Episode 84: School Camp and ADHD: What to Do Before, During and After

School camp can feel like a huge milestone… but for parents of children with ADHD, it often comes with a whole lot of worry.Will they sleep? Will they remember their medication? Will they make friends? Will they cope without me? If you've ever found yourself staring at the camp permission slip while mentally preparing for every possible scenario, you're not alone. In this episode of the ADHD Families Podcast, Sharon Collon shares practical, ADHD-friendly strategies to help your child prepare for school camp, manage the challenges while they're away, and recover well once they return home. Drawing on her experience as a PCC Credentialed ADHD Coach, parenting expert, and mum of three children with ADHD, Sharon explains why camp can feel so overwhelming for the ADHD brain and how a little preparation can transform the experience for the whole family. Rather than expecting your child to simply "cope," you'll learn how to build the right scaffolding so they can thrive with confidence. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Why school camp feels so overwhelming for ADHD families 02:43 – Why camp is uniquely challenging for the ADHD brain 03:52 – Before camp: setting your child up for success 05:41 – Preparing teachers, medication and sleep 07:10 – Packing strategies that reduce overwhelm 10:03 – During camp: building regulation and support 12:22 – Managing social exhaustion and trusting the process 13:20 – The post-camp restraint collapse explained 15:21 – Your biggest takeaway as an ADHD parent 16:37 – Free ADHD Family Systems Workshop & final thoughts In This Episode You'll Learn ✔️ Why school camp places extra demands on the ADHD brain ✔️ How to decide if your child is ready for an overnight camp ✔️ The conversations to have with teachers before camp begins ✔️ Medication and sleep strategies that reduce unnecessary stress ✔️ Practical packing systems that support executive functioning ✔️ Why one trusted adult at camp can make all the difference ✔️ How to create a simple emotional regulation plan before they leave ✔️ Why social exhaustion is often mistaken for behavioural problems ✔️ What restraint collapse looks like after camp—and how to respond ✔️ How to help your child recover emotionally and physically after camp 🎁 Free ADHD Family Systems Workshop If you're tired of solving the same family challenges over and over again, join Sharon's FREE ADHD Family Systems Workshop. You'll learn how to identify your family's biggest friction points and build ADHD-friendly systems that actually work—so life feels calmer, easier and more connected. 👉 PICK YOUR FREE SESSION NOW ☀️  As seen on The Morning Show Sharon recently shared her simple CRC Method for reducing overwhelm in ADHD families—Get Curious, Get Regulated, Get Clear. Because the behaviour is the smoke, not the fire. When we stop trying to fix every behaviour and start understanding what's driving it, family life can become calmer, more connected and a whole lot easier. 👉 Watch my ADHD parenting segment on The Morning Show 🔔 Next Steps & Resources Subscribe to the ADHD Families Podcast Secure your spot now for the ADHD Family Quest (Watch out for September BONUS!!) Check here on how to Work WIth Sharon Learn more at thefunctionalfamily.com Work With Sharon Sharon Collon helps ADHD families create calmer homes, stronger relationships, and practical systems that reduce overwhelm. Through her programs, resources, and podcast, Sharon shares compassionate, evidence-informed support for parents navigating the realities of ADHD family life. Whether you’re struggling with emotional regulation, executive functioning, school stress, or family routines, Sharon’s work is designed to help parents feel supported — not judged.  🌐 The Functional Family