By Dr. Elisa Shipon Blum
It’s not uncommon for parents to feel discouraged when their older child or teen doesn’t seem excited—or even outright refuses—to attend CommuniCamp™. The truth? Lack of motivation isn’t a reason *not* to attend camp. In fact, it’s a powerful reason *to* go.
“He’s not excited. He says he doesn’t care.”
We hear this often, especially with older kids and teens who have Selective Mutism (SM). These individuals have often spent years developing their own coping mechanisms—avoiding, shutting down, blending in, or relying on nonverbal strategies to get by. And it’s not because they don’t care. It’s because they’ve come to believe change is impossible.
They’ve been stuck for so long that the idea of facing something new—like CommuniCamp™—feels overwhelming. And for many children/teens with SM routines are comforting. Trying something different takes energy, vulnerability, and risk. Saying “I don’t care” is often code for “I’m scared it won’t help, or worse—I’ll fail.”
Why Camp Is Still the Right Place
Camp doesn’t rely on motivation to begin. We start with comfort, connection, and understanding. At CommuniCamp®, we meet kids where they are, not where we want them to be.
- We don’t push talking. We build social engagement and interaction using strategies grounded in the Social Communication Anxiety Treatment® (S-CAT®) model.
- We don’t expect sudden change. We foster progress at the child’s pace, using activities that promote comfort, confidence, and gradual communication.
- We don’t lecture teens. We empower them through group discussions, coping tools, and real-time support in a way that respects their developmental stage.
Our counselors are trained not just in Selective Mutism, but in how to support teens with other challenges beyond SM….. who may struggle with understanding social cues, initiating interaction, or managing emotional regulation. Through CommuniCamp™, many children/teens gain something they didn’t expect:
- A sense of inner control via their acknowledgement of their fears/anxiety and their ability to assess their feelings.
- Insight into their own social and communication patterns.
- Peer connection with others who “get it.”
- Tools and strategies that feel doable and meet them where they are and, as a result, fuels their progress into verbal communication.
- Moments of success, even small ones, that build momentum, confidence and fuel social connection and communication.
What About the Parents?
While your child/teen is learning and engaging in small group experiences and structured activities, you’ll be part of a comprehensive Parent Education & Support Track. Here’s what you, as parents will gain:
- A deeper understanding of what’s driving your child’s Selective Mutism
- Specific language on how to talk to your child about SM and their challenges (and strengths!) in a productive & supportive way
- Strategies to support your child without pressure
- Concrete ways to facilitate communication at home, school, and in the community
- Clarity on the role of accommodations, expectations, and adult modeling
- Confidence and a sense of hope in helping your child build independence and social communication confidence
You’ll also connect with other parents going through the same journey. That sense of community—and hope—can be life-changing.
Final Thoughts
So if your teen isn’t jumping for joy at the idea of CommuniCamp™, don’t worry. That’s common—and it doesn’t mean the experience won’t help. In fact, some of the least motivated teens arrive withdrawn and skeptical… and leave more open, more aware, and more hopeful. The work of growth starts the moment they walk through the door— whether they’re ready or not. And you being ready as a parent can make all the difference. Let us help you both take the next step—together.
