Smart, Simple Camp Prep for Kids With Special Needs

Getting ready for camp looks different when your child has special needs. It’s not just about labeling socks and packing sunscreen—it’s about easing transitions, calming worries, and helping your child feel safe in a brand-new space.

Below are eight research-backed tips to ease the transition. Each one takes just minutes to implement, and all are tailored to the needs of children who rely on structure, repetition, and plentiful support to feel secure. Some are for sleepaway camp, some for day camp, and all are designed with your child’s comfort in mind.

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Sleepaway Camp

1. Send along comfort items.
Pack one or two familiar soothers—a beloved stuffed animal, a favorite pillow, a laminated family photo—and place them where your child can reach them easily. Transitional objects ease nighttime anxiety and help reduce homesickness.

2. Tuck in a “What to Say” card.
Many children with special needs struggle to find the right words, especially when they’re overwhelmed or in a new setting. Create a small laminated card with simple phrases your child can point to or read, like:
• “I need help with ___.”
• “I don’t feel good.”
• “Can I take a break?”
Keep it short and review it with your child before they leave. Slip it into a backpack or pocket and let staff know it’s there. It’s a way to give your child a voice when they need it most.

3. Confirm the medication handoff.
Call or email the camp nurse. Double-check that they have the right list, that meds are in their original bottles, and that they know the routine. Then tell your child: “Your nurse will give you your pills right after breakfast, just like at school.” This reduces uncertainty for both staff and child.

4. Prepare emoji postcards for check-ins.
Tuck a few stamped postcards into their trunk. On each one, draw three faces—😊 😐 😞—with a checkbox next to each. They don’t have to write a word; simply circling a face gives them a way to check in. Let your child know they can give it to a counselor to send to you. Even if they never use them, just knowing they’re there can be grounding.

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Day Camp

1. Prepare together the night before.
Involve your child in choosing their camp clothes, packing their bag, and placing everything by the door. It turns morning prep into a shared routine, and gives your child a sense of control before the day begins.

2. Pack a grab-and-go sensory pouch.
Place noise-canceling headphones, a chewy or calming toy, and a familiar snack in a clear Ziplock bag. Label it clearly and let staff know it’s for “when things feel too big.”

3. Keep the goodbye short, sweet, and predictable.
Pick a simple phrase, e.g. “See you at three, sweetheart!” and pair it with a hug or high-five. Use the same words each morning. Lingering usually increases anxiety, even when it’s meant to comfort.

4. Offer a quiet landing after pickup.
Before asking “How was camp?” help your child’s body come home. A swing, a beanbag, a favorite toy — just five quiet minutes can reset the nervous system and ease the shift from camp mode to home mode.

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Why These Little Steps Go a Long Way
Some children need more preparation—and that’s okay. They rely on clear expectations, familiar objects, and steady rituals to feel grounded when everything else is new.
In the final days before camp, these small steps send a powerful message: You’re safe. You’re supported. You’ve got this.
You’re not just packing a bag. You’re building a strong bridge between home and camp.

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