Summer camp is a classic childhood experience, full of new friends, outdoor play, and exciting adventures. For neurodivergent children, however, the thought of a new environment, unfamiliar routines, and busy social settings can feel overwhelming. Lucky for families in the Monterey Bay area, there are many local camp options with a variety of settings and environments, making it possible to find opportunities that align with each child’s strengths, interests, and sensory needs. With a few intentional strategies, parents can help their child approach camp with confidence and ease.
EXPLORE THE SPACE AHEAD OF TIME
Visiting the camp before it officially begins can help your child feel more comfortable with the environment. Bring a picnic, play on the playground, or simply explore the space together. Familiarity can reduce anxiety and help children form a positive association with the camp setting.
For example, outdoor camp programs such those held by Earth Trek Forest School in Monterey County intentionally use nature-based environments where children can move freely, explore, and engage with the world around them through sensory-rich experiences like climbing, digging, building, and water play. For many neurodivergent children, these natural environments can feel more regulating and flexible than structured indoor settings. You could visit the regional parks that Earth Trek holds their camps at before singing up to increase familiarity and comfort for your camper!
MEET STAFF AND PEERS IN ADVANCE
Arranging a brief introduction with camp counselors or instructors allows your child to put a face to the people they will see every day. If possible, connecting with a peer in their group can also help ease social transitions. Even a short, low-pressure meet and greet can make the first day feel less intimidating.
Some camps also prepare staff in advance to support diverse learners. Camp SEA Lab in Monterey, an ocean science day camp, provides staff training and support so counselors feel prepared to work with neurodivergent campers and understand strategies that help them succeed.
USE VISUAL SUPPORTS AND PRACTICE ROUTINES
Visual schedules, photos, and neurodiversity affirming social stories give children a roadmap for what to expect. Practice routines like packing a backpack, following hygiene expectations, or wearing a camp uniform at home. Gradually adjusting sleep and wake times to match camp schedules can also help your child settle into the new routine.
Predictability can make a big difference. At Earth Trek, teachers use a consistent daily rhythm while still allowing room for individual exploration and discovery. Talking through what is happening now and what will happen next helps children anticipate transitions and feel more secure throughout the day.
Similarly, Ahalya Kerrutt, Program Coordinator for Camp SEA Lab, explains that clear communication about upcoming activities and transitions can help campers feel more comfortable. Simple strategies such as announcing what activity is coming next, giving time warnings, and checking in individually with campers can support smoother transitions.
BRING COMFORT AND REGULATING TOOLS
Allow your child to bring a small comfort item if camp rules permit. Sunglasses, headphones, or fidgets can provide extra support for sensory regulation. Familiar items and predictable tools can make transitions smoother and empower your child to self-regulate when needed.
Outdoor programs can also naturally support regulation. Nature-based camps often provide opportunities for increased movement, sensory exploration, and flexible participation, which can help many children stay engaged and regulated throughout the day.
COLLABORATE WITH CAMP STAFF
Sharing information about your child’s preferences, common challenges, and successful strategies with camp staff is essential. Strong communication between families and camp staff helps everyone work together to support the child.
Kerrutt notes that understanding what motivates a camper is equally important. At Camp SEA Lab, counselors often encourage campers to engage in activities in ways that align with their interests, whether that means closely observing marine life, drawing what they see, or participating in hands-on exploration.
START GRADUALLY WHEN POSSIBLE
Partial days, orientation sessions, or shorter visits can help children acclimate without feeling rushed. Gradual exposure allows your child to build comfort and confidence before fully participating in a full-day camp experience.
Many camps also design activities to be interactive and movement-based. Hands-on exploration and short instructional periods can help keep campers engaged while allowing flexibility for different learning styles.
PREPARE FOR SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL TRANSITIONS
Countdown calendars, conversations about daily routines, and role-playing scenarios can help children anticipate what is coming. Discussing pick-up routines or ways to transition back home can ease separation anxiety and set expectations for endings as well as beginnings.
Programs that emphasize social-emotional learning can also support positive peer relationships. At Earth Trek, teachers model inclusive communication and help campers practice respectful problem-solving so children learn how to collaborate and navigate social situations together.
With thoughtful preparation, neurodivergent children can enjoy all that summer camp has to offer. By exploring the space ahead of time, practicing routines, collaborating with staff, and providing visual and sensory support, families in the Monterey Bay area can set their child up for a positive, successful, and empowering camp experience. Summer camp does not have to feel overwhelming. It can be a place of growth, connection, and joy for every child in our vibrant local community.