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Summer Camp
As summer quickly
approaches, it’s time to start thinking about your child’s
summer. The autism summer camp provides camp experience for
children affected by ASD; offering a positive recreational summer
experience. The length of session will be determined by the
number of applicants. The day is highly structured which includes
fun-filled activities such as swimming every afternoon, bowling,
field trips, play activities, crafts, baking, games, playground
and table time. The children arrive at 9am (location to be
announced) and are picked up at 4pm; full days only. Each camper
brings his/her own lunch and snack. The camp fees are $400.00 per
week. Each child has a one-to-one worker who has shown interest
in this field and is trained to work with individuals with ASD.
During the past summers the camp has proved to be a rewarding and
fun-filled summer for the children as well as the counselors.
If you have any questions, please call the
Autism Society of Nova Scotia (902) 429-5529 and e-mail
autismns@ns.aliantzinc.ca
Click
here for application:
Camper
Application
* Applications due by May 15 *
Other important links:
Rainbow Haven Opportunities Fund
PC Children's Charity
HRM Kids
Background Information About Camp
The Autism Summer Day Camp Program was created in 2002 by a mother who was looking for a place to send her son during the summer months because the local HRM camps could not meet his needs. The first camp had just four campers. Out of that initiative, over forty families can now enjoy sending their children to a summer camp that addresses the specific individualistic needs of each child such as social interaction, communication, and behavioral issues. The camp provides an opportunity for these children to experience their summer similarly to other children. They participate in field trips such as swimming at the local lakes and pools, taking public transportation, going to museums, going bowling, going to restaurants, running, jumping, sight –seeing etc. But most importantly, the summer camp is a place for these children to make a friend and to be a friend, in a safe and welcoming environment outside of their homes and schools.
A contribution from Michelle Upshaw BA (Adv). ABA:
As a past Co-coordinator, counselor, volunteer, and outside residential worker, each summer when I walk into the camp there is a spirit and a dynamic all of its own, that I have yet to experience in any other environment with children who have autism. It is a feeling of fun, liberation, safety, and understanding. Every day begins as staff greet their campers and their family members with a warm smile and excitement, ready to take on whatever challenges may arise, but willing to help the child find ways to help to manage and to cope in their complex world around them.
Three basic human goals are met each day at the camp those are; the sense of belonging, the sense of freedom and a sense of self –identity these are just a few of the characteristics that the autism summer camp creates for the camper each day, summer after summer.
To see the children walk into a place with a smile because they have a place of that they call their own is breathtaking. This sense of belonging to a larger group family and a community that is extended outside of their home and school is amazing to see. Words cannot express what happiness looks like or feels like in a child who is limited in their self expressions but it is there, shining like the sun when they come through those camp doors. Additionally, the feeling of belonging is also extended to all who are a part of this environment; the counselors, junior counselors, parents, family members who also feel a great sense of pride and belonging to be a part of the “red shirt camp.” Furthermore, for all of those who have worked in the field, this is great time to share and to fuse gifts and talents together under one arena where we can all learn from one another.
Secondly, the Autism Summer Camp Program provides a place for freedom Individuals are unrestricted in their self expressions and social development. They are in a warm, nurturing, and friendly environment that maintains safety but also encourages diversity and acceptance. Children are motivated to laugh, play and explore while choosing their likes and their dislikes of activities and entertainment. The variety of activities such as games, story-telling, creativity, puppets and craft times are loosely structured so that children can further explore avenues of self identity and have and recognize their own beauty and talents.
Finally, the Autism Summer Camp is one of the most valued resources that I feel that our community has to offer to the families and individuals who are affected by autism. There are other community organizations but none that incorporate such values, of friendship and belonging like the Autism summer camp.
“At the end of the day it is wonderful to know that my child has got a chance to go out there and play!”--- A parent
A major sponsor of the camp has been the Mental Health Foundation of NS. In 2006 through a grant from the Foundation, we were able to develop a program aimed at adolescents with high functioning autism. We worked on incorporating and practicing lifeskills into the daily schedule. Some of the skills practiced were cooking, sharing, taking the bus around town, planning for and carrying out shopping tasks.
Our teens had a great time. We want to recognize and thank Mental Health Foundation of NS for providing our campers with a more fulfilling and rewarding camp experience.
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