With the arrival of spring, you're likely already wondering what your family should do this summer. It can be especially difficult if you have a person with special abilities. Thankfully, there are summer inclusion camps that offer all the same fun and healthy development in an accommodating atmosphere. If your family has never attended one before, discover the advantages it provides in the guide below.

Why Summer Inclusion Camps are Great for Families 

1. Welcoming Environment for Socializing

Socializing can be difficult for all people, but it can be even more challenging for those with different abilities. Fortunately, a summer inclusion camp offers a much more welcoming environment for them to make new friends.

Campers can feel as though they belong when participating in activities, which can include fishing, crafts, or karaoke. There will also be less pressure on your loved one, since they won't be worried about how they will adapt.

2. Adaptive Physical Activities

Exercise contributes to a person's health, but commonly available sports could be too restrictive for those with special abilities. The average physical education class and the teachers of those classes often lack the training to accommodate different bodies, especially in team sports. 

Thankfully, inclusion camps offer many physical activities adapted to be enjoyed by more people, such as archery or water skiing. Also, simply being on the campgrounds can be a fun, freeing experience on its own. It allows families to explore nature in ways they may not usually get to in their neighborhood. 

3. Educational Opportunities

At a summer inclusion camp, families of those with special needs have a greater chance of discovering new concepts relevant to their experience than in other social situations. They can share their unique knowledge with other families while learning from these individuals as well. For instance, they could find out about an extracurricular activity they hadn't explored before. 

If you're looking for a welcoming inclusion camp for the whole family, Harbor Unlimited in Wright City, MO, hosts one every summer. This camp, known as Camp Lighthouse, is a multi-day event perfect for people (of all ages) with special abilities (of any kind) and their family. Camp Lighthouse features all the fun "camp activities", including crafts, games, swimming, fishing, boating, hiking and more.  Additionally, this camp also includes a "Parent Event" and a "Sibling Event" because the whole family is the focus at HARBOR Unlimited. Visit their website to explore the schedule and download an application form that is due on May 1. For any questions, call (314) 956-2665.