-
Confident Kids Camp
A 5-day intensive Selective Mutism summer camp August 3-7, 2026 helping children use their speech skills in real-world settings.
Register now!
What is Confident Kids Camp?
Children with Selective Mutism can “get better” faster with CKC!
Since 2019, Dr. Scharfstein at Rockville Therapy Center LLC has offered Confident Kids Camp (CKC-DC), a 5-day intensive summer camp for children with Selective Mutism and severe Social Anxiety in the DC Metro and Maryland area. Created by Dr. Aimee Kortba, this Selective Mutism treatment camp helps children practice speech skills in real-world settings.
At CKC-DC, our evidence-based PCIT-SM and exposure approach helps children take what they learn in therapy to school, peer interactions, and community activities—where confidence and communication truly matter.
Ages 4–8 participate in structured, age-based classrooms with built-in peer speaking opportunities. Returning campers ages 9+ may return as campers or serve as Junior Counselors, providing leadership and modeling brave communication.
While traditional therapy builds skills, CKC-DC gives children a fun, safe, and brave environment to practice their speaking skills in everyday life – just in time for the new school year and other daily social situations.
Where
Temple Beth Ami
Rockville, MD 20850
Don't Wait
When
August 3-7, 2026
9:15am-2:30pm
"This camp has been a very important step in our child’s SM journey. We saw immediate improvements. Dr. Scharfstein and her team are incredible"
The Camp Package
Faster Improvement
Better generalization of skills to real-world school and community settings compared to traditional therapy.
Cost Effective
More than half the cost at $3,200, versus traditional therapy, which can exceed $7,000+.
Class & Play Activities
Engaging camp activities jump-start bravery for the new school year and extracurriculars!
Special Guests
Community-based activities with special guests include a mobile petting zoo, a balloon artist, and therapy dogs.
Daily Counselor Feedback
Parents and counselors meet daily to review the child’s day, highlights, progress, and growth areas.
One-on-One & Group Therapy
Child-focused behavioral therapy in simulated classrooms, group games, cafeteria, prize store, and playgrounds.
Parent Skills Training
Daily (90-min) in-person skills training with Dr. Scharfstein and school psychologist, live coaching on Thursday.
Junior Counselors
Jr. Counselors are peer speech partners and leaders who have nearly overcome SM or have no SM history.
Post-Camp Features
Transition progress to real-world settings with a written report, school and teacher training, and parent session.
Camp Dates to Know
Mark your calendar and don’t miss out!
Registration Opens
February 2, 2026
Camp Dates
August 3-7, 2026
Lead-In Sessions
Before Camp
Who benefits from CKC?
90% of campers improved in school, home, & community settings!
Children ages 4-8 with Selective Mutism (SM) and severe Social Anxiety.
New to SM camp or therapy? Build your brave voice.
Been to SM camp or therapy? Boost conversation skills & self-advocacy.
Parents engage in daily Skills Training to learn core PCIT-SM strategies.
Advanced camp graduates may be Jr. Counselors with leadership roles.
Camp Schedule
What is a Typical Camp Day?
Arrival and Warm-Up
Circle Time/Morning Meeting
Snack, Introduce New Skill
Group Games or Art Activity
Lunch/Recess
Special Community Guest
End of Day and Prize Store
Each activity builds brave talking, decreases anxiety, and strengthens speech with peers and adults.
Parent Skills Training sessions: In-person daily from 10:00-11:30am (90-min) with Dr. Scharfstein after camp drop-off. Optional, but highly valuable! Live parent coaching on Thursday.
Parent/Counselor Feedback: Counselors and parents meet daily from 2:00-2:15pm to review your child’s strengths and growth areas.
Confident Kids Camp Costs
CKC-DC is cost-effective at half the cost of typical clinical treatments.
CKC-DC delivers 30+ evidence-based hours in 5 days, compared to 25+ weeks in traditional therapy. Intensive treatment supports faster progress and stronger carryover to school settings, making camp a powerful supplement to individual therapy.
Camp Cost: $3,200* (compared to $7,000+ for standard therapy) and includes:
-
25 child-focused therapy hours (5/day)
-
7+ hours of parent/caregiver training, including live coaching
-
Therapeutic camp activities, special guests, and field trips
-
Post-camp support: individualized report, school team training, and caregiver booster session
Returning clients/campers of Dr. Scharfstein receive $300 off; Junior Counselors also receive a discount.
Intake evaluations and lead-ins are billed separately.
