Q&A: Life in a Special Needs Camp
Special needs camps will probably give you one of the most unique and rewarding experiences you can get from your summer camp job.
They aren’t really any different to any other camp, which is what makes them so incredible.
Whatever your image is of summer camp in Canada, singing campfire songs, roasting marshmallows,water and other sports, arts and crafts, campers bonding and making best friends for life. This is exactly what you will get in special needs camps.
All activities have been made accessible for campers with various needs and staff are still there to make sure the campers have the best summer ever. The campers and the camps don’t let the disabilities restrict the experiences they can have at camp. You can be a part of this life changing adventure and learn to not let anything limit the experiences you can have.
We spoke to someone from our team, Josh, who worked in a special needs summer camp for 4 summers between 2014 and 2017. When we asked him why he returned to the same camp for so many summers he replied ‘Because I loved it. Everything about it, it was my happy place. It’s as simple as that. Even today there’s not one day that does not go by that I don’t think about camp’. Camp can be your happy place too.
The interview with Josh gave us some interesting insights and we hope the sharing of his experiences, will do the same for you. He answers some questions you might have yourself about training, experience and day to day life at a SEN camp.
1. Why did you choose to apply for an SEN camp?
Originally I never intended to select SEN camps on my application. But after talking to my interviewer, she convinced me and I am so glad she did. My interviewer encouraging me to choose SEN camp has had an impact on every major event in my life since December 2013.
2. Did you have any previous experience with SEN?
No. However one of the reasons I was persuaded to select SEN camps is because my half brother has down syndrome. For this reason, I wanted the opportunity to give back to the disability community as others have done for my brother.
3. Was there training put in place for you before the campers arrived?
Yes! The training was a week-long before camp started. It was really good. My camp was part of a large charity called the Arc Gloucester, so we also went down to see some of their projects and to meet some of our potential campers before camp started. Also the knowledge from returning staff and their passion was invaluable. They could tell us some really insightful stuff about the campers. We often see a disability label and believe that people with disabilities are going to have certain traits and stereotypes. And a lot of the time that’s not the case. The returners were able to help us realise this and look past the label.
4. Was there enough support while you were at camp?
My camp was hugely supportive. There was no one at camp I felt I couldn’t approach. If I needed help, I would ask for help. I have worked in a lot of places where upper management would say ‘if you ever need help, just ask’. However, a lot of places do not practice what they preach. My camp 100% did and supported me throughout my camp life.Both in camp and back home in Liverpool, England.
5. What was daily life in camp like working with and looking after children with special educational needs?
Every day was different and unique. It’s a bit of a cliche but it is true. However we were at summer camp so we did the usual traditional summer camp activities that other camps did too. We had fun! We went swimming, had food fights, paint wars, we played pranks on other cabins and so much more. Being adaptable and inclusive, however, is a key thing to be aware of in a special needs camp. You want to make sure everyone can get involved in activities, and no one is left out because of their disability.
6. How many times did you attend camp and if more than once, was it the same camp you returned to?
Yes! I did four summers at Camp Sun n’ Fun from 2014 to 2017.
7. Why did you go back so many times?
Because I loved everything about it. Camp is my happy place, it’s as simple as that. Two years later and still not a day goes by where I don't think about camp.
8. What was the most inspiring thing you took away from camp?
There are so many things I could choose. But the most inspiring thing I came away with is a girlfriend who is now my fiance. Camp goggles and camp romances are a real thing and I still have my camp goggles on today.
9. What was your fondest memory of working with children with SEN?
I have so many. However, my favourite memory was my camps annual Christmas event in July. I had a favourite camper (everyone has a favourite), who’s mum I actually still speak to regularly! My camper loved Christmas. On the night of Christmas in July, all the staff stayed up till 5 in the morning decorating the cabins. Each cabin would have a theme, and we would spend two weeks making the decorations before putting them up. In the morning my favourite camper came out, and was just blown away by how his summer camp looked. He got more and more excited as the day went because he knew father Christmas was coming! And to make it even better, he knew father Christmas was coming on a fire engine.
As you can see, so many amazing things can happen at camp and you can come away with inspiring stories like these.
Josh has said his time at Sun ‘n’ Fun camp ‘changed my view of people and on life. It has influenced every important decision in my life since. Open your mind, try something new and discover how amazing people with disabilities are’. So what are you waiting for?
