Frequently Asked Questions at Talisman Camps
We have included a few questions below to help address the most commonly discussed aspects of camp for first-year families. If anything is missing, please get in touch with us directly!
I look forward to speaking with you and your family.
Haley Mitchell
Admissions Director
(828)697 6313
How qualified are your staff?
Our camp staff members are college students or recent graduates who are studying a related field, such as education, outdoor leadership or psychology, and are seeking hands-on experience. Most have had experience working with young people, and all have been chosen because of their good judgment, compassion and insight into our population – children with autism and Aspergers.
What is your success rate?
May I speak with another parent who sent their child to your program?
What is a typical day like at Talisman?
Group discussions occur throughout the day to plan for the next activity, to talk about what we learned in the last activity, to resolve an issue and to meet the needs of our campers. Evenings are time to wind down and prepare for bed. Cabin groups are organized by age, which allows us to practice age-appropriate peer interactions.
What should we bring?
Do you accept students who are on medications?
All staff members who are over the age of 21 are trained in medication administration. We use a med-packing company to allow easy administration. We strongly discourage parents from altering their campers’ meds while at camp (no med vacations!), or in the weeks right before camp.
What is your approach to food? (My child is a picky eater)
We can meet many special dietary needs, including allergies, GFCF diets and vegetarians and vegans. There is an extra charge to cover the additional ingredient and preparation costs. Some meal alternatives may cover several needs (e.g., a child who is gluten-free may have a dish that is also dairy-free and soy-free; vegetarians may be served vegan dishes).
In an effort to promote healthy eating habits, access to junk food is highly limited, and we do not accept any care packages with food. We also encourage our students to try new foods, by asking them to accept no-thank-you helpings on their plate and consider trying them. We do have limited meal alternatives for extremely picky eaters and will not let them go hungry. Families comment every year about the new foods their children have tried and now love.
How physically fit does my child need to be?
How do you discipline the children?
How will you communicate with me?
We discourage visits (except between sessions) and generally do not allow kids to make phone calls home, as this disrupts the group process. We do make an exception to this policy for family birthdays.
What happens between sessions if my child is staying?
What are your safety practices?
What happens if there is an emergency?
Where do campers come from?
Do you accept Medicare, Medicaid or similar funding resources?
Do you offer day camp options?
Where are you located?
Click here for more detailed directions to campus!