Inclusion at Camp

Disability is a natural part of life. It does not diminish the right of children with special needs to live independently, exert control and choice in their lives, or participate fully in and contribute to their communities. These rights are made possible through full integration and inclusion in all aspects of our society-economic, political, ecuational, social, and cultural.

We believe that all children should be given the opportunity to experience camp. Camp provides children with a safe and positive environment to explore and learn about a variety of topics including nature, teamwork, and outdoor pursuits. Camp helps in developing a social awareness and acceptance through interacting with peers from diverse backgrounds and of varying abilities.

Children are best able to learn and grow through experiences where interests are addressed and goals are within reach; where experimentation with new concepts is not met with ridicule, but rather with the tools and support to be successful. Encountering diversity is inherent to life experiences and the development of well-rounded participants in society.

Mountain Day Camp strives to include children needing accommodations/ supports in a manner that encourages growth, development and positive experiences in the following ways:

• Placements in Cabin Groups are chronologically appropriate (ex a 12 year-old with a developmental disability is still with other peers in the same age group rather than peers of their “mental age”).
• Development of an Inclusion Goal Plan
• Increased staff to camper ratios, without providing 1:1 care (this diminishes the value in a camp experience, detracting from the camper’s opportunity to learn through making mistakes and working with other campers)

Note: Due to the remote locations we utilize, we are unable to accommodate all special needs. Please call us at (720) 249-2997 so we can find out how to best meet the needs of your camper.

Our Inclusion Program
Mountain Day Camp has received a Let's All Play Grant through the Bubel-Aiken Foundation in 2008 . Through this grant, we learned how valuable inclusion is to Mountain Day Camp's community. Our inclusion program now includes:

An Inclusion Director
This staff member supports campers that have special needs in a variety of ways. The Inclusion Coordinator interviews parents of campers with special needs and helps create goal plans for their counselors to help support their success. The Inclusion Coordinator also leads all camp activities that break down barriers and increase social connections among camper of all abilities.

Additional Staff Training
Specialized Inclusion Training has been added on to our staff training; our counselors now participate in 6 days of training in total (the state requirement for training at a licensed childcare center is 3 days). The Inclusion Training gives counselors tools to help meet the needs of campers of all abilities through behavioral techniques, activity modifications, and lots of patience.

Camperships
Dedicated funds are available to help create opportunities for campers with special needs. Apply or donate to MDC's Campership Program.