We always run the risk of having our autistic kids lose the progress they've gained during the school year by having too much lack of structure during the summer. So we've found that by scheduling lots of day camps and fun things to do, that helps keep them on their toes, gives them something great to look forward to, and keeps the bar raised for them and for me, so they don't act like babies and we don't treat them like babies. Always a pitfall.
My daughter (7 years old last year) went to an Easter Seals Camp Stand By Me week-long sleep-away camp and absolutely did great. It did wonders for her and for me (I was a basket case all week but it was good for us to be separated for a bit). We also did swim camp and something called Camp Sparky, a special-needs day camp.
There is less out there around here (we're in the Puget Sound area of WA State) for the under-age-7 set. It was harder to come up with stuff for my then-5-year-old, but he was able to attend Camp Sparky on an age waiver. He also did swim camp. It was challenging for him and he was always bone tired at the end of the day, but what a blessing and the counselors were awesome.
It was so good for me to be able to let go a little bit and for the kids to realize that there are other people than my husband and I in the world. We aren't going to be around forever, and someday others will care for them. We want to foster flexibility in them, and I guess summer camps are a good place to start.
Anyway, I guess where I was going with this, is, how is everyone else planning for summer with their kids? It can get expensive for us since we aren't connected with any state funds, but it's worth every penny.
Have a blessed day in the Lord,
Rachel
My daughter (7 years old last year) went to an Easter Seals Camp Stand By Me week-long sleep-away camp and absolutely did great. It did wonders for her and for me (I was a basket case all week but it was good for us to be separated for a bit). We also did swim camp and something called Camp Sparky, a special-needs day camp.
There is less out there around here (we're in the Puget Sound area of WA State) for the under-age-7 set. It was harder to come up with stuff for my then-5-year-old, but he was able to attend Camp Sparky on an age waiver. He also did swim camp. It was challenging for him and he was always bone tired at the end of the day, but what a blessing and the counselors were awesome.
It was so good for me to be able to let go a little bit and for the kids to realize that there are other people than my husband and I in the world. We aren't going to be around forever, and someday others will care for them. We want to foster flexibility in them, and I guess summer camps are a good place to start.
Anyway, I guess where I was going with this, is, how is everyone else planning for summer with their kids? It can get expensive for us since we aren't connected with any state funds, but it's worth every penny.
Have a blessed day in the Lord,
Rachel
