How Summer Camp Helps Children with Special Needs Build Resilience

When searching for a summer camp for children with special needs, parents are often thinking about more than just daily activities.

You’re asking:

  • Will my child feel safe and supported?
  • Will they make friends?
  • Will they grow emotionally and socially?

 

At the core of these questions is one goal: finding a special needs summer camp that helps your child build confidence, independence, and resilience.

At Camp Starfish, resilience-building is at the heart of everything we do.

summer camp kid at camp starfish with treat

What Does Resilience Look Like for Children with Special Needs?

Resilience isn’t just about “bouncing back.” For children with learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, and social or emotional challenges, resilience means:

  • Trying new activities, even when they feel difficult
  • Managing frustration and anxiety
  • Learning from mistakes instead of fearing them
  • Building and maintaining friendships
  • Developing perseverance and self-confidence

Many children with special needs have experienced setbacks in school or social settings. These experiences can make it harder to take risks or try again.

That’s why a supportive summer camp environment is so powerful. It gives children a chance to rewrite those experiences in a safe, encouraging space.

Campers canoeing and smiling at Camp Starfish

A Special Needs Summer Camp Where Kids Feel They Belong

Belonging is essential for building resilience.

For children who have struggled socially, making friends can feel overwhelming. At Camp Starfish, we create a structured and inclusive camp environment where every child is supported in building relationships.

We do this through:

Campers are supported as they:

  • Practice communication skills
  • Navigate social challenges
  • Repair and strengthen friendships

This kind of intentional support helps children develop social skills in a way that feels natural and achievable.

When children feel accepted and supported, they are more willing to take risks and more able to bounce back from challenges.

group of camp teens with nature fort

Building Confidence Through Structure, Choice, and Small Wins

Confidence develops over time through consistent success.

At Camp Starfish, we focus on creating daily opportunities for small wins that lead to long-term growth.

Our program includes:

  • Structured routines that reduce anxiety and uncertainty
  • Scaffolded activities designed for different ability levels
  • Opportunities for campers to choose activities they enjoy

Starting the day with a preferred activity helps children feel capable right away. That early success creates momentum and encourages continued participation.

These small moments of success are key to building:

  • Self-esteem
  • Emotional resilience
  • A willingness to try new things

Over time, these experiences help children develop lasting confidence.

camper teen girl painting nails with staff member

Encouraging Independence in a Safe, Supportive Environment

Many parents worry about sending their child to a sleepaway camp for the first time. That concern is completely understandable.

But with the right support system, camp becomes a powerful place for growth.

At Camp Starfish, children are guided as they:

  • Learn new routines
  • Practice independence away from home
  • Ask for help when needed
  • Build problem-solving skills

Our approach balances structure with encouragement, helping children stretch beyond their comfort zones safely.

As a result, campers leave with increased independence and confidence—skills that carry over into school, home, and everyday life.

camper and counselor smiling at camp starfish

Why Choose Camp Starfish for Your Child?

Families choose Camp Starfish because of our commitment to providing a high-support summer camp for children with special needs.

We focus on:

  • Individualized care for every camper
  • Social and emotional skill development
  • A safe, structured, and nurturing environment

Our experienced staff meet children where they are and help them grow at their own pace.

For many families, Camp Starfish becomes more than just a camp. It becomes a place where children discover their strengths, build meaningful friendships, and develop lifelong resilience.

Campers taking a large summer group photo at Camp Starfish

Looking for a Summer Camp for Children with Special Needs?

Choosing the right camp can feel overwhelming, but it can also be a life-changing decision.

If you’re searching for a summer camp that supports children with autism, ADHD, and learning differences, Camp Starfish offers a unique, supportive environment where kids can:

  • Build confidence and independence
  • Develop social and emotional skills
  • Experience success in a structured setting
  • Feel a true sense of belonging

Learn more about Camp Starfish and take the next step in helping your child grow.

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Lydia Beeler

Lydia Beeler is Camp Starfish’s Program Director, ensuring that all campers have a safe, supportive, and fun Starfish experience. Lydia joined Starfish in the summer of 2021 and has enjoyed multiple different roles on camp. With a degree in psychology from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and experience in healthcare and education, she brings both knowledge and enthusiasm to her role.

