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Assistive technology can help a child communicate, hear instructions, and manage daily routines at summer camp. It can also create a few extra concerns for families, especially when devices need charging or protection from water. A written plan gives camp staff clear directions while helping your child feel more confident away from home.
Start preparing at least two weeks before departure so there’s time to practice routines and replace missing supplies. This summer camp checklist and Michigan Mama News’ camp preparation guide can help you organize the rest of your packing and paperwork.
Brief Camp Counselors Ahead of Time
Contact the camp before arrival and explain what the device does, when your child uses it, and what support may be needed. Keep the instructions to one page. Include charging times, storage directions, warning signs, and your preferred contact number. You can also add a photo of each item so staff can identify it quickly.
Ask who will help if the device stops working during an activity. Camps should already have clear supervision and reporting procedures, and this summer camp toolkit offers useful questions for families. If your child wears hearing devices, give counselors written guidance about when hearing aids get wet so they don’t improvise a response.
Label and Organize Protective Cases
Give every device and accessory a clearly labeled home. A protective case should show your child’s name, cabin or group, and an adult contact number. Use waterproof labels that won’t peel off after a humid afternoon or a splash near the pool.
Color coding can make independent packing easier. For example, place charging supplies in a blue pouch, cleaning supplies in a green pouch, and backup parts in a yellow pouch. Choose cases that your child can open without help, then practice packing everything in the same order each evening.
Include an inventory card inside the main case. Counselors can check the card before your child changes locations or leaves camp. Avoid placing personal medical details on the outside where other campers can see them.
Teach Self-Advocacy for Tech Mishaps
Practice a few short phrases your child can use when something goes wrong. Depending on their communication style, they might say, “My device needs charging,” “I can’t hear the instructions clearly,” or “Please get my counselor.” Children who use communication boards or apps can save these messages in advance.
Role-play common camp situations at home. Pretend the battery runs low during crafts or the device produces an unfamiliar alert at breakfast. Ask your child to identify the problem, find the correct adult, and explain what they need.
Keep expectations suited to your child’s age and abilities. Campers don’t need to repair their own equipment. They should know when to stop using it, where to put it safely, and which adult can help.
Pack an Emergency Drying Kit
Camp often involves rain, humidity, sweat, and water activities, so pack drying supplies in a sealed bag. Follow the device manufacturer’s care instructions because approved methods vary. A basic kit may include a clean microfiber cloth, a labeled drying container, and fresh drying capsules if they’re approved for the device.
Never assume direct heat is safe. Counselors should avoid hair dryers, heaters, and prolonged sun exposure unless the manufacturer specifically recommends them. Pack a backup communication option too, such as a laminated picture board, written instruction card, or small notebook.
Before departure, show your child and a counselor where the kit is stored. Check that every container closes securely and replace any drying product that has expired or changed color.
A final equipment check on arrival can prevent confusion later. Let your child show the counselor where each item belongs, then keep the same storage routine for the whole session. That familiar setup can make the first evening at camp much easier.
*This article is based on personal suggestions and/or experiences and is for informational purposes only. This should not be used as professional advice. Please consult a professional where applicable.
