MANILA, Philippines — School's out and summer sun is here! Parents are once again in a quandary to look for worthwhile summer activities for their tots.

What’s in store for the more adventurous lot? Oh, the great outdoors is waiting! That is what summer camps are for — a great way to spend the sunshiny days of April and May.

Rich and varied experiences await every camper. The bonus? The whole camp experience helps develop independence, critical thinking, creativity, and social skills.

This is what Candent Learning Haus prepares for every summer — fun and learning for both typically developing individuals and those with special needs through Camp LIFE.

Camp LIFE is also perfect for children and adolescents with special needs. Children with learning disabilities and developmental disorders such as autism are welcomed and included, given as much attention and care.

What is learning disability?
Learning Disability is a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding, or in using spoken or written language that may manifest in an imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or do mathematical calculations. Children with learning difficulties often experience various challenges in learning especially how children in regular classrooms work around assigned tasks. They may be characterized by:
• Language issues
• Memory problems
• Inattention
• Impulsivity
• Disorganization

Children with learning disabilities may be unmotivated especially when academic skills are not yet fully automatic and take too much time and energy to do.

Unfortunately, these problems often lead to other problems. Because of the seemingly insurmountable challenges they face every day, children with learning disability may often feel frustrated and angry. They begin to have feelings of inadequacy, helplessness, and loneliness. These feelings and their difficulty in following rule-governed games/activities due to problems already mentioned (language issues, impulse control, etc.) could lead to negative social interactions. Without support and intervention, children with learning disabilities end up feeling rejected, having poor self-concept and self-esteem, depressed, and in constant social conflict either with peers, authority figures or with both.

In supporting the individuals with learning disability, Camp LIFE does not just focus on the learning disability itself. A look into each child’s social needs is important. Learning disabilities either bring social skills deficits or other social issues. It impedes the child’s ability to interact and behave in a way that fits appropriately with others.

Why go to camp?
1. It’s fun! When children have fun, they learn more.
2. It’s a chance to rebuild one’s self. For some children and adolescents, school may be a place where they constantly struggle in order to survive. Worst, for others school is a place where they always experience failure. The nurturing environment and camaraderie in camp help rebuild self, self-esteem, self-concept and self-confidence by experiencing success and feeling the healing power of unconditional acceptance in a group.
3. It’s a chance to assume leadership roles. In school, a mere ten percent of the population gets to assume leadership roles. The basis for this is usually their scholastic records. There may be other students who may not do so well in the traditional way of assessing their skills
4. Camps satisfy the elements in forming friendships.
5. Camps are perfect venues for kids to learn to socialize while socializing.
6. Varied activities for individuals and for groups are provided to foster independence and teamwork. Campers are given the necessary structures to help kids, with or without learning disabilities learn to organize their time and things. Each camper is taught to organize his/her personal things and to maintain order in his/her personal space, room as well as in common areas like meeting/activity area and dining hall. All campers follow a routine that involve practicing proper hygiene and grooming and helping each other accomplish different chores to help maintain order and cleanliness.
7. Self-expression through arts, music and movement is developed.
This year, CLH in cooperation with Nutroplex, will hold Camp LIFE at Buenavista Nature Park and Country Club, Talisay, Batangas on April 13-17. It is facilitated by experienced and trained SPED and regular school teachers, psychologists, coaches, physical educators, and artists. For inquiries, visit us at Candent Learning Haus, 859 D Tropical Ave., BF Homes International, Las Piñas City, or call us at 825-8757 or 0917-8018862.