Let's Go Camping!

By Bridget Anderson, M.Ed., BCBA                                                                

[This column was published in the West Springfield Republican on August 29, 2024.]
 
Camping can be a fun and enjoyable experience for the entire family, including autistic children and those with other special needs. Think back and you might recall that some of your fondest memories as a child include camping. Why not offer your children the opportunity to experience the joy of camping too?

There are many options for campgrounds within a reasonable drive throughout the northeast. The types of accommodations range from tent camping to cottage and RV rentals. Some campgrounds offer amenities such as boating, fishing, pools, and playgrounds. Consider the needs and interests of each family member when planning your camping trip to make it a fun, engaging, and memorable experience for everyone. 

Here are some things to consider when booking a camping trip for your family:

Plan Ahead
Get off to a good start by planning ahead and packing in advance. A trip to the grocery store ahead of time to get food items (don’t forget the smores!), a flashlight, and other essentials like mosquito repellent is critical. It’s just as important to do your research on the campground. Consider if the campground has a lake or a pool, and if your little one will need a swim diaper or life jacket to participate in the water activities available. Many places offer life jackets as part of their boat rentals. If you’re not sure what is needed, calling ahead to the campground is a great idea so you get your questions answered and find out how much, or little, to pack. If you are concerned about an autistic child’s safety near water, make sure you choose or request a campsite further from lakes and other bodies of water. 

Get Creative
Camping is a great opportunity to leave some of the traditional toys at home and to tap into less commonly explored interests or even help your children discover new interests. For example, rocks will likely be all around you – from small stones your child can collect to large rocks the family can climb. Use your imagination. Set up a rock store where you sell rocks to your “customers” (other family members or fellow happy campers). What to use for money, you ask? Rocks, of course! Collecting interesting-looking rocks (heart shaped ones are my favorite), tossing rocks into a lake, and flipping them over to look for bugs can all be fun ways to have hours of enjoyment with children of all abilities. On a recent camping trip, my family enjoyed breaking rocks in half to compare what they looked like inside. We even turned two pieces of a rock into a chomping dinosaur mouth. Take your favorite rocks home as keepsakes – maybe even start a rock collection as a way to remember the special trip. 

Take a Nature Walk
Enjoy the nature around you by taking walks with your children, pointing out the birds and small animals you might encounter. Be sure to stop and listen to the amazing sounds of the natural world from time-to-time. Consider bringing a wagon or stroller along for young children to get the most out of the walk.

What if it Rains?
Even if the weather forecast says sunshine and blue skies, it can change quickly, so it is best to be prepared in case it rains. Bring along some favorite inside activities you can do while you wait for the rain to pass. These could be as simple as singing songs together or playing a favorite card or board game, or some other “low tech” activity.

While camping can be challenging if it rains, if your sleeping bag is uncomfortable, or if lots of bugs visit your camp site, remember that it is all part of the experience and try your best to relax and have fun. Focus on slowing down and connecting with your children in a setting that has far less technology and hustle and bustle than a typical day at home, work, or school. Embrace the slower pace of the camping environment and try to spend the time being present with your loved ones and in awe of the simple things, like that really cool chomping dinosaur rock.     


Bridget Anderson, M.Ed., BCBA, is the Executive Director of the May Center School for Autism and Developmental Disabilities in West Springfield, Mass. She can be contacted at banderson@mayinstitute.org.

About May Institute
May Institute is a nonprofit organization that is a national leader in the field of applied behavior analysis and evidence-based interventions, serving autistic individuals and individuals with other developmental disabilities, brain injury, neurobehavioral disorders, and other special needs. Founded nearly 70 years ago, we provide a wide range of exceptional educational and rehabilitative services across the lifespan. May Institute operates five schools for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, including one in West Springfield, Mass. For more information, call 800.778.7601 or visit www.mayinstitute.org.