Insurance Coverage
Rockville Therapy Center LLC [Confident Kids Camp] is an out-of-network provider and does not accept insurance. A Registration Fee is required at registration and the full cost of camp is due before camp begins.
Some families report 30-40% reimbursement, but this varies by plan and is not guaranteed. Families should check with their insurance company regarding out-of-network-benefits, pre-authorization, and reimbursement procedures prior to registering for camp.
We provide Superbills for all services, which can be used to file your insurance claims.
- Camp Superbill: provided within 2 weeks after camp.
- Pre-Camp Services Superbill (Intake Evaluation, Lead-ins): available on the 1st of each month via Client Portal.
Diagnostic Codes on Superbills
- F94.0 Selective Mutism and/or F40.10 Social Anxiety Disorder
Pre-Camp Therapeutic Services
90791 (95)– Intake Evaluation (telehealth): A 55-minute virtual session with a Camp Leader and the child’s parents to gather background information, confirm a diagnosis, provide education, and create an individualized camp treatment plan.
90837 – Individual Psychotherapy Sessions (Camp Lead-Ins): Required 55 min exposure sessions with the child, a Camp Leader, and the child’s 1st counselor before camp. Most children complete 2-3 sessions (4-6 hours total) before camp and are then ready to participate in CKC-DC.
90785 – Interactive Complexity. This is an add-on code typically used for therapy services involving children.
Camp -Week Therapeutic Services
Each day of camp, your child will receive the following therapy session codes:
- 90837: One 55 Minute Individual Psychotherapy session
- 90785: One Add-on for Interactive Complexity
- 90853: Three Group Therapy sessions
These codes are typically billable to insurance, though coverage may vary.
"Confident Kids Camp was fantastic! We learned tangible and effective ways to better help our daughter. She was challenged to use her brave voice in ways that increased her confidence and were exciting."
Confident Kids Camp Results
Evidence-based care at CKC-DC helps children succeed long after camp ends!
Parents reported high satisfaction in all areas of CKC-DC:
- 92% significant child improvement during camp.
- 100% satisfied with parent/caregiver training, counselor services, and reward systems.
- 100% would recommend CKC-DC to others
- 100% felt their child was treated with dignity, respect, and in an equitable, inclusive, and culturally sensitive way.
Parents completed a questionnaire before camp and 4 months after camp to track speech across settings.
- 90% of campers improved at school
- 50% improved at home/with family
- 70% improved in the community
- 90% improved in all settings
.
What Parents Are Saying
Hear directly from our amazing camp families!
Confident Kids Camp FAQs
If you have additional questions, we're here for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the camp dates?
Camp is August 3-7, 2026. Registration is open. We can't wait!
2. Where is the camp location?
Camp Location: Camp is held at Temple Beth Ami at 14330 Travilah Rd. Rockville, Maryland with classrooms, a cafeteria-style lunch room, and playgrounds. Free and ample parking.
Lead-In Sessions: ALL lead-ins take place at Dr. Scharfstein office, 6000 Executive Blvd., Suite 530, Rockville Maryland, 20852. Paid parking ($2/hour).
3. How big are the classes? How are campers assigned to classes?
Classrooms are grouped by age and typically have 6-8 campers in each classroom to facilitate peer interaction.
4. Is a prior selective mutism diagnosis required?
Your child does NOT need a prior diagnosis of selective mutism to attend camp. After registration, you will participate in a 55-minute Pre-Camp Intake Evaluation with a Camp Leader to review your child's speaking abilities, treatment goals, and to confirm whether a diagnosis of selective mutism and/or social anxiety disorder applies.
5. Can my child be a client of RTC and attend camp?
Yes, we encourage Rockville Therapy Center (RTC) clients to include CKC-DC as part of their treatment!
6. Can our own therapist (non-RTC) be involved in the camp process?
We often collaborate with your child's treating clinicians (outside RTC) during the intake process to gather important information. Please include their contact details on the Release of Information form in the Registration Documents. You can also invite your child's clinician and school providers to get involved as a camp volunteer by completing a Volunteer Interest Form.
7. What if my child is or is not on medication?
We welcome children whether or not they are treated with medication. If your child is on medication, please continue it during camp.
Steps to Register - Everything you need to know!
To make registration simple and get you the information you need quickly, please follow these steps carefully:
- Review all information provided below thoroughly.
- Complete all required steps for registration.
- Slots are very limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Last camp filled within 6 weeks.
