Ages: 6 – 16 years
Admission: Registration fee covers meals, accommodations, and all activities; limited scholarships available for families in need.
Camp Overview
This week-long summer camp provides a fun, safe, and structured environment tailored specifically for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). With daily activities designed to foster creativity, social skills, and independence, campers will enjoy arts, crafts, sports, and games under the guidance of trained staff who specialize in working with children with sensory and social needs.
Key Camp Features
Daily Schedule of Activities
- Arts and Crafts: Daily arts and crafts sessions where children can express themselves creatively. Activities include painting, clay modeling, and collaging, with ASD-friendly materials and adaptive tools for comfort.
- Sports and Physical Activity: Modified sports like soccer, basketball, and gentle yoga designed for inclusivity, encouraging physical movement in a safe and enjoyable way.
- Group Games and Team-Building: Structured group games like relay races, treasure hunts, and collaborative challenges that promote teamwork and social interaction.
- Music and Dance: Daily music time with simple instruments and dance activities that are sensory-friendly, providing a joyful way for kids to engage with rhythm and movement.
Sensory-Friendly Rooms
- Quiet Zones for Self-Regulation: Dedicated sensory rooms are set up with calming visuals, dim lighting, and comfortable seating to help children who may feel overstimulated.
- Sensory Tools and Adaptive Furniture: Each sensory room is equipped with weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, and textured objects, providing grounding options for children needing sensory input.
- Chill-Out Tent: An outdoor “chill-out tent” offers fresh air with sensory-friendly seating and calming nature sounds, serving as an additional retreat space.
Social Skills Workshops
- Play-Based Social Interactions: Workshops where social skills are developed naturally through play, including role-play scenarios, storytelling activities, and guided interactions led by experienced facilitators.
- Friendship-Building Activities: Structured games and activities focused on cooperation, empathy, and turn-taking, encouraging children to connect and build friendships in a positive and supportive setting.
- Problem-Solving Challenges: Fun problem-solving activities that teach communication, patience, and teamwork, allowing kids to practice social cues and responses in a relaxed environment.
Closing Ceremony
- Achievement Certificates: At the end of the camp, a special closing ceremony celebrates each camper’s progress. All children receive a personalized certificate highlighting their accomplishments and participation.
- Campfire Celebration: A sensory-friendly campfire experience with marshmallow roasting (using safe, adaptive tools) and storytelling, allowing campers to bond and enjoy a traditional camp experience in an ASD-friendly way.
- Family Involvement: Families are invited to attend the closing ceremony, where they can witness their child’s achievements, meet other families, and celebrate the community spirit fostered at camp.
Additional Information
- Specialized Staff: All counselors are trained in working with children with ASD and understand techniques for managing sensory, social, and behavioral needs.
- Daily Visual Schedules: Each camper receives a visual schedule that breaks down their day into manageable parts, helping reduce anxiety and providing structure.
- Nutritious, Allergen-Friendly Meals: The camp offers meals that are gluten-free, dairy-free, and mindful of common allergens, ensuring safe dining options for all campers.
This summer camp promises a nurturing and supportive environment where children with ASD can explore, grow, and make memories while developing new skills and friendships that last beyond camp.