Lydia is from Worcester, Massachusetts, and takes great pride in being able to pronounce her hometown. Her favorite camp activity is the closing campfire, where campers are able to reflect on and celebrate their achievements made during their time at Starfish. Her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is, “We make camp a safe place.”

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Danielle Lubbers

Danielle joined Camp Starfish in the spring of 2023 as Camp Director. Originally working with the Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay, Danielle has ten years of experience providing programming to children, outdoor skills training for adults, and directing overnight summer camp experiences.

In her spare time, Danielle enjoys spending time with her two-year old Dalmatian, Mia. Danielle’s favorite activity at camp is raft building, as she enjoys seeing campers and staff work together to complete a team goal. Her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is “We are here to learn, grow, and have fun!”

Staff photo of David

David Mahnken

David Mahnken is Camp Starfish’s Mental Health Consultant. He provides staff training each summer on topics such as self-care, trauma-informed care practices, and health & wellness. David also provides support and consultation to the organization throughout the year. David holds a BA from St. Olaf College and an MSW from Simmons University. David is a LICSW who works in emergency services in addition to his own private practice in Massachusetts.

Prior to becoming a social worker, David’s first experience at camp was as a counselor in the early 2000s before becoming an administrator and member of the year-round team. His favorite camp activity is swim-I (swim instruction), and his favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “We make camp a safe place.”

Staff photo of Joe

Joe Clark

As the Assistant Director at Camp Starfish, Joe is a seasoned professional who is well-versed in all aspects of camp life. With five years of summer work at Starfish, he brings extensive experience and expertise to the camp year-round. Joe is from the UK, and holds a degree from Keele University. Joe works as a support worker in the UK, providing care to individuals with disabilities, since 2019. Joe also engages in volunteer work, including spending three months in Abrobiano, Ghana.

Joe is known at camp for his charming English accent, which campers often try to replicate! His favorite camp activity is playing soccer (football) on the field, and his favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “I take responsibility for my actions.”

Staff photo of Rachel

Rachel Roberts

Rachel Roberts is the Director of Staff Experience at Camp Starfish, responsible for all things staffing and groups. With a degree in Anthropology, and a Certificate in Global Citizenship from Franklin Pierce University, Rachel brings a unique perspective to her role. She oversees hiring, onboarding, retention, and staff appreciation for the 100+ seasonal staff at Camp Starfish each summer. Rachel has been a part of the Starfish team since 2016, working in various seasonal roles. She joined the Year-Round Team full-time in 2022.

As a lifelong New Hampshire resident, Rachel enjoys hiking in the woods with her dog, Clover. Her favorite camp activity is Free Play, and her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “We respect each other’s differences.”

Staff photo of Kristie

Kristie Martin

Kristie Martin is Camp Starfish’s Communications Director, ensuring that Starfish is able to reach a wide audience of potential campers and staff each year to further the Starfish mission. With her degree in Applied Psychology & Human Development from the Lynch School of Education at Boston College, Kristie has a deep understanding of child development and uses this knowledge to create a nurturing environment for all campers during the summer.

Kristie grew up in the Monadnock region and takes pride in being a local. Kristie’s favorite camp activity is the Camper Talent Show, which she believes is the perfect opportunity for campers to showcase their skills and feel comfortable sharing with the community. Her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is, “I try my best, I do not have to be the best.”

Staff photo of Sarah

Sarah Scott-Sandagato

Sarah Scott-Sandagato is the Director of Operations at Camp Starfish, joining the team in the Spring of 2022. She brings with her a wealth of professional experience working in both mental health and human resources. Sarah’s role at Camp Starfish is crucial in ensuring that camp runs smoothly, and she is available to assist families every step of the way through the registration process. If you call the Starfish office, Sarah will likely be who you speak with first!

With her dedication to helping others and her commitment to creating a positive camp experience for every child, it’s no wonder that her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “We are members of a team.”

Staff photo of Jamie

Jamie Mahnken

Jamie Mahnken is Camp Starfish’s Executive Director, and has been an integral part of the Camp Starfish community since 2010, serving in a variety of roles. With a degree in Business Administration and Organizational Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University, Jamie is committed to creating a safe and positive environment for every camper, staff member, and volunteer.

As a North Carolina native, Jamie enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. Her favorite camp activity is kayaking to Blueberry Island, which is a meaningful and memorable experience for many campers, as well. Jamie’s favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “I am flexible and open to change.”

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