What children benefit from these programs? What children are not a good fit for these programs?
Children that benefit from our programming are listed here
Children that are not a good fit for these programs are children that require 1-1 assistance for mobility, feeding, and behavior. Children who are medically fragile, frequent elopers, children that are extremely aggressive and violent would not be a good fit for our programs. If you have any questions, please email Chris, owner and program director at cburkhart.bc@gmail.com!
What does a typical day look like?
Each class, each week is tailored to the interests and needs of the group! Our professional staff design a schedule and activities that enable all of the children to experience success. Sometimes, depending on the groups, they may work/play together if the benefits are great for both parties. For example, our teens and 2-5th had some field day games together with a buddy last year and it was a hit!
What do you do to cool off during the summer? Do you have indoor spaces for cooling off?
YES! We have (2) spacious, indoor/insulated cottages with Air Conditioning, as well as an air conditioned tack room! We also have commercial fans running, cooling tents, and each teacher carries a cooler with cooling cloths, fans, cool packs, ice water for refilling, as well as refilling water stations around the farm! We are working to get the funds now that permitting has been issued to pay for the red barn major up fit into our large therapeutic indoor space!
Do you have toilets?
Yes! We have a brand new septic system and indoor bathrooms in our red barn, as well as porta-potties at the lower portion of our farm. Our kids have used porta potties all year and have been great! They are fully serviced 1x a week and cleaned daily.
What is the experience level of your staff?
We have amazing staff that have extensive experience in working with a variety of neurodiverse learners! We have employed licensed teachers, SLP’s, and OTs as leaders in our sessions. What I have learned through the years is that experience is key! No degree ensures capabilities in working with neurodiverse learners- so as the director, I take who we hire very seriously and make sure that we have highly qualified, compassionate, and knowledgeable staff! We also employ college students who are pursuing a degree in similar fields of study such as psychology, special education, general education, medicine, occupational therapy, etc. We also employ staff that are current special educators in school systems that want a fun summer job! We have counselors in training that are high schoolers who have the skills to work with our population and/or are current/former clients of Building Connections! We also have volunteers who come to help out in a variety of capacities! We do have CPR/First Aid certifications with our staff . We have a 2 day staff training before summer programming. We do a thorough background check and interview process to make sure that we only have high quality, compassionate staff who embody BC mission and vision!
What if my child does not like animals/wants to ride a horse?
That is OK! We never force children to do anything that is uncomfortable; however, we do encourage some level of participation and will work to find out what level they feel comfortable! Sometimes it is learning, taking time, and nurturing curiosity safely-this builds trust! Noone has to ride! All of our animals are safe; however, they are animals! We do teach safety to all campers on the first day so that everyone is safe! Visuals are posted and gone over each area that they visit so that children understand how to be safe around all of the animals and how to engage safely!
What if I can not attend camp after paying a deposit or in full?
We are sorry that you can not attend; however; there are no refunds and funds are non transferable. We understand that things happen; however, we staff according to who we have enrolled! Thank you for understanding this policy!
Why is camp so expensive?
I know! Sticker shock! We completely understand that some are concerned about the cost of camp! We want you to know that we do provide a quality camp, staffed with professional staff that understands the needs of children, both neurotypical and neurodiverse. We implement best practice when it comes to understanding how the brain/body works with the various ages and stages of development that attend our programs, while providing informative, proactive/responsive, and positive coaching throughout the day! We use a variety of researched based methods to teach and coach children in our care that other camps may not! We do not utilize restrictive or punitive practices, which allows every child that attends our camp to grow and thrive- becoming the best version of themselves! We have only had to call or send home 2 children in 6 years and that was safety related. As we have refined and communicated to families the culture and population that thrives here, we have been successful in helping neurodiverse children feel confident and excited about their abilities and opportunities that they find here! So, paired with the cost of being on a farm, quality staffing, and best practices, what you pay for camp is justified!
How do I pay for camp?
Camp is paid for through Quickbooks. You will receive an invoice directly from Quickbooks. Families who enroll in February, will have their total cost split into 3 payments which will be invoiced in March, April and May. Families who enroll in March, will have their total cost split into 2 payments which will be invoiced in April and May. Families who enroll in April will have their total cost invoiced in May. Families who enroll after May will have their balance due before June 1 or if it is after June 1, you will be responsible for the balance the on or before the first day of camp. The resources listed above usually pay us directly.
Do you have a nurse on staff?
Unfortunately no-not at this time. We can however, administer medication that your child needs as prescribed by an MD. Lead teachers and director are the only ones that can administer and have access to your child’s meds in a locked compartment.
Can I stay during my child’s programming?
We understand that there are BIG feelings all around; new place, new faces, and a different setting bring about nervous feelings; however, we are confident that this too is an area that we respect and work on with the children as they arrive and put together a plan that supports what they need at that moment of transition! We will work with you to help you put together a plan for that morning/afternoon! Drop off is usually carpool style which has worked well for all of the years that we have done camp! We give children space and tools to get what their bodies and brains need in order to transition smoothly! You are welcome to schedule a far tour. You can do this here.
Do you cancel camp because of the weather?
If there is inclement weather (ex: tornado warnings/flash flood watch in our area, severe thunderstorm, etc) and it is impacting driving to/from camp during those hours, you will be notified of any changes or late starts/early pickups. Otherwise, we do have an emergency plan in place for storms, tornados, severe rain, etc. We do go out in the rain. So pack that raincoat and rain boots as if it is not storming, we will go out!
Can you warm up my child’s food for camp?
Please pack your child’s lunch as you would for school! Pack in insulated containers, baggies, however you need to keep food hot/cold.
My child isn’t toilet trained. Can they still come!
YES! They can come! There is an area on the enrollment for that you can indicate what support your child needs! We will always encourage independence as much as they are able to do.
If my child is sick, do they have a make up day?
Unfortunately no! We wish we could; however, there is no way to accommodate that and we realize that it is not convenient. We do know that other camps also have this policy.
My child has allergies to animals and nature.
This depends on the severity of your child’s allergies and management of it. If it is not controlled or managed well, then this might not be the camp for you! There is no way for us to limit the exposure as this is a farm!