C.A.R.E. Camp

Thank you for your interest in C.A.R.E Camp, a specialized program through University Pediatric Urology which targets children between the ages of 4 and 6 who have not yet potty trained for stool.  The program is based on taking a unique approach to potty training through group therapy, both for the child and the parents.  The initial appointments are made through the C.A.R.E. Clinic with one of our nurse practitioners.  At that time, our nurse practitioners perform a medical evaluation and determine whether C.A.R.E. Camp is an appropriate intervention for your child.  C.A.R.E. Camp is adapted from “Potty School,” which is a program administered by the Developmental Medicine Center at the Children’s Hospital of Boston.  This long running program boasts a 90% success rate in helping children learn to potty train. 

Through six, once weekly sessions, your child will partake in arts, crafts, fun, and will continued to be monitored medically. These children often have constipation and are already receiving various treatments for continued management recommended through the CARE Clinic.  During a concurrent session, parents will meet with Dr. Jan Neece, a clinical psychologist who specializes in evaluation and treatment of behavioral problems in children.

We highly recommend preparing your child for what to expect at C.A.R.E. Camp.  Let the child know he or she will be in a classroom-like setting with other children and will be learning a different lesson each week.  C.A.R.E. Camp takes place at the same office where they first saw their nurse practitioner in the C.A.R.E. Clinic.  We will incorporate sticker charts and other incentives just as we have during office visits.  The atmosphere will be positive, fun, and focus on a cooperative group effort.  The children will walk to their room and say “goodbye” to the parents.  The parents will then go to their room just down the hall.  Let your child know you will see them in a little while after C.A.R.E. Camp. 

The goals of C.A.R.E. Camp are to provide the child with the ability to take necessary steps toward potty training through a non-threatening, play-school atmosphere, while parents participate in a group session focused on understanding common childhood fears and behaviors.  Behavior therapy principles are employed within parent groups to help parents distance themselves from the problem and become a positive part of treatment for the child.