I went to camp Welch 5 years ago, so hopefully it improved, but while I was there, I was not impressed with it. They had a decent selection of activities, but the best ones were always taken up by bullies or groups. I was a quieter kid, (now dignosed with ADHD, autism spectrum, and generalized anxiety disorder) so I just brought a book and coloring supplies with me and went to the furthest corner away from everyone that I could find. I tried to get help from counselors, and many were sympathetic, but not helpful. I went the whole summer just getting by, and then the second to last day, 2 boys came over to me. I was reading on a bench by the swings, (if you've been there, you might know what I'm talking about) and they came up and knocked the book out of my hands. They then proceeded to throw all of my stuff on the ground, kick it, stomp it, etc, while calling me names and laughing. There were no adults around, and I was a scared, upset 10-year-old. Not knowing what else to do, I punched, (punch is an exaggeration, it was pretty weak, though I hate to admit it) one of them in the stomach. They were surprised, but fine, and went away muttering. I recovered my stuff and sat back down, just trying to wait for the day to end now. A few minutes later, a counselor comes and gets me, bringing me to the main place. The two boys are there at the nurse, glaring at me, the one that I hit holding his stomach. The counselor explains how the boys came to the nurse saying that I punched one of them in the stomach for no reason. I explained my side and gave all the details. The boys denied everything, and the counselor says that violence is unacceptable, which is true, but I had apologized, told how I didn't have any adults around to ask for help, was actively being harassed, and couldn't get away. My Mom was called to pick me up, and I got banned from the place, while the boys got no repercussions. All in all, it's a decent place, but the kids are less than great, and the staff just don't care, or don't understand. Plus, there are little to no accommodations for neurodivergent kids, so being alone, (like I liked to be) was discouraged, interaction was forced, and participation was required, even if you were clearly overstimulated or stressed. Good luck! (And sorry for the long story.)
I was a camper from age 8-14 and a counselor/lifeguard from 15-23. Some of the best times of my life. It has changed a lot over the years but still has the same core people keeping it going and continuing to make it an amazing escape for kids in the summer. Highly recommend!
I've been coming here for seven years there are many diferences since I was little but it is a fun place to bring your kids during the summer you can be 15 years old to be cit but u don't get paid once u are 16 u get paid about 18 dollars an our
If your child presents with any difficulties with social/emotional underdevelopment/autism/behavioral challenges, does not present in a neurotypical manner, this organization is not equipped to accommodate and does not have funding to implement necessary changes and trainings to support children with mental health conditions.
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