- Keep in mind that registration is finalized only when ALL steps are complete and you have received an email confirming official registration.
STEP 1: Access Registration Packet and Documents
Fill out our SM Camp Interest Form to be among the first to access the Registration Packet. Registration is now open!
STEP 2: Complete Registration Packet and Documents
All parents/legal guardians must use the secure email link from Simple Practice to activate their own account and complete all Registration Documents separately. The Link expires in 7 days. Completing the documents does NOT confirm registration.
STEP 3: New Families Videos and Phone Consultation
Videos: All new campers submit 2 brief videos to help us understand your child's social interactions and assess initial fit for camp:
1. One showing them speaking easily and confidently.
2. One showing a situation where they struggle to speak.
Videos can be under 1 minute and from the past year. Please email them or provide a link (YouTube or Dropbox) to camp@therapyrockville.com at the time of registration.
Phone Consultation: You will be contacted if a free 15-minute Phone Consultation with a Camp Leader is needed to assess camp fit.
STEP 4: Camp Team Reviews Paperwork
After steps 1-3, we will review your paperwork and contact you with next steps, which may include a phone consultation, or other steps. This usually takes 4-5 business days.
STEP 5: Pay Registration Fee (Final Step to Official Registration)
Once approved, your card on file will be charged the Registration Fee of $1,600 ($1,450 for return campers/clients). Payment confirms official registration, and you will receive a confirmation email.
Now you are officially registered! We will email you a confirmation and to schedule the required Pre-Camp Services.
STEP 6: Schedule Pre-Camp Intake Evaluation (Parent Only, Virtual)
Schedule a 55-minute Pre-Camp Virtual Intake Evaluation with a camp leader to discuss your child's history, your camp goals, and camp preparation.
You are coming to camp! What’s next?
STEP 7: Schedule In-Person Lead-ins Sessions
Children will meet their assigned 1st camp counselor (student or professional trained by CKC in SM treatment) for required in-person lead-ins in the several weeks prior to camp. Scheduling is based on our mutual availability, so please respond promptly to emails to schedule.
Availability Information
1. How can I tell if camp is full?
Registration opens February 2. Check availability by completing the SM Camp Interest Form or emailing camp@therapyrockville.com. If camp is full, you will be notified by email with waitlist or alternative treatment options.
2. How does the waitlist work?
We keep a waitlist of 2 per classroom. To join, complete the Registration Documents like a regular registration. Payment is only processed once a spot is confirmed. If a slot opens up in your child’s age group, we email the first person on the waitlist. Respond quickly, as spots are filled in order. Once camp is full, no additional classrooms can be added.
1. What is the cost of camp and when are payments due?
CKC-DC costs $3200 for new campers and $2,900 for return campers/clients, paid out in 4 installments prior to camp. The cost includes 25 child-focused therapy hours, daily parent training at camp, and post-camp services of a Personalized Written Report, School/Teacher training, and a Parent Group.
New camper: $1,600 at registration, $550 on May 1, $525 on June 1, and $525 on July 1.
Return camper/client: $1,450 at registration, $500 on May 1, $500 on June 1, and $450 on July 1.
*Pre-Camp services (Intake, Lead-ins) are billed separately at $260/55- minutes.
2. Can you charge my card each payment month?
Yes. The card on file is automatically charged for the Registration Fee at the time of registration and on the installment dates: May 1, June 1, and July 1.
3. Can I use an HSA or FSA card for payments?
Yes, HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
4. How can I change the credit card on file?
After registration, installment payments are automatically charged to the card on file. To update your card, contact our office at least one week before the next payment date.
5. What if my card doesn’t process a camp payment?
We provide a short grace period. If a payment fails, we will contact you immediately and send a new Credit Card Authorization Form. Please complete this form with updated information to hold your camp slot.
6. Can I register without paying a Registration Fee?
No slot can be held without a Registration Fee. The application is NOT complete until the Registration Fee is paid.
7. Do you accept insurance?
Rockville Therapy Center LLC [Confident Kids Camp] is an out-of-network provider and does not accept any insurance plans. A Registration Fee is due at Registration and the full cost of camp is due by July 1.
8. What codes do I share with my insurance if I am seeking reimbursement?
Check with your insurance company to determine if you have out-of-network coverage for mental health services and to understand any pre-authorization requirements.
Pre-camp services codes are one 90791 (95) Intake Evaluation Telehealth, four 90837 Individual Therapy (60 minutes), and 4 90785 Interactive Complexity.
