Neurodiversity Foundations for Camp Staff
A practical, self-paced course that gives camp staff the tools to support neurodivergent campers with confidence.
Developed with Neurodiverse at Camp
More campers than ever are neurodivergent — ADHD, autistic, dyslexic, and otherwise wired differently — and most camp staff have never been trained on what that actually means day to day.
This course gives frontline staff a practical framework for supporting neurodivergent campers without needing a clinical background. It's not about labels or diagnoses — it's about building genuine connection, reducing meltdowns before they start, and helping every camper feel like they belong.
What's included
- A working framework for neurodiversity at camp, in plain language
- How to tell the difference between won't and can't
- De-escalation strategies that actually work in a cabin or on a field
- How to partner with parents before the season starts
- Self-care guidance for staff supporting high-need campers
In a 2025 post-training survey of camp staff who completed this course: 91% reported feeling more confident supporting neurodivergent campers, and 88% said they used a specific strategy from the course within their first week.
“Our staff came back from this course with actual tools, not just awareness. That's the difference.”
Camp Director, residential summer camp
What staff are saying
“I use the 'won't vs. can't' framework almost every day now. It completely changed how I read my campers.”
Sarah, cabin counselor
“Wish I'd had this my first summer. Would have saved me so much guesswork.”
Marcus, unit leader
“Short enough to actually finish before staff training ended, but genuinely useful.”
Priya, program staff
Curriculum
- 1
What Neurodiversity Actually Means at Camp
A plain-language framework for thinking about neurodivergent campers — no clinical background required.
- 2
Won't vs. Can't
How to tell the difference between a behavior choice and a genuine capacity limit — and why it changes your response.
- 3
Preventing Meltdowns Before They Start
Environmental and routine adjustments that head off dysregulation long before it becomes a crisis.
- 4
In-the-Moment De-escalation
Concrete scripts and body-language strategies for the moment a camper is already overwhelmed.
- 5
Partnering with Parents
What to ask before the season starts so you're never guessing about a camper's needs.
- 6
Self-Care for Staff
Supporting high-need campers is demanding work — how to stay steady across a full season.
Your instructor
Jenna Sommer
M.Ed., Neurodiversity Inclusion Consultant
Jenna has spent 15+ years helping camps, schools, and youth organizations build genuinely inclusive programs for neurodivergent kids and the staff who support them.
She founded Sommer Strategies after years of on-the-ground consulting, training, and program design work with camps and schools nationwide.
“Jenna's training gave our whole staff a shared language for supporting neurodivergent campers — practical, not theoretical.”
Camp Director, overnight summer camp
“The best professional development our counselors have had. They still reference it mid-summer.”
Program Director, day camp network
Pricing
$49
Per person, one-time
Buying for your organization?
Per-seat pricing drops as your group grows.
| Group size | Price per seat |
|---|---|
| 10–25 seats | $20 |
| 26–100 seats | $18 |
| 101–300 seats | $16 |
| 301+ seats | $14 |
Frequently asked questions
Do staff need any background in psychology or special education?
No. The course is written for general camp staff with no clinical background — everything is explained in plain, practical language.
Can this be assigned before staff arrive on-site?
Yes — it's self-paced and works on a phone, tablet, or computer, so many camps assign it as pre-arrival training.
How do I know if this is the right course for my organization?
If your staff work directly with kids — camp counselors, program staff, teachers — and you want them equipped to support neurodivergent participants, this is a good fit. Reach out if you're not sure.
What happens after I purchase?
You (or your staff, for group purchases) get immediate access to the video content and can watch at your own pace, with progress saved automatically.
Do you offer refunds?
Yes — every course includes a money-back guarantee window (see the course page for the exact number of days). If it's not a fit, just ask.
Backed by a 14-day, no-questions-asked money-back guarantee.