The International CHARGE Syndrome Conference is for Individuals with CHARGE and their families, and professionals in the CHARGE field.
Individuals with CHARGE and their Families
Camp
Camp requires a separate registration.
We are pleased to offer a camp program for individuals with CHARGE and their siblings. Corporate Kids Events (CKE) will run our onsite camp and will provide fun, entertaining activities for the kids while the adults attend conference sessions. Arts and crafts, magic shows, and petting zoos have been part of the camp program during prior conferences.
There are two camp options: Camp Discovery and Camp Explorer.
Camp Discovery is for siblings and more independent individuals with CHARGE. If the individual with CHARGE can participate in typical camp activities with minimal support, can perform ADLs independently with occasional reminders, and can communicate their wants and needs, choose Camp Discovery.
The ratio of staff to campers is as follows:
- Infants 0-2 Years: 1:2
- Children 3 to 4 years: 1:4
- Children 5 to 7 years: 1:5
- Children 8 to 12 years: 1:6
- Children 13 to 17 years: 1:8
Camp Explorer is for anyone needing higher levels of assistance. This camp is for individuals having additional needs and needing a more structured environment. For example, those who require assistance with ADLsx, mobility, and/or behavior management might be best served through Camp Explorer.
Camp Explorer will be staffed at a 1:2 staff to camper ratio. A family interview with a Camp Leadership Team member can be arranged if there are questions about which camp would best suit your child.
PLEASE NOTE: If the attendee will require additional care beyond the program’s staff to camper ratios, alternative care should be sought.
Personal attendants are available through the Camp at a cost of $280, to be paid by the parents/guardians. If you are bringing your own 1:1 attendant, that individual will need to register as an Conference attendee.
- Both camps will be together for certain activities.
- There will be a professionally-staffed calm room containing sensory items and a soothing atmosphere, which will be available if campers need a space/time to calm down.
- Participants with G-tubes, trachs, mobility issues, cochlear implants, visual/hearing impairments and additional medical needs are welcome. If you have any questions email [email protected].
- Camp is free for all individuals with CHARGE but all campers must be registered.
- Registration for camp will open at the same time as Conference registration, in Spring 2025.
- Your personal caregiver may attend camp with your child. The caregiver must be registered for Conference.
In regards to toileting and/or changing, it is camp policy that diaper changing will be available for children ages 3 and under. For children older than 3, the staff notify the parent to come to camp. An ‘older child/adult’ changing area will be provided.
In regards to using the bathroom, children in Camp Discovery should be able to use the bathroom without assistance and are taken in large groups by our staff. If a child in Camp Explorer needs assistance using the restroom, the same process of diaper changing occurs and the parent is notified to come to camp so they can take the child to the restroom. If a child in Camp Explorer can use the restroom independently, then we use the same procedure of taking them in a small group with staff at camp.
For more information on Conference policies and liability releases, please CLICK HERE to visit the Conference Permissions & Policies page.
Sibshops
Having a brother or sister with CHARGE is not always easy. Sibshops provides siblings aged 8-13 a safe place to meet, share – and just have fun – with other siblings who know exactly how they feel.
Sibshops are held during the day at the same time as conference sessions and camp. If a sibling is attending camp, the Sibshops leaders will escort the sibling to and from camp. A sibling may attend one half-day session of sibshop.
If there is enough interest, a teen sibshop will be offered for siblings ages 14-18. The teens will gather together to share their experiences of having a sibling with CHARGE. You do not need to have attended sibshop at a previous conference to attend Teen sibshop.
Junior leaders are siblings 14 years and older who will assist the Sibshops facilitators. Preference is given to those who have attended Sibshops at a previous conference. Fill out the interest form here. Contact [email protected] with any questions.
SPACE IS LIMITED Members get priority at registration.
Professionals
The CHARGE Syndrome Conference is unique in that experts in the field are available to speak with families throughout the weekend. The respect is mutual. Professionals learn as much from families as families do from them.
Click here to learn more about opportunities for professionals and researchers at Conference.
