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Summer 2024 Camp GuideNote: We're currently working on next year's Summer Camp Guide; watch for it in February 2025! This 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. 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. Please verify session dates, requirements, and costs with the individual camps. Updated March 5, 2024 CAMP TYPE: Day Camps | Overnight Camps Day CampsAlliance PediatricsClub Alliance Summer Program Location: TBD, Gaithersburg or Rockville Contact: Melody Britton; Club@alliancepediatrics.com; 240-252-4105; Interest form: https://forms.gle/iMYBkLBBL2EdyHnC8 Website: https://alliancepediatrics.com/summer-program/ Ages: 8–12Dates: June 24–July 12, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM (aftercare available); 3-week sessions available and 1-week session. Empowering kids to face fears, manage emotions, and become social rock stars! This is a summer camp that helps children accept difficult emotions while learning ways to feel calm and become socially confident. We offer an emotional component that includes regulation strategies, identifying and handling unhelpful thoughts, and more. Our social component includes conversation skills, dealing with teasing, social problem solving, and more. Supplemental lessons teach campers about the different factors that impact our social emotional health, like nutrition, sleep, and daily gratitude. Our #1 goal is for kids to enjoy themselves (while learning life skills). Children learn best when they are engaged! Once we know our enrolled participants, we like to incorporate their interests into the social enrichment and emotion regulation curriculum. ArtStreamLocation: 15800 Crabbs Branch Way, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20855 Contact: 301-565-4567, info@art-stream.org Website: https://www.art-stream.org/ Ages: 18 and up Dates: Summer programming has not been finalized. ArtStream classes are geared toward individuals, ages 18 and up, with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, and are designed to fuel each student’s imagination, creativity, and focus. Classes are accessible, empowering, and engaging. Students improve communication and social skills and develop friendships. You do not need acting experience to participate in ArtStream. The Auburn School
Location: 9115 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Contact: Amanda Sickel, 301-588-8048; amanda.sickel@theauburnschool.org Website: https://www.theauburnschool.org/summer-programs/camp-aristotle-silver-spring-campus/ Ages: Kindergarten–9th Grade Dates: Four one-week sessions: July 8–12; July 15–19; July 22–26; July 29–August 2 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 our 2024 camp theme: Space & the Galaxy Beyond. Our model integrates social thinking and learning support throughout the day so campers can build friendships, explore, and most importantly, have fun! Basic ConceptsBasic Concepts Therapeutic Camp Location: St. Elizabeth's School; 917 Montrose Road Rockville, MD 20852 Contact: Katy Whidden, M.A. CCC- SLP, 240-447-8013, katywhidden@gmail.com Website: https://basicconcepts.org/classes Ages: Preschool (age 3)–Grade 5 Dates: Session 1: June 24–July 5; Session 2: July 8–July 26 Basic Concepts offers a variety of classes for children, preschool through middle school. We utilize numerous therapeutic interventions (sensory, play, music, social, and behavioral) throughout all of our daily activities for maximum achievement. Our summer programs are intended for children who have mild to moderate deficits in speech, language, play, sensory, and socialization. Children participate in both small and whole group activities to ensure that their individual goals are met. Speech-language pathologists and special educators provide services in all our classrooms. All college counselors are intensively trained and have extensive background in working with children with special needs. Bender JCC of Greater WashingtonLessans Camp JCC Location: 6125 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852 Contact: campjcc@benderjccgw.org, 301-348-3883 Website: https://www.benderjccgw.org/camp-jcc/ Ages: 4–21 Dates: June 17–August 23 We open our doors to everyone, including people of all backgrounds, religions, abilities, and sexual orientations. Inclusion is belonging. Built on ruach (spirit) and kehilla (community), Camp JCC builds strong Jewish identities, fosters lasting friendships, and creates memories that last a lifetime! Youth and teens with special needs are embraced in a warm, caring, and supportive environment at the Bender JCC through inclusive, innovative programming that enlightens, educates, and boosts self-esteem. Note: The Inclusion Program for campers who need extra support is full for 2024. For future summers, please note that enrollment starts in November for returning campers and in December for new campers. Brendan Sailing Summer Sailing Programs Location: Annapolis, MD, and St. Mary's City, MD Contact: (443) 995-6375; info@brendansailing.org Website: https://www.brendansailing.org/ Ages: 11–18 (Day Camp), 14–18 (Overnight Camp) Dates: Annapolis Day Camp — Two-Week Sessions: June 17–June 28 and July 1–12 (no camp July 4); One-Week Sessions: July 1–5 (no camp July 4) and July 8–12, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM; St. Mary's Overnight