Choosing the right camp for your child can feel like a big decision, especially when your child has specific emotional, behavioral, or developmental needs. At Camp Starfish, we understand that no two children are the same, and we’re committed to providing an environment where every child can thrive. Our special needs summer camp is designed to offer a supportive, structured, and nurturing space for children with a wide range of strengths and challenges.
So how do you know if Camp Starfish is the right fit for your child? Below are five key questions to help guide your decision.
1. Does your child thrive with structure and routine?
Whether your child is sensitive to transitions or simply finds comfort in knowing what’s coming next, routine can make a big difference in their sense of stability. At Camp Starfish, we offer a consistent daily schedule filled with clear expectations, individualized supports, and predictable routines. Campers move through each day with a sense of rhythm that reduces anxiety and builds confidence.
If your child does best in an environment that values consistency and routine, there’s a good chance that Camp Starfish is the right fit for them!
2. Would your child benefit from one-to-one support?
What makes Camp Starfish truly unique is our 1:1 staff-to-camper ratio. This means that children have access to individualized attention each time it is needed. This level of support allows our team to offer proactive support, emotional guidance, and encouragement in real-time. It also ensures that each camper is safe, engaged, and able to participate at their own pace.
Children who may struggle in larger group settings, need reminders to stay on task, or benefit from coaching in social situations often thrive with this kind of intentional support that is central to our special needs summer camp programs.
3. Is your child working on social or emotional development?
For many children, summer is a great time to practice skills that don’t always come easily in a busy classroom or peer group. Camp Starfish focuses intentionally on helping kids build social-emotional tools from making friends and resolving conflicts to managing frustration and celebrating successes.
We incorporate “teachable moments” throughout the day, using supportive language, visual cues, and positive reinforcement to guide campers in developing skills that will serve them long after summer ends. It’s not about perfection, it’s about progress, in a space that encourages growth without judgment.
4. Has your child struggled to fit in at other camps or programs?
Some children may have felt out of place at other camps, schools, or programs. At Camp Starfish, we embrace each child’s unique needs and characteristics. We focus on understanding the whole child and creating an inclusive environment where children are valued for who they are. If your child has felt unsupported or misunderstood in other settings, our special needs summer camp may be a better fit for them.
But don’t take our word for it. Hear from real families who found the right fit at Camp Starfish.
5. Are you ready to trust a team that understands your child’s unique needs?
Sending your child to camp is a leap of trust and we don’t take that lightly. Our staff undergoes intensive training before campers arrive, and many return summer after summer. They are passionate about supporting children who need more patience, more encouragement, and more understanding.
We partner closely with families, learning about each child’s strengths, needs, and goals before camp even begins. From arrival to departure, we are focused on your child’s success, well-being, and joy.
Still Wondering If Camp Starfish Is the Right Fit for Your Child?
If you’re still unsure whether Camp Starfish is the right fit for your child, we encourage you to reach out to us. Our enrollment team is happy to discuss your child’s specific needs and help you determine whether our camp is the best place for them to thrive.
