by Lisa Grubbs of The Wyoming Tribune-Eagle
Success and self-discipline are among the qualities counselors hope to instill in children at the Wyoming Attention Camp Program.
The camp, which takes place at St. Mary’s Elementary School, emphasizes self-control skills and success in school settings, and is for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
ADHD, an emotional disability, causes serious short- and long-term consequences, including a high rate of mental disorders, social maladjustment and low academic achievement.
The symptoms of ADHD include inattention and hyperactivity.
Although hyperactivity is usually the first symptom, inattentiveness affects children significantly because they miss learning opportunities.
A combination of academic and social skills, such as making friends, is taught during the camp.
Sixteen children, ages 6-15, are attending the two-week camp, which is staffed by three special- education teachers and nine counselors.
But the camp isn’t just for children. On Tuesday and Thursday nights, parents are taught the same behavior-management skills used by the counselors and teachers.
Consistency in school and home is important because transitions are hard for children with ADHD, said Allen Winebarger, clinical director of the non-profit UPLIFT, which organized the event.
“If we teach the kids skills they can only use here, we aren’t doing anything,” he said.
Each child is rated daily by counselors on ADHD symptoms and on pro-social abilities, such as sharing and cooperating.
The children also are allowed to participate in rating themselves.
After every activity, including socialization exercises and academic lessons, each child reviews a chart with a counselor. The children are rated on following directions, listening, and keeping a positive attitude. The children give input on why they deserve points.
Counselors reinforce the positive actions to the children without dwelling on the negatives, said Erin Swilling, counselor.
Winebarger said, “Every one of these kids is a wonderful kid. All of these kids have mountains of potential.”
UPLIFT provides support for families with children who have emotional, behavioral, mental and learning disabilities. This camp would normally cost about $750 a child because of the high staff-to- student ration, but because of outside funding, it is $100 per child.
Reprinted with permission. Copyright 1998, The Wyoming Tribune-Eagle.