Looking for Recommendations Summer Camp - Building Self-Esteem in Dyslexic Children

[Anonymous]

I'm trying to find a summer day camp (not sleepaway) for my third grader with dyslexia—somewhere in the U.S. or Canada. I know I am early…

I’m not looking for something academic, but rather a camp that focuses on the emotional side: building self-esteem, increasing confidence , helping kids feel understood, and connecting with others who learn differently. A place where they can see their strengths, not just feel like they're being "fixed."

If you know of any camps like this, I’d love to hear about them. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

I know you said not academic but I think the Lab School’s camp does a good job with all the things you list that you are looking for. At least it did 10 years ago when my kid went there for several summers in a row.

[Anonymous]

I second Lab School. Summer camp there was a game changer for my dyslexic kid. When he went in grade school years ago we had to apply and he was interviewed. Just sharing so you are aware.

[Anonymous]

I don't think there would be any summer camps specifically for children with dyslexia that don't focus on academics. I would expect camps tailored to dyslexia to include reading instruction.

[Anonymous]

My kids did best in camps that were about his interest and/or strengths. One loved zoo camp and the other loved a role playing camp. Fostering their strengths was the best way for us to give them confidence and self esteem.

[Anonymous]

Not Siena's summer camp. It was supposed to focus on reading but was useless. I've heard good things about Lab's summer program, and it sounds like they build in fun. Summer is prime time for intensive reading intervention, so I don't think you'll find a program that focuses only on social emotional stuff for dyslexic kids.

[Anonymous]

Mclean School, I think its academic light and helping the kids feel more confident in their reading/writing ability will help with self-esteem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mclean School, I think its academic light and helping the kids feel more confident in their reading/writing ability will help with self-esteem.

We did McLean Summer Camp last year. There is no social emotional component of the curriculum. One child did reading intensive and the other did writing intensive, both were a waist of time.

[Anonymous]

If you’re not looking for remediation, I suggest putting them in a camp that lets them shine—something that’s a strength and they are passionate about. Could be anything, like sports, art, theatre, etc. Having success outside of school can be protective and build self-worth.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you’re not looking for remediation, I suggest putting them in a camp that lets them shine—something that’s a strength and they are passionate about. Could be anything, like sports, art, theatre, etc. Having success outside of school can be protective and build self-worth.

Camp Half Blood might work-- based on the Percy Jackson books with a main character with dyslexia and ADHD. The camp seems to be mostly running around in the woods. Friends of ours went to the Rock Creek Park one and really enjoyed it. I don't think it specifically addresses social emotional struggles with dyslexia.

[Anonymous]

I would go with a regular camp that supports their interests and strengths.

Every kid is different but mine (now 16) would have resented an empathy filled dyslexic camp that’s not even teaching him to read. But, I’m sure some kids would love it.