Summer Camps and Neurodiverse Parenting: A Therapist-Mom's Take
The end of winter is near, and with it comes the promise of spring—longer days, chirping birds, and budding trees. But if you're a parent, the arrival of spring also brings the realization that summer is right around the corner. And with that, a swirling mix of emotions: excitement (no more early morning battles over getting dressed!) and dread (who's planning the summer schedule? Who's funding it? Who's executing it? Trick question—it's you).
As a mom of three and a school psychologist, I have a love-hate relationship with summer planning. My pre-teen flat-out refuses camp, my four-year-old is all about new adventures, and my eight-year-old is picky but willing. Meanwhile, my husband and I both work full-time and are overdue for a tropical vacation (Jamaica, if you're reading this, call me).
Over the years, I’ve learned to lean into a few key strategies when planning summer for my neurodivergent family. Here’s what works:
Aligning Summer with Our Family Values
Family First: We are lucky to have family we actually like, even if they’re scattered. So, before I sign up for anything, I anchor our summer plans around when we’ll see them.
Curiosity is Key: I start by considering what my kids are interested in right now and look for camps that align with those interests. The sheer number of camp options can be overwhelming, so I narrow them down by focusing on three criteria: cost, location, and interest area. Example: If my kids are suddenly obsessed with Cirque du Soleil, guess what? There’s an aerial arts camp in Raleigh where they can learn to fly (better them than me).
Love & Generosity: I try to build in time for giving back, whether it’s visiting the SPCA or finding a kid-friendly volunteer opportunity. It helps balance out the summer fun with some meaningful experiences. Incorporating community service into our summer plans isn’t just about giving back—it’s also a powerful way to support kids with ADHD. Volunteering provides a hands-on, engaging experience that shifts their focus outward, allowing them to channel their energy into meaningful tasks.
The Camp Strategy: Sandwiching Structure
I like to sandwich camps into our summer schedule—some at the beginning to ease the transition from school and some at the end to prepare for the back-to-school routine. The middle? That’s family time.
If possible, I also try a little front-loading—having my eight-year-old attend a class or preview session at a camp before committing to a whole week. This isn’t always an option, but when it is, it helps ease anxiety (for both of us).
Another pro tip: Find a buddy. If one of my kids has a friend attending a camp, I try to align schedules. A built-in buddy can make the experience much smoother.
And lastly, give them choices when possible. Kids (especially neurodiverse ones) often feel more empowered when they have some say in their schedule.
Things I’ve Had to Let Go Of:
Spending a small fortune on the “best” camps. Some of the priciest camps are not worth the hype. Sorry, kid, horse camp 45 minutes away is not happening.
Ignoring my own convenience. One year, I accidentally booked a camp an hour away, thinking it was close. Spoiler: It was not. It became a logistical nightmare, and my kid could sense my stress. Now, I prioritize location.
Freaking out over camp refusal. This one used to terrify me. What if they refuse after I’ve paid? Now, I remind myself: I am predicting the future, but I can consider both possibilities—yes, they’ve struggled before, but they’ve also enjoyed camps too. Reframing it this way helps me stay present rather than spiraling into worst-case scenarios.
For kids with ADHD, camp isn’t just a way to fill summer days—it’s an opportunity to explore new interests in a structured yet engaging environment, gain independence, and build meaningful relationships. The hands-on, immersive experiences at camp can help them stay engaged while developing important social and problem-solving skills.
Oh, and one more thing: It’s not even spring yet. Summer isn’t here. Take a deep breath. We’ll tackle camp refusal in another blog. For now, just know—you’ve got this.
(And if anyone wants to crowd-fund my Jamaica trip, let me know.)
