Page:Day Camping for the Trainable and Severely Mentally Retarded (1970).djvu/19

 an internal source of supplies. These supplies could be used during the balance of the year in other programs for exceptional children. In some camps, supplies are purchased and resold to campers as they are used. Almost all camps serving the retarded can be reimbursed for milk used in the program through application to the county superintendent of schools. Expenditures for equipment will vary with the facilities being used for the camp, equipment loans from local day centers, and the amount of money available for ongoing program (particularly if this is only one phase of a year-round program). Insurance to cover campers and staff from the time they leave home until they return home may be obtained on a per-camper/per-day basis from many insurance firms. Local agents can supply information.

Effective recruitment of capable staff can be the key to a successful camp. The program is only as good as its staff. The camp director and his staff should be selected for their ability to work with the retarded. If it is difficult to find a director who knows and understands the retarded, and who also is capable in camping skills, the solution may lie in the selection of an assistant whose background and skills complement those of the director.

The number of staff persons needed will depend upon two factors: (1) the number and age of campers, and (2) the degree of their handicaps. The younger the campers and the greater the degree of retardation, the greater the number of staff persons needed. It is usually wise to plan a ratio of two campers to each staff person. This ratio would include volunteer counselors, whose role in camper situations will be discussed later.

If swimming is a part of the camp program, the camp staff must include a qualified lifeguard and a qualified water safety instructor. The lifeguard and the water safety instructor would carry out their individual assignments simultaneously.

Staff may be recruited from local day care centers, public schools, colleges, and employment agencies. College students training in the areas of special education or physical education and recreation are good staff prospects.

Volunteers play an important role in the successful day camp. A large proportion of many camp staffs is competent volunteers who assume varying degrees of responsibility in programming. These volunteers may include high school or college students or other interested persons who wish to help in a program for the retarded.

Volunteers should be screened carefully. Knowledge of a volunteer's interests and special abilities is helpful in the assignment of duties