Summer Camps May Still Have Spots; Check Transition Tennessee’s List
By Christina Muri Irland
Summer is almost here in Tennessee! As you begin to make your summer plans, consider summertime programming for your child(ren) or young adults. Tennessee offers a variety of summer opportunities that will keep your child engaged and learning new skills. From summer camps to work opportunities, your son or daughter can explore new interests, socialize, and identify potential career pathways. Research on summertime programming has found that:
- Participants can help prevent skill loss in the areas of vocational, social, and functional skills (Carter et al., 2010)
- Participants can make gains toward their transition goals (Trainor et al., 2008)
- Participants can explore their strengths, preferences, and interests (Carter et al., 2010)
- Participants can develop relationships with peers and improve their soft skills (Carter et al., 2010)
- Participants are more likely to be engaged in their communities and make more informed choices about what they want after high school (Carter et al., 2010)
- Participants can improve their self-advocacy and leadership skills (Grenwelge & Zhang, 2012)
Not sure what summer programs are available near you? Transition Tennessee has created a list of Tennessee Summer Programs for Students with Disabilities, organized by the type of programming they offer. The list includes “traditional summer camp” options, academic-type camps both for those interested in an inclusive higher education program and those student who will be seeking a degree as well as employment-related camps.
This is not an exhaustive list. And we realize that some programs may be full at this point, but there may still be some opportunities available. Check with major disability or recreation agencies as well as local agencies within your area or visit the Tennessee Disability Pathfinder website.
We hope you and your loved ones have a safe and enjoyable summer!
Check out the Transition Tennessee website for more transition resources, trainings, and upcoming events.
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Thank you, Christina, for creating and sharing this list! I’m sure there will be families who can benefit from this information. I hope every individual finds some fun and engaging activities to do this summer! If you have questions, please email me at janet.shouse@vumc.org. Thank you!
Christina Muri Irland, M. Ed, is an educational consultant for Transition Tennessee at Vanderbilt. Check out the Transition Tennessee website for more transition resources, trainings, and upcoming events.