By Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum
When comparing programs for children with selective mutism or social communication anxiety, it’s important to look beyond the word camp. Consider:
- ⏱️ How much actual treatment time is provided
- 👨👩👧 Whether parents are trained and involved
- 🎓 Expertise of clinicians training parents & treating children/teens
- 🗣️ Does the child or teen need to speak in order to attend
- 🧠 Whether the approach is evidence-based and clinically guided
At the SMart Center, CommuniCamp™ is more than a camp; it’s an intensive therapeutic program designed to jumpstart real progress. In one long weekend, families receive 30 total hours of treatment and education, helping children build social comfort and confidence while empowering parents with tools that extend far beyond camp.
If you’d like to explore whether CommuniCamp is the right fit for your child, we’re here to help. Book a call with our team.
What Sets CommuniCamp™ Apart
- 15 Hours of Intensive Group Treatment
Over 3+ days, children and teens engage in clinician-guided activities that build social comfort, confidence, and peer interaction.
- 15 Hours of Parent Training & Education
Parents receive expert guidance, practical strategies, and live coaching & Q&A to support progress across settings. Sessions are led by Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum, Dr. Jenna Blum, and Jen Brittingham, LPC (60+ years combined experience).
- No Speaking Requirement
Children are supported at their baseline stage of communication, from nonverbal to verbal, based on individualized evaluation.
- Broad Age Range (3–17+)
CommuniCamp™ is designed for a range of ages, from young children through teens, with occasional young adult participation.
- Our Specialized S-CAT® Approach
Grounded in the Social Communication Anxiety Treatment model, our program focuses on building comfort, coping skills, and confidence—not just speech.
- Clinicians as Camp Counselors
Trained SM clinicians support all activities, interactions, and exposures throughout the program.
- Accessible & Family-Focused
Multiple sessions are offered annually, with financial assistance available to support families.
 What to Consider |
 CommuniCamp™ |
 Other Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment Time |  30+ hours: 15+ hrs group treatment & 15+ hrs parent training & support |
⬜ __________ |
| Expertise of Clinicians Leading Parent Sessions | Led by international SM expert and pioneer Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum, alongside Jen Brittingham, LPC, and Dr. Jenna Blum, bringing over 60 years of combined experience |
⬜ __________ |
| Parent Involvement | Dedicated parent training, coaching, support, live role play and continuous Q&A sessions |
⬜ __________ |
| Requirements | No speaking required; children are met at their current stage of communication (nonverbal → verbal). New families must first complete an SME/SMI. |
⬜ __________ |
| Approach | Evidence-based S-CAT® model, grounded in CBT & behavioral strategies |
⬜ __________ |
| Counselors | S-CAT® -trained clinicians (master-level or above) |
⬜ __________ |
| Age Range Served | Dedicated child (3–12) and teen (12–17+) programs, with some young adult exceptions |
⬜ __________ |
| Focus of Treatment | Builds social comfort, confidence, coping skills, and speech progression |
⬜ __________ |
| Family Support Beyond Camp | Families leave with tools for home, school, and daily life, with options for continued care & school support |
⬜ __________ |
| Accessibility | Multiple sessions offered year-round |
⬜ __________ |
| Financial Assistance | Grants and financial assistance available |
⬜ __________ |
If you have any questions, we’re here to help! Call us at (215) 887 5748, or email CommuniCamp@SelectiveMutismCenter.org, to learn more!
Related Resources: EP4: The Social Communication Bridge®, CommuniCamp™ for Ages 3-12, CommuniCamp™ for Teens, CommuniCamp™ for Parents
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