How thoughtful environments and experiences help every child belong
By Jill Moore
For many children, camps are where lifelong memories are made as they try new activities, discover new interests, and make new friends. But for children with physical disabilities or those who are neurodivergent, the camp experience can be overwhelming or make them feel left out.
Children who use a mobility device may encounter physical barriers that make it difficult to take part in activities or get around camp on their own. And neurodivergent children may feel overwhelmed by the unfamiliar camp environment, noisy food halls, or frequent transitions throughout the day.
The good news is that making camps more inclusive doesn’t require a complete overhaul. It simply requires looking at the camp environment and activities through a broader lens to consider how children experience the different aspects.