• Terri Southerland, Inclusion Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp

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SPONSORS:

Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:

• American Camp Association, NY & NJ   http://www.acanynj.org/
• AM Skier Insurance    http://www.amskier.com/
• Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)