Camp Chatterbox

Camp Chatterbox is a therapy camp for nonspeaking or severely speech-impaired children, ages 5-15, who functionally use synthesized augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. It is sponsored by Children’s Specialized Hospital. Founded in 1992 by Joan Bruno, PhD, Camp Chatterbox gives children an opportunity to interact with other children using ACC systems while learning to use their devices in functional activities.

Camp’s Mission
The mission of Camp Chatterbox is (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 a fun venue for the entire family to share in this therapeutic process.

What happens at camp?
Each year a motivating theme provides the framework for all therapeutic and recreational activities. Camp activities are designed to facilitate device use throughout the day and as well as to help build expressive language skills in a fun and functional environment. During a typical day at Chatterbox, a camper will be involved in a range of activities to promote communication and peer interaction. In addition, recreational activities include swimming, boating, nature and sports. Campers are grouped with children of similar ages and abilities. At lunchtime campers have an opportunity to use their devices to make announcements to all campers, parents and staff. This provides an excellent opportunity for initiated communication. Each evening, siblings, parents, and staff join the campers as they participate in activities such as campfires, dances and team activities. Camp typically ends with an “All-Camp Talent Show”.

Family Program
A unique feature of Camp Chatterbox is that a parent accompanies their child to Camp and actively participates in the Chatterbox program. There is an option for both parents, and/or the family (parents + 1 or 2 siblings, ages 7-15) to attend the program. This widens the scope of training opportunities for parents, and helps siblings become an integral part of the Chatterbox program. Parents and siblings sleep in the cabins with campers. Siblings must be able-bodied and not be educationally classified. They must be able to participate in the Camp program without requiring one-on-one behavioral support.

Make a Donation
Camp Chatterbox offers a unique service to children using AAC devices and their families. Every effort has been made to keep the cost of attending Camp Chatterbox within reach of the families who can benefit from our services. It is through the generosity of various Foundations, Corporations and individual sponsors, that this has been possible. If you would like to make a donation to support the activities of Camp Chatterbox, please complete the donation form to make your tax-deductible contribution to Camp Chatterbox c/o Children's Specialized Hospital Foundation. Visit: www.campchatterbox.org