Summer 2021 Camp GuideThis list is intended to be a general guide to camps appropriate for children on the autism spectrum, based on the recommendations of our xMinds community. This is not an endorsement by xMinds. Parents/guardians and students are expected to review organization(s) and opportunities with due care, to determine if they are appropriate and safe for their children. For additional camps for students with special needs, please see the MCPS Summer Camps Guide.pdf. We encourage xMinds members to provide their feedback about their experiences with these camps on our Google Group. The information below is subject to change, particularly in light of the current health crisis. Please verify actual session dates, requirements, and costs with the individual camps. And check back because we will continue to add camps as we learn of any new ones. Updated May 6, 2021 Alliance PediatricsLocation: Online Contact: Virtual Secret Agent Academy Contact Form Website: https://www.sst-institute.net/sas-families Ages: 7-11 Dates: Session 1) June 21-July 9; Session 2) July 12-July 30; Session 3) August 2-August 20 We are offering fun and skill-centered virtual summer camps for children ages 7-11. This is a summer camp that helps children accept difficult emotions while learning ways to feel calm and become socially confident. This breakthrough approach empowers children’s social and emotional skills in a fun and engaging way. The Secret Agent Academy Summer Program is based on the curriculum of the Secret Agent Society (SAS), an evidence-based intervention for children with social and emotional challenges. ArtStreamTheatre for an Inclusive World Take Five! Summer Intensives Location: Online via Zoom Dates: June 7-11; June 14-18; June 21-25; July 12-16, 4:30-6 p.m. Ages: 18 and up Take Five! programs focus on one engaging theater topic for five consecutive days. Selections include Storytelling (June 7-11), Creative Movement (June 14-18), Create a Movie on Your Own Phone or Tablet (June 21-25) and Pop Culture Acting Class (July 12-16). Comedy Jam Location: Online via Zoom Dates: Tuesdays, June 22-July 27, 7-8:30 p.m. Ages: 18 and up Join us as we explore the world of comedy! Students create comedy with words and physicality (including movement with objects) in short exercises broken up with dance jams to ArtStream songs! Script Writing III Location: Online via Zoom Dates: Tuesdays, May 11-June 29, 7-8:30 p.m. Ages: 18 and up Let’s explore our creative potential in ArtStream’s virtual scriptwriting series! A continuation of the script writing classes done last fall and winter. New writers are always welcome! Students will have the opportunity to learn about the playwriting format and flex their artistic chops using weekly writing prompts. Class time will be divided between prompt writing, discussion, and scene reading. Location: Online via Zoom Ages: 18 and up Social Club provides safe opportunities to practice and maintain social skills. Instruction will include demonstrating social skills through class discussions and role-playing games. We practice having meaningful conversations with one another, which helps participants prepare for being out in the community, developing friendships, and learning how to self-advocate. The Auburn School
Location: 9115 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Contact: Jennifer Polkes, (301) 588-8048; Jennifer.Polkes@theauburnschool.org Website: https://www.theauburnschool.org/summer-programs/camp-aristotle-silver-spring-campus/ Ages: Kindergarten-Grade 9 Dates: June 28 - July 2; July 5- July 9; July 12- July 16 ; July 19 – July 23; July 26 – July 30; August 2- August 6 Camp Aristotle at the Silver Spring Campus offers both half-day and full-day options. Our summer program is designed with engaging and exciting activities, projects, and visitors relating to a weekly theme. Our model integrates social thinking and learning support throughout the day so campers can build friendships, explore, and most importantly, have fun! Center for Communication and Learning (CCL)Be Social Kids Summer Groups Location: 6208 Montrose Rd, Rockville, MD 20852 Contact: Sue Abrams; susan@ccl-md.com Interest Form: https://forms.gle/dAHMqDdBV3SFpuzt6 Website: http://www.ccl-md.com/be-social/be-social-kids/ STORY TIME Group Location: Virtual and In-Person options. Grades: PreK-1st. Dates: Mondays, July 12, July 19, July 26, August 2, August 9. Social learning will be explored through stories, art, drama and pretend play. This fun-filled program will help children apply the core concepts of Social Thinking. AROUND THE WORLD Group Location: Virtual and In-Person options. Grades: Elementary Dates: Mondays, July 12, July 19, July 26, August 2, August 9. Based on the TV show Amazing Race, we will travel to places near and far. This group will focus on team building experiences. IN THE MOMENT Group Location: Virtual and In-Person options. Grades: Elementary Dates: Mondays, July 12, July 19, July 26, August 2, August 9. Our In the Moment group is specifically designed for children with social learning challenges secondary to a mild language and/or attention issue. Emphasis is on self-regulation, social communication, flexible thinking and problem solving. Strategies to assist them “in the moment” will be targeted through team building activities. Center for Communication and Learning & Fitness for HealthB Social Therapeutic Summer Program Fitness for Health professionals, in collaboration with Center for Communication and Learning speech language pathologists, will provide an integrated movement and Social Thinking® program. Concepts will be introduced in a fun and motivating way encouraging participants to explore and improve their social thinking skills and motor development. Social learning is facilitated through direct