Kids with Learning Disabilities Find No Limits at Miriam Summer Camps

The memories made at summer camp last a lifetime – from meeting new friends to trying new sports to spending the afternoon playing in the sunshine. And just as important, camp gives mom and dad a much needed vacation of their own from the schedule-busting insanity of endless summer activities.

At Miriam: The Learning Disability Experts, camps aren’t just opportunities to run and play – each one is specially designed for kids with learning disabilities to help bridge their school years. During the Fundamentals at Miriam Summer Camps, kids – and their siblings – can build on the skills they learned at school in the spring through fun, interactive activities, and after camp is over, transition seamlessly into the fall school session armed with new abilities and a strong belief in themselves.

"Parents often tell us their child’s experience at Miriam is transforming," said Beth Rose, MSW, LCSW, Miriam Camp Director. "They initially feared their child would fight coming to Miriam for a half-day, rigorous educational camp, but instead that their child loved the camp and really gained the strategies and confidence they needed!”

Fun is in session

No matter your child’s interest, Miriam has it covered. Whether it’s a traditional sports, cooking or science camp or an intensive therapy-based camp focused on gross motor activities, sensory integration or language-building skills, Miriam immerses each child in exciting activities while at the same time, focusing on their strengths to help them achieve the incredible during their summer and beyond.

According to Rose, it’s Miriam’s 20 years of summer camp experience and its dedicated staff members – many of whom are certified or licensed - that truly make the organization stand out.

“It’s so rewarding to see children with learning disabilities excel in Miriam’s academic, therapeutic and adapted recreation camps,” said Rose. “The best thing is that our campers feel they fit in and that they can make friends. The combination of our nurturing environment, small groups and our individualized programming is a win-win solution for campers, staff and parents.”

Miriam offers a variety of camp options for families. Three-week, full-day camps are available from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday while three-week half-day camps are open 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 pm. to 2:30 p.m. The lineup for Summer 2016 includes:

Full-Day Camps

• Gardens Galore – Kids can get down and dirty as they dig into the Miriam School community garden and harvest the ingredients for hands-on cooking classes – all while learning about the world of plants.
• Spy Science – Amateur detectives will crack codes, process crime scene clues and analyze evidence to sharpen their special op skills. Spy Science even includes a visit from a DEA agent who will teach campers about real-world investigations.

Half-Day Morning Camps

• Academic Bootcamp – Through customized, interactive and multisensory learning, kids can expand their academic skills. During camp, kids receive one-on-one tutoring daily and work on reading, writing, math and learning strategies in small groups.
• Sports and Other Sorts – The competitive nature of team sports can be overwhelming for many kids. Miriam takes the stress out of sports, giving campers the chance to try hockey, soccer, basketball, dodge ball, and other activities.
• The Scientific Chef – From slime to play dough, campers will concoct their own science experiments using ingredients grown in and picked from the Miriam School community garden.
• Therapy Camps – Thanks to stimulating, thematic activities, kids receive unique group occupational, speech, language, and sensory integration therapy.
• The Miriam Olympics – The Summer Olympics will hit Rio this summer, but campers can get their own crack at the gold medal with activities that focus on their own skills and on team communication.
• American Ninja Camper – Campers will swing, climb and leap just like TV’s Ninja Warriors with obstacles that strengthen their gross motor skills and challenges that focus on the benefits of teamwork and sportsmanship.

Half-Day Afternoon Camps

• Confident Kids Social Camp – Miriam teaches campers the three C’s to building friendships – compassion, cooperation and collaboration – through play-based social activities. In turn, kids get a sense of belonging with other children who have the same social struggles.
• Camp Construction – By using Legos, building toys and technology to create together, kids learn important social skills while enhancing the STEM concepts they need for success throughout the school year.
• Fine Motor, Typing and Handwriting – Through small groups and interactivity, kids who need to improve their fine motor skills partner with occupational therapists to master printing, cursive and typing.

According to Rose, the integration of both play and education has been crucial in ensuring the kids’ success.

“Many kids have commented on how much fun they’ve had at camp. They didn’t care that they were reading, writing or doing math, or participating in occupational or speech and language therapy because the skills are embedded in fun, themed activities.”

Camps are available for children ages 5-14. Sessions begin June 13 and are held at Miriam School, located a 501 Bacon Ave. in Webster Groves. Extended camp care is also available for an additional charge. Limited scholarships are available for those who qualify on a first come, first served basis.

A full calendar listing of sessions is available at www.miriamstl.org. Registration is currently open, and all applications require evaluations, IEPs and/or report cards to ensure every child is place in the most appropriate camp and group. For more information, contact Miriam at 314-961-1500 or register online at www.miriamstl.org/summer-camps.

_{Photo courtesy of Miriam School}