SPOTLIGHT ON SPECIAL NEEDS: CAMPS FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN
Most kids take summer camp for granted. But this rite of childhood is often denied to children with special needs. Typical camps can’t offer the medical care that some need; for others, their social skills and behavior issues make them poor candidates for “roughing it” with neurotypical kids. Luckily, several organizations in the Kansas City area are devoted to giving every child the chance to experience camp. A list of these special places follows. Some may have already closed enrollment for 2009, but take time to visit camps this summer and assess if they’re a good fit for your child. Then enroll early for 2010—they fill up fast!
Camp ChiMer
Contact: Holly Hagman at National Kidney Foundation of KS and Western MO, 6405 Metcalf #204, Overland Park, KS 66202; 913.262.1551; www.kidney.org/site/news/index.cfm?ch=305
Children’s Mercy Hospital of Kansas City partners with the National Kidney Foundation to provide a fun, low-key camp for kids ages 9-17 who are on dialysis or who have kidney transplants. At ChiMer, campers enjoy arts and crafts, hiking, swimming and day trips. Children’s Mercy doctors and nurses supervise campers’ treatment, and fees are provided through charitable donations. Aug. 5-10 at Lake Doniphan Conference and Retreat Center, Excelsior Springs, MO.
Camp Encourage
Contact: Kaye Otten at Camp Encourage, PO Box 10433, Kansas City, MO 64171; 816.830.7171; www.campencourage.com
Camp Encourage offers a full-service, overnight camping experience for kids 8-18 with Asperger’s syndrome, PDD and related disorders. Kids who serve as peer models are welcome too. “Sensory supports, visual strategies, direct social instruction and positive behavioral supports are a few of the many important elements that make Camp Encourage unique,” claims the camp’s website. Activities include fishing, swimming, horseback riding, art projects and campfire time. Ratio of staff to campers is about 1:2, and staff includes two to three nurse practitioners, behavioral specialists and experts in autism-spectrum disorders. Scholarships available for special-needs campers and peer models alike. July 29-Aug. 1 at Tall Oaks Conference Center, Linwood, KS.
Camp MITIOG
Contact: Mike Windes at Share, Inc., 5308 W. 162nd St., Overland Park, KS 66085; 913.897.3876; www.campmitiog.org
Now in its 40th year, Camp MITIOG gives kids ages 7-16 with spina bifida the chance to participate in a fun overnight camp experience. For one week in July, Camp MITIOG hosts activities like swimming, boating, arts and crafts, martial arts and nature study, along with music and dancing. MITIOG requests a $35 fee per camper. (Fees are largely subsidized through donations.) Staffed with 24-hour nursing and a 1:1 camper-staff member ratio. July 25-30 at Lake Doniphan Conference and Retreat Center in Excelsior Springs, MO.
Camp Quality
Contact: Jacinda Farmer at Camp Quality, 1606 Richmond Dr., Pleasant Hill, MO 64080; 816.540.5846; www.campqualitykc.org
Camp Quality gives children with life-threatening forms of cancer “the chance to be kids again.” The website lists among their goals “to create stress-free environments that offer exciting activities, foster new friendships and help give children courage, motivation and emotional strength.” This overnight camp, which welcomes campers’ siblings as well, offers campfire time along with arts and crafts, swimming, boating, fishing, dance and talent shows. The kids also take day trips outside the campsite. Two registered nurses are on staff, and the camp is funded entirely by donations. July 31-Aug. 5 at Lake Doniphan Conference and Retreat Center in Excelsior Springs, MO.
Camp Shing
Contact: Dominique Thomas at Epilepsy Foundaton of KS and Western MO, 6700 Troost, Ste 316, Kansas City, MO 64131; 816.444.2800; www.efha.org
Kids ages 6-17 with epilepsy enjoy camping with their families at Camp Shing. While it’s not mandatory for entire families to attend, Shing offers adult activities as well as fun for kids during the day, and lodging is available for everyone. Activities include swimming, arts and crafts, games, horseback riding, archery, nature hikes and other camptime fun. Registered nurses are on site. Cost is $80 for each camper and $30 for each additional family member who attends. Financial aid is available. June 5-7 at Tall Oaks Conference Center in Linwood, KS.
Horizon Academy Summer Program
Contact: Therese Templer at Horizon Academy, 4901 Reinhardt Dr., Roeland Park, KS 66205; 913.789.9443; www.horizon-academy.com
Horizon Academy is a year-round private school for children with learning disabilities, ADD, autism-spectrum disorders and other issues. During the summer, the school offers full-day classes for students whether or not they are year-round enrollees. Alternately, students in grades 1-8 can enroll in one-hour daily clinics that focus on math, reading, writing, art, keyboarding or social skills. High schoolers can enroll in the study skills clinic. Classes are kept to a maximum of 9 students. Full-day classes run June 1-26; clinics run in June and July, all at the address above.
Joshua Center Camp
Contact: Becky Ottinger at Joshua Child & Family Development Center, 7611 State Line Rd., Ste. 142, Kansas City, MO 64114; 816.763.7605; www.joshuacenter.com
Accredited by the American Camping Association, the Joshua Center Camp is open to kids who have completed grades 3 through 8 and have been diagnosed with Tourette’s, Asperger’s syndrome and/or obsessive-compulsive disorder. The general staff is large enough for nearly a 1:1 (at most a 1:2) camper-staff ratio. Three registered nurses are on site. The usual camptime fun includes fishing, boating, swimming, archery, arts and crafts, campfire time and games, along with some outside programs. June 29-July 3 at the Rotary Youth Club Camp at Lake Jacomo in Lee’s Summit, MO.
Shawnee resident Claire M. Caterer frequently writes on autism and other special needs.