Camp: July 14–20 Since 2005, Brendan Sailing has been helping children with learning differences to realize success. Our programs are led by U.S. Sailing certified instructors who work with individual students to discover their individual learning styles. The Brendan Sailing Curriculum covers an introduction to the sport of sailing including the parts of the boat, maneuvers, navigation, and the Rules of the Road that follows the National On-Water Standards. Our instructors use a hands-on approach to teach sailing and seamanship, with emphasis on building self-confidence and social skills, while developing basic sailing skills. Overnight session campers will have the opportunity to stay on-site in St. Mary's College student housing, eat meals in the dining hall, and build confidence through the independence they experience while staying on campus. No sailing or boating experience is necessary for either the day or overnight sessions. Scholarships available. BSC Buddy Camp Free Soccer Camp for Children with Physical and Developmental Disabilities Location: Thomas S. Wootton High School, 2100 Wootton Pkwy., Rockville, MD 20850 Contact: Hale Lieberman; halelieberman@gmail.com Website: BSCBuddyCamp.org Ages: 8–18 Dates: June 17–June 21, 9:00 AM–11:00 AM At BSC Buddy Camp, children of all skill levels take advantage of expert coaching and guidance to advance their soccer abilities. With travel soccer players from Bethesda Soccer Club as their "buddies," our campers navigate drills and games designed to provide exposure to the sport of soccer while simultaneously encouraging teamwork and social connection. Our stress-free environment emphasizes a strong 1:1 staff-to-camper ratio and permits us to accommodate children of all ability levels. BSC Buddy Camp is run by volunteers and is free to those attending! Campers must have a parent present for the entire session. This is not a drop-off/pick-up program. CREATE Arts CenterCAMP CREATE! Location: 914 Silver Spring Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Contact: Lisa Pascal, (301) 588-2787; lisa@createartscenter.org Website: https://createartscenter.org/art-camps/summer-camp/ Ages: 8–13 Dates: Session 1 (ages 8–10): July 8–19; Session 2 (ages 11–13): July 22–26; 2024 Camp Hours: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM CAMP CREATE! is a therapeutic summer camp designed for youth with minor to moderate behavioral, emotional and functioning differences who will benefit from extra attention and support. Campers who have anxiety, learning delays, minor behavioral concerns, or social and emotional difficulties are welcome. Session 1 is a two-week camp for children ages 8–10 (rising third, fourth, and fifth graders). Session 2 is a one-week camp for youth ages 11–13 (rising sixth, seventh, and eighth graders). CAMP CREATE! is designed to teach campers everyday life skills, such as mindfulness techniques, flexible thinking habits, healthy expression of emotions, improved social interactions, and positive self-image through artistic expression. We strive to create a camp environment where your child is understood and properly supported by our art therapists and teaching artists. We want your child to be happy at pick-up time, telling you, “I had a great day today!” Diener SchoolDiener Summer Camp: Owl Program and Owlett Program Location: St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 6030 Grosvenor Ln., Bethesda, MD 20814 Contact: camp@thedienerschool.org; (301) 299-4602 Website: https://thedienerschool.org/summer-camp/ Ages: Owlett Program for Elementary School (entering grades K-5); Owl Program for Middle School (entering grades 5-8) Dates: 5 weeks: June 24–July 26; M–Th 9:00 AM–3:00 PM, F 9:00 AM–1:00 PM Both elementary and middle school age groups have thematic weeks with multisensory activities and field trips. Speech therapy and occupational therapy are integrated into both programs, along with academic skills review. The Owlett program includes an emphasis on gross motor activities that develop body awareness, coordination, strength, balance, stability, and motor planning. The Owl progam includes STEM projects and musical and visual art activities, as well as a focus on developing social skills and executive functioning strategies. Fitness for HealthZoning In Summer Camp Fitness for Health is offering a summer therapeutic program for students with ADHD, Social Communication Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. The Zoning In Summer Program integrates concepts of the zones of regulation and social thinking with motor activities, encouraging campers to explore and improve their social skills and motor development. The heart of our camp is centered around the Zones of Regulation program, a framework that empowers children to understand and manage their emotions and sensory needs effectively. Under the guidance of our skilled occupational therapists, campers will engage in interactive sessions aimed at developing their self-regulation skills, providing them with valuable tools for navigating the world around them. With a low Student to Professional Staff (an occupational therapist and integrated movement specialists) ratio, our Zoning In program is especially beneficial for students with social challenges. Our specially trained staff lead dynamic group activities that not only enhance physical coordination, balance, and strength