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Camp Chatterbox is an intensive therapy camp for children, ages 5 - 15, who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices and a training program for their parents. It is sponsored by Children's Specialized Hospital in Mountainside, NJ. Camp Chatterbox gives children an opportunity to interact with other children using AAC systems while learning to use their devices in functional activities.
A unique feature of Camp Chatterbox is that a parent attends the program with his or her child. A limited number of families (both parents + 1 or 2 children ages 5 and over) may be accepted to attend the program. This not only widens the scope of training opportunities for the prents, but it helps siblings become an integral part of the training program. Parents, siblings and campers stay together in the cabins with campers of similar ages.
The mission of Camp Chatterbox is threefold: 1- to help children become more interactive with their AAC devices and to have fun in the process; 2- to help parents gain the necessary skills to facilitate functional device use at home and in the community; and 3- to provide opportunities for professionals working in the field to gain hands-on experience working with children using AAC devices.
