Summer Camp for Autistic Kids

summer camp adventure

This past summer I had the honor of working at a summer camp for autistic kids. The camp was tucked into a copse of trees which overlooked a shimmering lake, deep in the Maryland woods.

This summer camp for autistic kids offered inclusion of all autistic kids, regardless of their abilities.

The camp is partnered with the National Inclusion Project, an organization founded in 2003. Its mission is to promote the inclusion of children with disabilities in activities with their typically-developing peers in a safe, accepting environment.

The campers ranged in ages from five to eighteen, with varying degrees of autism. Kids with the mildest of the mild form of autism, meaning no discernible autistic traits, to the severely autistic, non-verbal were grouped together. They all shared living quarters in log cabins, and were supervised by counselors. The camper to counselor ratio was usually 5:1 for the less-affected kids, but was 1:1 for the more severely-autistic kids.

The counselors, usually college students from around the world, worked tirelessly with these kids to assure their safety, while engaging them in activities that helped them gain independence as well as develop personal relationships. Swimming, arts and crafts, therapeutic horseback riding, wall climbing and ropes courses, hiking through the woods, canoeing and archery were some of the activities that challenged them during the day.

Then after the sun sank behind the trees, the campers would stand around a blazing campfire, roasting marshmallows and singing in joyful unison. Some nights they channeled their budding talents into talent shows set up by the counselors, or had karaoke nights. Then there were nights when they dressed in their favorite costumes and did what they did best: being kids and having fun.

But the best part about any event was that every kid was included, regardless of their ability.

I have deep respect for these counselors. They aren’t here to get rich(which they certainly won’t here.) Instead, they are here because of their love for children; especially for children who may be considered a little different from what is considered “normal.”

This camp also has a day camp for families not quite ready to send their kids off to overnight camp. The children are paired with typically-developing children and participate in most of the activities that the overnight campers enjoy.

Then there is the Introduction to Work Experience Program for Youth, for teenagers with disabilities aged thirteen to eighteen. This program introduces autistic teenagers to the challenges of life after high school; namely working independently and gaining confidence.

The wonderful thing about summer camp for autistic kids is that its goal is to help each camper feel valued in a non-threatening, safe environment. The camp helps the campers gain independence and acceptance as they navigate this ever-evolving world. And, most importantly, the campers have fun being kids!

I consider it a privilege to be a part of such a wondrous experience!

P.S. I will be compiling a list of summer camps for autistic kids if you are interested in having your child become involved in such a rewarding experience. Or message me and I will be happy to assist in any way that I can.

Until next time…Scarlett

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scarlett

Scarlett South is a registered nurse, an autism specialist and the author of Autistic or Toxic? How I Unlocked the Mystery of My Son's "Autism." But her proudest achievement is her adult son, whom was once considered severely autistic, with talks of being placed in an institution, and whom is now an independent and productive member of society! Scarlett is based in Florida.