Feedback on Burgundy Farm Summer Camp

[Anonymous]

Hi my 5 year old child (ASD level) recently signed up for Burgundy Farm summer camp. We haven’t disclosed her diagnosis (we didn’t see any questions asking about the kids needs in general) and not sure if we should. She has occasional whining and frustration, and is a bit delayed in speech, but has been doing well for the most part in her school (pre-K in Dcps).

She will be in kindergarten. Any feedback or experience with this summer camp? Any general advice about disposing the diagnosis based on your experience? Thank you in advance.

[Anonymous]

From my experience they are not very welcoming of neurodiversity.
I’d talk to the director of the program.

[Anonymous]

My youngest is neurodivergent, and I would not send her. My oldest 2 went and both found it to be completely chaotic. It was kind of organized chaos, so not disorganized, but almost sensory overload. They found it loud and hot and the activities didn’t seem to fill the alloted times. They also found the changing for swimming to be rushed and disorganized. We actually skipped the last week we had signed up for and just ate the cost of it.
Mine preferred summer at Potomac if you are looking for a camp at a school or with a Bus to dc. It seems much better organized and has bits inside so they can cool off. The changing for swimming is also done in much smaller groups.

[Anonymous]

It’s very chaotic indeed.
And they don’t offer any type of support should an autistic episode arise.
Your child must follow expectations like neurotypical children, transition fast, and change for and after swimming independently.
Use caution, OP.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Just wanted to give my own feedback after sending for one session. We took all of your advice into account but decided to just try one session with the possibility of dropping it if we have to.

The above commenter seems to be right about it being sensory overload. My DC would not step into a pool because there are too many kids. Yet DC usually loves water and swimming pool. Same goes with activities.

My only baffling part is that out of several camps we tried so far, DC says Burgundy farm is the favorite. Not sure if that means DC didn’t like others that much. It’s hard to find a right fit.

[Anonymous]

It’s a lovely campus and nice staff. Not for everyone but I can see why kids like it!