Programs: Summer Camp : Inclusive Programming

What types of disabilities and diagnoses do campers have at camp?

Campers with the following diagnoses have [been included] at camp: autism spectrum disorders (including Asperger Syndrome), cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, intellectual disability, mental health diagnoses (anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, depression), celiac disease, reactive attachment disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and other behavioral diagnoses, physical disabilities, and others.

How is support provided to campers who need it?

Some campers benefit from significant support, so we provide 1 to 1 support with a trained Inclusive Programming Counselor joining the group. This Counselor will help lead the entire group, but will also focus on meeting the camper with a disability's needs so that he or she participates along with everyone else. This Counselor may provide assistance with self care (toileting, showering, etc.), mobility, communication, behavior management, social interactions or other areas, depending on the child's needs. Both Counselors assist the group in developing inclusive strategies for the week, such as how to travel as a group around camp, time needed for morning and night time routines in the cabin, playing games as a group, etc..

We also provide support to campers who may not need 1 to 1 support, but can benefit from an extra Counselor joining the group from time to time. Our "Inclusive Floater Counselor" provides this kind of support to several campers throughout the week, floating from group to group as needed.

What are the qualifications of Counselors providing support to campers with disabilities?

All CYO Camp Counselors are trained about disabilities, disability awareness, person first language and support techniques and adaptations. In addition, they receive information in advance if a camper in their group needs additional support.

Inclusive Programming Counselors, who provide 1 to 1 support, attend an additional 3-day training that goes into great depth on topics of disability, support, child development, and related areas. These staff members are also typically experienced in the camp setting and studying a field in college that is related to people with disabilities (such as special education, therapeutic recreation or speech and language therapy). All Counselors go through an extensive application and interview process to ensure that they are a good fit for a position at CYO Camp. Finally, the Archdiocese of Indianapolis requires background checks be conducted on every potential employee.

What is "person first language"?

"Person first" is an approach to communicating with and about individuals with disabilities or differences. At CYO Camp we aim to hold the dignity and respect of each individual in the highest regard. We strive to use a person first approach in our language and actions. In the most basic of terms, "person first" means putting the person first, before any label or diagnosis. Examples of this include saying "camper with support needs" instead of "disabled camper" or "child with Down Syndrome" instead of "Downs child". We feel that language is a powerful tool which can both reflect our attitudes and help shape them. A "person first" approach is one way that we live our inclusive core value at camp.

How are campers without disabilities impacted by campers receiving support?

Everyone participates together in our inclusive camp community, so there is a strong possibility that a camper without disabilities will be in the same group as a camper with a disability who is receiving support (1 to 1 or other). The Counselor(s) in that group will plan and work together and with the group to create an inclusive week for everyone. Depending on everyone in the group’s needs, the group may move at a different pace or take different routes around camp. The group should not "miss out on" any activities - rather the staff will use adaptations for individuals as needed or help everyone participate in different ways so that all group members are included.

We believe - and research supports the idea - that everyone benefits from an inclusive environment! Campers with and without disabilities learn about peers with differences and how to be welcoming, supportive and inclusive with everyone. We have seen the positive results of this environment for over 15 years at CYO Camp!

Will my child with a disability or support needs be treated differently than his or her peers?

Our goal is that every camper feels welcomed and supported at camp. To the extent that a child needs support, he or she may get additional assistance that is not provided to other campers. We work very closely with parents and campers through phone calls and visits to ensure that we understand the needs of campers before they come to camp. Children with disabilities are part of a group of their same-aged peers and participate in the same programming that every other camper does. Our inclusive mottos are "everyone participates together" and (in regard to support) "provide as much as necessary and as little as possible".

Will my child without a disability be expected to help support campers with disabilities?

Campers are part of a group of peers, and because of the cooperative nature of group living, all group members are invited to take part in creating a positive and inclusive week at camp, helping one another out as needed.

CYO Camp Counselors take responsibility for assisting campers with disabilities so that they participate alongside their peers as much as possible. Depending on the group, age of campers, nature of support needs, etc., it is absolutely possible that campers will assist their peers with support needs and vice versa, when it is appropriate.

Examples of this are: a camper with a physical disability uses a wheelchair - the group may help to push their peer's wheelchair at times and/or assist the camper in getting food in the dining hall, etc.. Campers will not be expected to assist peers with self care or behavioral needs or anything else that they are uncomfortable with. It is our goal that an inclusive environment can break down barriers between youth who are different with different challenges, needs and desires.

What if a camper has support needs that affect the rest of the group’s experience?

We strive to be very proactive in supporting all campers. We learn about campers' needs and plan accordingly. If a camper's behavior becomes inappropriate, or negative to the extent that it has a harmful impact on the group, (whether that camper has a disability or not), we would address that situation accordingly. There may be other times that campers are separate from their group due to non-behavioral support needs. (Ex: a camper with autism might benefit from taking a short walk away from an especially loud/chaotic activity.)

How are campers grouped at camp?

CYO Campers are grouped according to age and gender. Campers with and without disabilities participate together in groups with support provided as needed. There are typically 7 to 9 campers and 1 or 2 Counselors in each group.

Who should I contact for more information?

To learn more about support for a camper, please contact Angi Sullivan 888.988.2839, ext. 25 or email angi@campranchoframasa.org.