Nice surprise & first sleepover camp

[Anonymous]

Yesterday nighy, DS8 surprisedly came to me & told me that he felt sorry that I was not feeling well before christmas. I was quite surprised because he did not say that because he wanted something from me. Even though it was only 1 sentence in an awkward way and his eyes tried to avoid looking at me in the eyes, I could tell that he tried his best. He has asd, so he normally does not pay attention or care about his surrounding or other people emotions.

I went to his public school project open house the other day, I saw him asking other kids to look at his project and vote for him. There's no award and no one keep track of voting results. Many parents just try to be nice and vote for this and that kids, and teachers can vote. It is unlimited. It was really nice and friendly conversation with him praising other kids and he also is happy getting voted. He is learning and growing. That is nice.

I want to send him to regular sleepover summer camp in dmv area as a first timer for a week. He has been doing well at regular day summer camps for the last 2 years. He is a 2nd grader. He has never sleptover except at grandparent house, but he can brush teeth, shower and dress up by himself. How do I know if he is ready or not or should I wait one extra year? He will go by himself. We are considering camp letts or camp under the star or somewhere.

[Anonymous]

I have worked at camp for many summers and am a special ed teacher. He’s still a little young. If you do send him, make sure it’s a camp that has support for him specifically. Talk to the director ahead of time about him.

[Anonymous]

I think 2nd grade is really young for sleepaway camp, special needs or no special needs.

Some camps offer a try-it-out 3 day weekend kind of thing. That might be the right amount for him.

[Anonymous]

I just wanted to say congratulations for his recent progress! Regardless of what you do with camp, that’s so wonderful that he’s trying and growing in his social skills!

[Anonymous]

Does he want to go to sleep away camp? I think wanting to do it is the most important prerequisite. I would also look for a camp that has well trained staff who return each year and a high staff to camper ratio. Many Jewish camps do inclusion really well, but that might not be a good fit for your family.

[Anonymous]

Way too young for me, but task him. Mine wasn't ready till much older.

[Anonymous]

This is OP. He says that he is a bit worried, but he also wants to try it because it sounds like fun. He knows what he will get into, like those sleepaway camps are cabin (not tent), air conditioning or fan or nothing, food will be served, there's bugs or bees, there's shower/bathroom, may sleep in bunk bed (he insists to sleep on bottom) or a room of a few or many boys, and counselors will be there, sing songs around fire etc.. Daytime maybe hiking, water activities, fishing, craft, games, sports, or build camp fire etc. He is kind of looking forward to what I have described above, and we look at those websites description/pictures together. I have given a thought of 3 day weekend sleepaway camp, but I think it is better to start with 1 week. I think he can do it, and I think he would love it once he experiences it. He cried at the last day of each summer camp because he had so much fun and he missed it.

Anyways, I tell him that we will wait for an extra year to talk about sleepaway camp. I will sign him up with some different summer day camps this year to try more new activities. He is the kind that if I don't give him a push, he will stay at his comfort zone forever because he is worried this and that. The main reason for sleepaway camp is I want him to learn independence to take care of himself.

[Anonymous]

He’s not behind if he’s not going to sleepaway camp after the 2nd grade. Most people aren’t sending neurotypical 7yr olds to overnight camps. It’s good to push him to try new things and to build his independence, but I would wait a couple of years - maybe till 10ish. There’s still ample time to send him to camp down the road.

[Anonymous]

Some sleep away camps do a "rookie camp" for less than a week so they can try it and think about committing for the following summer. Sounds like it might be a good fit for him.

[beckmom2015]

My son went to Easterseals UCP camp last summer (he's 8) and LOVED it. He's on the spectrum as well and can't wait to go again next summer.