Program Structure
Programs for the retarded -- especially younger, more severely retarded -- must be more rigidly structured and the individual actually led into activity. The program should be built upon the conviction that everybody is somebody.
What can day camping do for the retarded child? It will enable the child to enjoy camping experiences in a safe environment which will provide successes rather than failures. It will enable the child to broaden his understanding and abilities in health habits, recreational interests and skills, socialization and understanding of people as well as the world of nature. It will support family relationships by providing a program outside the home which will allow the parent a change from the daily care of the child. It will expand public awareness and knowledge of mental retardation by demonstrating that these children can function and learn in a group situation.
Recreation is education in a very real sense. Day camping provides a real social situation in which the child can practice and use skills he has learned in more formal situations. Although informal in nature, the day camping program should be planned to give each child opportunities for developmental learning. These learning experiences can be classified into four segments:
1. Physical development:
- a. To improve general physical health and appearance.
- b. To develop and improve the basic motor skills and fundamental body movements, i.e., walking, running, grasping, climbing, hanging, etc.
- c. To increase physical stamina, motor ability, and physical fitness.
- d. To improve posture, body mechanics, rhythm and grace, and control of movement.
2. Social development:
- a. To develop skills and abilities necessary for successful participation in wholesome recreational activities appropriate for the individual's capacities and to his social situation.
- b. To develop better self-care skills.
- c. To offer social experiences that will promote social independence.
- d. To participate more with the family.
- e. To adjust to the demands of the group and work as a part of it.