instruction, coaching, and opportunities to practice the skills in a dynamic environment. Our 4:1 Student to Professional Staff (speech-language pathologist and fitness specialists) ratio makes the B Social program especially beneficial for students with social challenges. Geared toward students with ADD/ADHD, Asperger’s, Social Communication Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. B Social Team Building for Adolescents with Social Challenges The B Social teen program focuses on developing your adolescent’s social competency. Social Thinking® is more than just about being social. The skills and strategies we teach will impact their performance at school, in the community, and throughout their lives. This program is geared toward students with ADD/ADHD, Asperger’s, Social Communication Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Specially trained staff guide children with social communication challenges to develop connections and assist them in navigating their social world. Edlavich DC Jewish Community CenterSummer of Service Location: Bender JCC, 6125 Montrose Rd., Rockville, MD 20852 Contact: Joy Stein, joys@edcjcc.org; 202-777-3276 Website: DC JCC Registration Ages: Middle and high schoolers of all abilities Spend the summer making the world a better place with this inclusive Summer of Service Camp. Teens of all abilities will work directly with nonprofits to learn about social responsibility, including food insecurity, homelessness, literacy, and the refuge crisis. Camp will be in person with half the day spent on community service and the remainder of the day focusing on fun activities as well as time at the outdoor pool. A maximum of 10 middle schoolers and 10 high schoolers each week. Campers and staff are expected to wear masks and stay socially distant. Campers will earn 15 SSL hours per week. Montgomery County Public Schools MCPS Summer School Programs Montgomery Parks Program Access Update: Registration for Montgomery Parks summer camps begins on March 15th. Spaces are limited due to current Covid restrictions and guidance, but Program Access support is still looking forward to working with you and your child! Click here for more information and to access the summer camp guide! Don’t forget to request support when registering your child for each program. Rockville Recreation and ParksCity of Rockville CampsLocation: Various locations Contact: (240) 314-8620; camps@rockvillemd.gov Website: https://www.rockvillemd.gov/359/Summer-Camps Ages: Various ages, depending on the camp The City of Rockville encourages individuals with disabilities to register and participate in Rockville recreation programs. To adequately plan for a successful and rewarding experience, contact the office at the above number to secure auxiliary services and aides. More than 60 camps are available, including single-week and multi-week camps. Favorites with xMinds families include Croydon Creek Nature Center Camps and Way Off Broadway Camp. Sports PlusSummer 2021 Virtual Experience
Location: Online
Contact: Natalie K. Liniak, info@playsportsplus.org Website: https://playsportsplus.org Dates: Week 1: June 21-June 25; Week 2: June 28-July 1st (4 days) Sports Plus is an award winning non-profit organization that offers programs designed for participants ages 5-25 with mild to moderate autism and other developmental disabilities. The Sports Plus Summer 2021 Virtual Experience will include a half-day dynamic program that will feature high-energy fitness, art and science projects, games, field trips, and lots of socialization. The Treatment and Learning CentersLittle Friends CampLocation: The Katherine Thomas School, 9975 Medical Center Dr., Rockville, MD 20850 Contact: Lisa Torvik (301) 424-5200, ext. 306; LTorvik@ttlc.org Website: https://www.ttlc.org/summer-programs/sp-programs/sp-ot-camps/ Ages: 3-5 Dates: In-person, June 28-August 13, 12:30-3:30 p.m. The focus of Little Friends is on building communication and social-pragmatic language skills as well as addressing areas of sensory processing and motor planning through interactive summer themes, active play, and use of three sensory gyms. Groups are led each day by both a speech-language pathologist and an occupational therapist. Friends TogetherLocation: The Katherine Thomas School, 9975 Medical Center Dr., Rockville, MD 20850 Contact: Lisa Torvik (301) 424-5200, ext. 306; LTorvik@ttlc.org Website: https://www.ttlc.org/summer-programs/sp-programs/sp-ot-camps/ Ages: 5-7 Dates: In-person, June 28-August 13, 12:30-3:30 p.m. This camp focuses on building communication and social-pragmatic language skills as well as addressing areas of sensory processing and motor planning. Campers enjoy interactive summer themes, active play, and the use of three sensory gyms. Groups are led each day by both a speech-language pathologist and an occupational therapist. Location: TBD Ages: 2.5-5 Contact: Julie Bobrow at 301-424-5200×147; jbobrow@ttlc.org Website: https://www.ttlc.org/summer-programs/sp-programs/sp-ot-camps/ Preschool children work on improving their communication, sensory motor, and peer play skills through small interactive groups. Children have the opportunity to work with two professional staff members, which may include occupational therapists, psychologists, and/or counselors. Virtual CampLocation: Virtual Contact: Lisa Torvik (301) 424-5200, ext. 306; LTorvik@ttlc.org Website: https://www.ttlc.org/summer-programs/sp-programs/sp-ot-camps/ Ages: 5-10 Dates: June 29-August 19, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-10 a.m. Led by an occupational therapist and speech-language pathologist, Virtual Camp will target gross motor, sensory processing, communication, and social interaction skills. For a listing of additional camps for special needs students, please see the MCPS Summer Camps Guide.pdf. |