First, you are not alone.  Many children with social difficulties have never attended any kind of camp because of the challenges they experience with their peers.  Camp Firefly is designed to provide the support and attention that all new campers need to adjust to a new environment, adapt to camp life, and have the most fun they can!  Counselors are extremely empathic to homesickness and adjusting to camp life, and they work especially hard to help every camper feel safe, comfortable, and happy.  A benefit of Camp Firefly is that a counselor is always available to give the individual attention your child may need.  Despite all the support we offer at Camp Firefly, the most important thing for new campers is the message they are given before they leave home for camp.  You want to tell your child how exciting and fun camp will be, help them look forward to this experience, and answer all of their questions to help them prepare. 

We provide 1 staff for every 2-3 children, depending on their individualized needs.  Some cabins may need more support than others.  To be a good fit for camp, your child must be able to shower, toilet, and dress independently.  Counselors are available to promote independent skills and help remind campers of their responsibilities.  Counselors always provide appropriate supervision, reminders, and cues for your child to accomplish tasks. 

First things first, the preparation for camp must begin long before actually leaving for camp!  Help your child become familiar with the camp, look at pictures, visit the camp, discuss the schedule, and build coping skills by talking about what should happen if your child misses home.  You can even practice being away from each other by scheduling sleep overs!  When your child is better prepared for camp, the less homesickness he or she will experience.  While at camp, our counselors offer a lot of support, are empathic to the new experiences each child may experience, and help each child adapt and adjust to their new surroundings.  Most kids are easily distracted by the constant energy and activities of camp and often overcome homesickness very quickly.  You would also be surprised how many kids don't experience homesickness and are so excited for this opportunity of fun!

Though it may be difficult to think about not having direct contact with your child, we do not allow phone calls or visitations unless it is an absolute emergency.  We have all campers write letters home and we accept incoming letters and packages if you want to send your child something special.  We know through experience that having contact with families while away from home can intensify homesickness and impact how kids adjust to camp life.  We want every camper to have the best time while at camp and we strive to build camper independence! 

Absolutely!  Camp Firefly will include campers and staff with a variety of different backgrounds and cultures.  We strive to build a sense of community while at camp and work on building autonomy, friendships, and sense of self-confidence for all cultures.

We serve traditional, kid friendly, camp food.  Food is kosher style and special diets can be accommodated for as long as the camp director is informed in advance.  At Camp Firefly, we often have children who would be considered "picky eaters."  We try to accommodate for this by always offering an alternative food that the child can choose from.  You can speak directly with the camp director about providing additional choices if your child happens to have a very difficult time with food.

Camp Firefly is able to accommodate medication schedules while at camp.  Medication times are only during meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and bedtime.  Parents must work with their psychiatrist before attending camp if their child has different medication schedule than the one provided at camp.  Due to the activities and busy schedule at camp, we are unable to make exceptions to this medication schedule.