With emergent knowledge regarding the impact of OSIs particularly concerning Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) within military members and their families, researchers have identified children and youth of first responder-connected families (i.e. fire, police, paramedic, corrections, call center dispatchers) at risk for developing mental health difficulties as a result of their parents’ occupational stressors.

Research on military and veteran children with parents impacted by an OSI or diagnosed mental health condition shows poor parental mental health and family stressors can negatively affect a child’s mental health and wellbeing. Now more than ever, first responder families require the social work profession to intervene from a family systems framework that understands the bi-directional impact of trauma leading to negative consequences of parental OSIs on their children.

The first responder population and their families deserve unique evidence-informed prevention and intervention programs that use a holistic view such as, family stress theory to understand the unique issues connected to adverse consequences of OSIs on individual first responders and the mental health and wellbeing of their children.

(Cramm et al., 2016, Carelton, Afifi, Taillieu, et al., 2019)

“I could feel genuine sadness in her (my daughter)…I’ve had a bigger impact on her than I thought I had” (Sherman et al., 2016, p. 406).

Scholars have highlighted connections of secondary traumatic stress and negative emotional and behavioral reactions in children when a parental mental health disorder exists in the family (Cramm et al., 2016; Kelly & Paul, 2018; Sherman et al., 2016)

Over 2 million American children experienced a parent’s deployment to Afghanistan and Iraq. Literature reveals the psychological effects of the service members’ operational stressors cascades through the family system to affect children and their mental health.

(Synder et al., 2016; Foran et al., 2017,Foran, Eckford, Sinclair & Wright, 2017).).

Children aged 8-16 whose parent is a Canadian Armed Forces member, Veteran or First Responder (firefighter, paramedic, emergency dispatcher, correctional services worker, municipal police officer, or member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police) can participate.

We know that change in one family member, such as a child, affects every other family member. Decades of research in areas of family functioning and traumatic stress suggest experiences of each family member can flow throughout the family system and family-centered approaches to interventions offer positive opportunities to promote mental well-being (Cramm et al., 2016; Sullivan, 2015; Wadsworth et al., 2012).

During the Parent Intake Call, Warrior Kids Directors will discuss with parents what a personalized support plan for each child would look like and consider if the child’s needs can be safely supported during the Warrior Kids Camp Program. This would include, conversation around their specific needs and preferred communication methods, medications needed during camp and any other safety considerations.

How Warrior Kids Camp Can Support Neurodiverse Youth

To support neurodiverse children at camp, it’s crucial to understand their individual needs, provide clear communication, create sensory-friendly environments, offer structured activities with options, and train staff to be responsive and adaptable to different learning styles and communication methods, ensuring they feel safe and included throughout the camp experience. 

Key strategies for supporting neurodiverse children at camp:

• Pre-camp communication and planning:
  • Detailed information sharing: Provide parents with comprehensive information about camp schedules, routines, activities, food options, and potential sensory triggers to manage anxieties. 
  • Individualized plans: During the Parent Intake Call, Warrior Kids Directors will discuss with parents what a personalized support plan for each child would look like and consider if the child’s needs can be safely supported during the Warrior Kids Camp Program. This would include, conversation around their specific needs and preferred communication methods, medications needed during camp and any other safety considerations.
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Staff training: Train all camp staff on neurodiversity, recognizing signs of sensory overload, and appropriate response strategies.

Staying overnight in a new location can be stressful for many children and youth. During your Parent Intake Phone Call we will discuss any hesitations your child may have regarding staying overnight at the camp. If your child or youth does not want to stay overnight, please discuss pick up and drop off times for each camp day so your child can still maximize their time at the Warrior Kids camp and not miss out on any of the fun! Parents are asked to pick up their child from camp at a pre-determined time and will drop off their child the next morning for their child to continue their participation

There is no cost for each child or youth to attend the two day and one night Warrior Kids Camp. All travel and accommodations required for the family to attend camp is not covered.

All camp locations are in central areas near a variety of hotels, beds and breakfasts for each family to choose what works for them. Many hotels offer First Responder or Military discounts.

Yes, during your registration if you identify your child or youth has a food allergy, you will be asked to provide additional details for the catering staff to prepare ahead of time safe meal and snack options.