Kidney Camp Directory
TIPS FOR CHOOSING A CAMP
Camp is a great opportunity for children, adults and families to cultivate new learning and living experiences. It is a unique way for people to explore different areas of interest while acquiring new skills, making new friends and having fun. Some growth opportunities a person can gain include enhancing self-esteem and skills such as social, athletic, language, reading, gross motor, coping and independent living skills. Individuals with kidney disease have special needs which cannot be met by every camp. It is therefore important to understand your own needs or those of the individual with kidney disease, as well as to be equipped with the information to choose the camp that is best for you or your family member.
Following are things to keep in mind as you begin looking for a camp:
- Know that you have the right to ask questions.
- Know what you and/or the camper would like out of his/her camp experience.
- Know the specific areas of interest the camper would like to improve.
- Know the potential camper’s personality.
- Know what type of camp will best suit the camper; day or residential (sleep over).
- Involve the camper in the decision making process.
Things you may want to inquire about:
- Camp’s philosophy
- Qualifications of director and staff
- Professional staff credentials (counselors, therapists, etc.)
- Ratio of professional staff to camper
- Availability of medical staff and facilities
- Procedures for administering medication
- Provisions for dietary needs
- Safety procedures
- Cost – funding assistance, scholarships, payment plans
- Transportation
- Camp setting – sleeping arrangements, tents, cabins, bathroom/shower facilities, etc.
- Types of activities – do they vary by age group, abilities, interest, etc.
- How individual needs of campers are addressed
- Procedure for handling behavioral/disciplinary problems
- Provisions for individuals with a disability or other special needs
- Anything else that will help you in choosing the right camp
