Day camp starts today - I'm nervous!

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-13-2006
Day camp starts today - I'm nervous!
2
Mon, 08-13-2007 - 9:52am

Andrew (8) starts *real camp* today, as opposed to the last five weeks of social skills summer school that we mistakenly called camp... "you guys TRICKED me!" Anyway, I am a nervous wreck. It is a camp run by Easter Seals, so they do have some training and understanding of kids with disabilities, BUT it's still a bunch of teens and twenty-somethings in charge of a lot of young kids with all kinds of issues. My boy doesn't like new people or situations and tends to act out, especially when frustrated or overstimulated. This is the first time we're leaving him alone in the care of others (other than school or church). It's a very long day, 8 am to 5 pm (or up to 7 pm if he wants). I'm thrilled that he's finally getting a real camp experience, but worried that something will go wrong and I get a phone call to come get him.

When did you cut the 'apron strings' for the first time?

Melissa

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-25-2007
Mon, 08-13-2007 - 5:43pm
We have always had a problem when sending our 8 yo Aspie to camp or the school's extended care program. Although there are always adults in charge, the counselors are teens. This is a regular park and rec camp. This year I decided to be proactive and included an "Asperger" info sheet with his registration. (It's not enough to just put it on the form. They really need it spelled out for them.) My DH also called and spoke to the director personally. What a Difference! Once they understood that his behavior was not defiance or disrespect everything changed. He has had a fantastic summer. People keep coming up to me and telling me what a great kid he is. This is his last week of camp and we are soooo proud of him. If you can get them to understand your son it will make a world of difference. Good Luck!
Avatar for betz67
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 08-13-2007 - 5:58pm

we've gradually 'cut the apron strings' so it's more like mine are shredding not being cut. Our ASD son went to his first 'real camp' totally away from mom and w/ all NT kids this summer, he's 10, almost 11. We've worked up to it though. Lots of VBS (vacation bible school) with Mom on the church campus, lots of camps w/ people from church that know him well or from school that know him well. A day camp w/ other ASD kids and tons of well trained staff.

I think he'll do fine. It's good to give them a little freedom-- just really hard on mom!

(((Hugs))) hope you make it through just fine w/o any phone calls.

Betsy