All Ages

Summer Camp

Summer Camp at the Conductive Learning Center of North America is an opportunity for students of all ages to experience an intensive, four-week session of conductive education. Groups of students similar in age and physical challenges learn mobility skills, independence, and functional daily living skills, within a supportive group atmosphere of fun and adventure. Each age group examines a specially-selected topic and curriculum while working toward the next level of independence.

Summer Camp 2024 will run July 8 - August 2, 2024. The four-week camp meets for three to six hours per day depending upon the group and the age of the student.

2023 - 2024 Intensive Sessions

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Additional Information

  • Applications are due by February 16, 2024. Please note that demand for Summer Camp is usually high. If you missed the deadline, please contact Andrea Swiger at 616-575-0575 as there may still be spots available in some of the groups. In addition, CLC does maintain a waiting list in case of last-minute cancellations.
  • Past participants in programming at CLC should utilize the returning student application.
  • First-time applicants to the Conductive Learning Center of North America must utilize our new student application form. You will be contacted to schedule an in-person or virtual assessment.
  • Applicants will be notified of acceptance by April 5, 2024.
  • Fifty percent of the tuition deposit is due by April 12, 2024, to hold a place for the student.
  • The balance of the tuition payment must be received by the school office no later than May 31, 2024. If not received, the student’s slot will be made available to students on the wait list.
  • The balance amount is non-refundable.
  • Please understand that no part-time placements are available during this program.

FAQs

Answer Your Questions

Do I have to stay with my child in the classroom?

The CLC facilitates an environment for parents to learn with their child in the Caregiver and Child program, which is for the youngest children. Overall, the decision to have parents in the classroom is made by the conductor team and includes several factors, such as the age of the child and desires of the child/family.

What can I expect my child to achieve in the program?

The program works with the whole child; that is, the child’s developmental needs are addressed from a cognitive, psychological, emotional and physical perspective. After the child is assessed by a conductor, parents, the child and the conductor decide on specific goals for the child. Each child’s route and timeline toward maximum independence depends on many factors, including the support of the family, the child’s motivation, the type and severity of the disability and the age of the child. At the end of the session extensive reports are produced detailing methods and strategies used with the child. Each activity is described and photo documented. These reports are sent home for use with all caregivers involved with the child. This helps insure continuity and continuation of conductive education (CE) principles even after the child is discharged from the program.

Why does the program use a group setting?

Conductive education uses the dynamics of group interaction. This setting provides the opportunity for children to motivate and learn from each other, while in an age appropriate setting that allows social interaction.

Do I have to continue with exercises while at home?

Parents should encourage the child to use the movements learned in class that improve the everyday functioning of the child. An example of these life skills would be for parents to give the child the opportunity to use silverware when eating, instead of a parent feeding the child.

What type of disability does this program best help?

Conductive education works best with about 80-90% of the child population that has cerebral palsy, spina bifida or traumatic brain injury.

What keeps children motivated for 3 to 6 hours a day?

The program is planned daily with age appropriate academic themes and motivation techniques of repetition, music, singing, and game-like activities in a group setting. A child’s educational environment includes daily living skills of eating, toileting, putting on shoes and socks, etc. Children respond positively to these activities.

If I don’t live near Grand Rapids, can I still participate in the program?

Yes, many of our out-of-state families stay at area hotels, offering discounted rates, or find rentals using AirBnB, while their child attends a scheduled intensive session of four to eight weeks in length. Please check our Housing Options page for more information.

Success Story

KJ