During-camp service codes are five of each: 90837 (Individual Therapy, 60 minutes), 90785 (Interactive Complexity), and 90853 (Group Therapy).
Note: Families pay RTC directly and any insurance reimbursement must go directly to families.
9. Will I be provided Superbills that I can submit to my insurance company?
Yes, we will provide a Camp Superbill within 2 weeks after camp. Monthly Superbills for pre-camp services will be automatically provided through our Client Portal system on the 1st of each month. Superbills are a detailed receipt of all services, procedure codes, diagnoses, dates, and costs.
1. How do lead-in sessions work?
Lead-in sessions occur in the weeks before camp and are required for attendance. Their purpose is to establish speech between your child, a Camp Leader, and their 1st camp counselor so your child arrives at camp comfortable and ready to make meaningful speaking progress. Most children complete 2–3 sessions lasting about 2 hours each (4–6 hours total), though this may vary based on individual needs.
Using evidence-based strategies such as PCIT-SM, stimulus fading, and shaping, a Camp Leader first works with you and your child to build speech, then supports the transfer of speech to the assigned counselor. Other trained CKC-DC team members may observe or participate if your child is ready.
2. What if my child doesn’t speak during lead-ins?
Speaking during lead-ins is required so campers can fully and verbally participate in camp activities. Our team will make every reasonable effort to help your child begin speaking during these sessions.
If, despite best efforts (which is uncommon), your child is not yet able to speak verbally, we may recommend additional lead-in sessions or suggest alternative treatment options. If we determine your child cannot attend camp, a portion of the camp fee will be refunded.
3. How can parents prepare their child for lead-in sessions?
Keep explanations simple, calm, and honest. Let your child know they will meet kind people and play games while getting to know each other, and that a parent or caregiver will be involved at first (unless otherwise noted). When discussing communication, emphasize helping them feel “brave” rather than focusing on speaking requirements. Small rewards for bravery and bringing familiar toys or activities from home can help your child feel more comfortable.
4. How can parents prepare themselves for lead-in sessions?
Parents’ PCIT-SM skills (CDI/VDI) play an important role in lead-in success, and regular practice aloud with your child is strongly encouraged. Parents are asked to: (a) Complete the free, 4-hour e-learning Selective Mutism University by Dr. Kurtz on CDI/VDI, (b) Watch FIU's In Person Lead in Video and Virtual Lead in Video (c) Bring your child’s favorite toys and games that help facilitate speech. (d) Have a simple reward for bravery - stickers and points can go a long way!
Our camp is grounded in the “gold standard” behavioral therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for Selective Mutism (PCIT-SM). We use evidence-based techniques such as exposures, shaping, stimulus fading, reinforcement, and both Child-Directed (CDI) and Verbal-Directed Interventions (VDI) to help children build confident speech.
1. What parent involvement is included in the camp cost?
💛 Parent Community Connection (after drop-off until 10:00 AM): Connect with other families, share experiences, or relax and use the Wi-Fi.
📚 In-Person Parent Training (10:00–11:30 AM): Daily 90-minute skills training and Q&A sessions with Dr. Scharfstein and a school psychologist. Learn strategies to support brave talking, reduce anxiety, and generalize your child’s camp progress to school, community, and extracurricular settings. Attendance is strongly recommended. One parent must attend Family Day on Thursday for live coaching.
Free Time (11:30 AM–2:00 PM): Relax, connect, use the Wi-Fi, or explore nearby restaurants and shops.
📊 Daily Feedback (2:00–2:15 PM): Counselors and parents review daily progress and growth areas.
Families can also connect before camp via the Parents of Children with Selective Mutism Facebook group.
2. Can siblings attend camp?
Siblings cannot join CKC-DC Metro camp activities unless enrolled as a camper. They are welcome in Parent Skills Training sessions. If attending, parents should bring items to keep siblings occupied, such as headphones for a device or coloring materials.
1. Do you accept out of state and international families?
Yes, we welcome families from across the country and around the world. Camp is conducted entirely in English, so children and parents should have a working knowledge of English to fully benefit.
2. Where Can Out-of-Town Families Can Stay?
There are many hotels in Rockville, Maryland. For accommodations nearby camp, look at airbnb, vrbo, or similar rental sites.
If you cancel by July 1, 50% of the total CKC-DC fee will be refunded, minus an administrative fee. After July 1, no refunds are available. Fees for services already provided, including the Intake Evaluation and Lead-in sessions, are non-refundable.