Inclusion
Our mission is to ensure an appropriate and positive camp experience for children. We welcome campers with special needs and hope you will give Camp James your consideration.
Every year we have numerous special needs campers that can participate successfully at camp. Below is some information that may help you in the decision-making process.
You are always welcome to call our office to ask questions or email us and discuss options.
Is Camp James a good fit for your child with special needs?
We welcome children with special needs to our camp every summer. Our inclusion mission is for each child attending camp to have a positive and rewarding experience. Read below some details about our program to see if Camp James might be a good fit for your child’s needs.
Our Staff
Our staff have basic First Aid and CPR training. We do not have on-site medically trained personnel.
Children must be able to:
feed and toilet independently as well as self–monitor/manage their medical needs (diabetes, and other medically related concerns).
OUR SITE
Campers will traverse an average of 3-6 miles daily. The facility is at the beach, has a lot of sand, and involves going into the Bay. While we have shade available, it can get hot. We recommend that you get your child used to the idea of moving around a lot and going into a body of water that is not a pool.
Singing songs is part of our camp culture, it can get loud. Some campers can get sensory overload, and some campers add their voices to the overload and we love that!
PARTICIPANT EXPECTATIONS
Campers are expected and encouraged to participate in all activities or the majority of activities daily when possible (including non-preferred ones) and to follow our safety rules and the directions of our staff. Campers must be able to keep their hands to themselves and use kind language. This is for their safety and the safety of others at camp. Our staff wishes for all campers to have a positive experience at camp and have the benefits of participating in our program.
If your child has a history of aggressive, defiant, self-injurious behaviors, or has issues of elopement (wandering or running away) this is not a safe situation in our camp’s high adventure 30-acre environment. Children with behaviors that harm the child themselves, other campers, or the staff members may be expelled from camp. Avoid disappointments and harm by signing up for a camp that is better suited for your child’s individual needs.
It is expected that campers participate in most activities whenever possible. Sitting out of activities consistently (non-participation) may require a phone call home to discuss strategies and options. Children must be able to be in a group setting, transition from one location to another, and follow directions. Campers must be able to participate safely for themselves, their peers, and camp leadership. If your child runs away, will not move during transitions, will not stay with the group, and behaves in a harmful manner (towards self or others) parents will be asked to pick up their camper.
Due to staff ratios and program goals there are no “alternative activities” provided. Our program list is extensive and it is expected that campers and their parents are aware that participation is essential.
Destruction of camp property by a camper will need to be paid for by the parent of the child. If a child needs to be picked up for behavior/safety concerns, a parent/guardian/friend is expected to pick up the child within 30 minutes of the phone call from the directors.
PARENTS PROVIDING PROFESSIONAL AIDE SUPPORT
If your child has professional aide support in school for behavioral or physical support, it is likely you will need that same support at camp. We do not have professional aide support available at camp. Parents may opt to provide professional aide support using their own resources. Please contact our office for the paperwork needed to provide a professional aide. Professional Aides must come from professional aide support companies (including being covered by the company’s workers compensation insurance, have proof of background checks, and meet some standards before being allowed to work on our camp site). It is important that you reach out to our office early to get this paperwork completed and submitted.
Teen Buddies
For Campers who are not ready for camp james yet...
If our camp is not the right fit at this time, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are happy to help you brainstorm and can offer ideas for other camp programs that may be more appropriate for your child’s needs.
If a child is unable to continue attending due to behavioral concerns, refunds for unused tuition will be issued in these circumstances. Our goal is always to support families in finding the best possible environment for their child.
With over 35 years of experience, we are familiar with many well-established camps throughout Orange County and would be glad to recommend programs that may be a great fit for your child.
AMERICAN CAMP ASSOCIATION
Just because our camp may not be a good fit this summer, there are lots of camps to choose from out there. As an ACA Accredited camp, we have relationships with ACA Accredited Camps that may be a better fit for your child. There are listings on the ACA website www.acasocal.org or call our office and we will help you find a camp that may meet your child’s needs better.
