Parent Information

Frequently Asked Question by parents considering sending their child to one of the special needs camps at Camp For All.

Why should I send my child to camp?

Camp is a place where all children get to experience independence, increased self confidence and community living skills. For children and adults with special needs and challenging illnesses this is even truer. Camp For All helps our campers discover life by showing them that there are other people out there with the same issues.  Campers also find out more things that they can do at Camp For All due to our barrier free facilities, universal programming and understanding staff. Your child will come home with an increased self esteem and  a realization that they do have choices in life.

 

How do I register my child for camp?

Camp For All, the host site, collaborates with 56 other non-+profits (Partners) to provide an opportunity for children and adults with special needs and challenging illness to come to camp. This means that the Partner organizations actually register the campers. This collaboration is what makes Camp For All so great. Camp For All provides the amazing facilities, awesome food, and incredible staff to lead the programs. Our Partners provide medical staff who understand the specific needs of your child, outstanding counselors and leadership with an understanding of the specific needs of the group. Check our list of the organizations that we work with so that you can decide what program is best for you.

Dietary Issues?

Camp For All is prepared to address almost any dietary issue your child might have. In fact, we are able to accommodate multiple needs at any one camp. Contact your Camp Director and give them the information.  Or you can contact Sterling Leija at Camp For All.   sleija@campforall.org
 

Recipes

Low Protein-Cinnamon-Rolls.pdf

 

 Banana-Chip-Cookies-Egg-Free.pdf

 

 

How do I know it is safe?

Camp For All is accredited by the American Camp Association. In addition to that, Camp For All staff are made up of camping professionals who help other camps in their accreditation process.   Camp For All activities are lead by staff who are trained in all aspects of camp, including safety guidelines. 

 

How to prepare your child. And yourself!

For the first time camper, there can sometimes be some anxiety prior to attending camp. There are simple things that you can do to prepare your child for camp. 


Come to camp and take a tour. The last Sunday in April is Family Day. Camp For All opens up to the public so that people can see what we do. Activities are open, tours are available and there is free food and ice cream. This is a great way to meet staff and get acquainted with the site. If you are not available on Family Day, call us and we can set up a tour another time.
 
It is never too early to talk about camp. Talk in a positive way about all of the things that your child will be able to do. If you see a zip line during a TV show, talk about it, "You know they have a zip line at Camp For All” horses, archery, canoeing etc.
 
Get the suitcase out a couple of weeks early and start to pack. Remember to label everything that you send to camp! It is also a good idea to buy something that cannot be used until camp and put it in the suitcase, a flashlight, teddy bear etc.
 
Pack self addressed stamped envelopes. Make sure you let the counselor/staff person when you check in, know that they are there.   Once a camper starts having fun, they forget that they told you they would write.  Also, you can mail letters to them starting on Thursday and Friday of the week prior to camp. This way they get a letter right away. 
 
   Mailing address:
   Camp For All
   Your Child's Name
   6307 Rehburg Rd.
   Burton, TX  77835

Avoid sending negative messages like, “I’m going to be lonely without you!” or “If you don’t like it, we will come pick you up!” Positive messages are more supportive, “You are going to have so much fun!” “Think of all the new friends you are going to make!”

 

Although they do not deal specifically with campers with special needs, here is a link to information about homesickness >>

 

For more information about preparing for camp, visit: http://campparents.org

 

What to bring

Check with your Camp Director for a list of needed items. However, the following list should help. And don’t forget, label everything!
 
  • Bedding
    • Sleeping bag (or sheets and blanket)
    • Pillow
    • Bath Towels (Pool Towels are provided!)
  • Toiletries
    • Tootbrush
    • Toothpaste
    • Shampoo
    • Soap
    • Personal Items
  • Close toed shoes (2 pairs)
  • Bathing Suit
  • Clothing for every day that you will be at camp. Please pack clothing that is appropriate for outdoors, knowing that it could get ruined.
    • Shorts
    • Jeans
    • T-shirts
    • Underwear
    • Socks
    • Hat or Bandana
    • Rain coat or poncho
  • Insect repellant
  • Sun screen
  • Water bottle
  • Disposable camera
  • Any specialty items needed due to special need or challenging illness

What not to bring

  • Electronics to include:
    • Cell phones
    • Ipods
    • Portable video games
    • Laptop
  • Knives
  • Firearms
  • Fireworks
  • Tank tops
  • Food (contact us if there are specialty items that you child needs)
  • Anything of value
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