but also encourage teamwork, communication, and social interaction. Great and SmallKids Inclusive Camp (Therapeutic Riding) Contact: Lisa Gatons; LGatons@greatandsmallride.org; (301) 349-0075 Website: https://www.greatandsmallride.org/programs Ages: 5–10 Dates: Ages 5–7: July 8–12; Ages 8–10: July 22–26; 9:00 AM–2:00 PM Kids Inclusive Camp offers a safe environment for participants to learn how to ride and care for their equine partners. Participants will spend their mornings engaged in daily riding lessons with our therapeutic riding instructors and in daily unmounted equine learning lessons where they may learn how to groom their horses, how to care for their horses, and much more! Afternoons will be spent on the ground with arts and crafts time, social skills activities, and games. This inclusive camp is designed for participants of all abilities. Friends and siblings are welcome. iCan Shine (hosted by Howard County Department of Recreation and Camps)iCan Bike Camp Locations: Gary J. Arthur Community Center, 2400 Route 97, Cooksville, MD 21723 Contact: Registration: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/howardcounty/activity/search/detail/134167; Questions: Nick Owens at nowens@howardcountymd.gov Website: https://icanshine.org/ Ages: 8+ Children, adolescents, and young adults with disabilities learn how to ride a bike without training wheels, building their self-confidence and providing exercise. A parent must attend an informational meeting on Sunday, July 14, at 3:00 PM, and be onsite for the camp. Participants must attend all five days of the camp. Schedule dates and time subject to change per contractor availability. Participant must have a documented disability and be at least 8 years old and may not weigh more than 220 pounds. Imagination StageLocations: Bethesda, Rockville, and Northwest DC Contact: registrar@imaginationstage.org; 301-961-6060 Website: https://imaginationstage.org/camps/ Ages: 4–18 Imagination Stage offers camps in acting and musical theater, dance, filmmaking, and more. Imagination Stage provides equitable access to all summer programming with added inclusion supports in order to provide the most successful experience for each student. When registering, please share with us how we can make your child’s experience as accessible as possible, or reach out to an Access team member at least two weeks ahead of time to share your child’s support needs. We want your child’s summer with Imagination Stage to be a great one! Contact access@imaginationstage.org prior to enrollment to discuss reasonable and respectful accommodations and support strategies to ensure a successful experience. Learning EssentialsBrain Camp Location: Online Contact: Info@LearningEssentialsEDU.com; 240-249-8492 Website: https://learningessentialsedu.com/brain-camp/ Ages: 7th–12th grade Is your child ready to level up with study skills? This innovative, experiential program is proven to help students achieve their full learning potential through a series of 10 one-hour appointments. Brain Camp is offered online only. By the end of Brain Camp your student will gain: an easy-to-implement system for studying, a step-by-step approach to better academic achievement, proven strategies to organize time and assignments, the know-how to study and prepare for tests and other assignments, and newfound confidence! Everyone on the team at Learning Essentials holds either a master's or doctorate in special education and is state-certified as a special educator; some additionally have certification as reading specialists and one as an educational therapist. Montgomery College Summer Youth Programs: Workforce Development and Continuing Education Location: Montgomery College locations in Rockville, Germantown, and Takoma Park/Silver Spring Website: http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/youth Ages: Grades 1–12 Montgomery College Youth Programs offers a wide variety of programs in everything from art to technology to writing. Some offerings are approved for Student Service Learning (SSL) hours. Montgomery College Youth Programs is committed to providing accessible education and a supportive learning environment for all students. The college offers support through the Disability Support Services Office. Contact the office at least two weeks before the start of a program to arrange for reasonable accommodations. See the Summer 2024 guide for a full listing of offerings. Montgomery Parks Program Access Program Access, also referred to as “Inclusion,” is the means by which individuals with disabilities are welcome to participate in Montgomery Parks’ recreational programs and activities of their choice. Reasonable modifications are provided, as needed. We will work with parents and caregivers to determine how to meet the needs of campers. Some minimum eligibility requirements (age, level of participation) must be met in order to participate. You can request support (support staff, social stories, sensory tools, and more) while registering your child for each program. Montgomery Parks offers a variety of summer camps, which are listed in its 2024 Summer Camp Guide. These include SENSE-sational Summers at Meadowside (ages 6–8; August 12- August 16), a program intentionally designed for neurodivergent campers. During the week campers will go on hikes, learn about ecosystems and habitats while using their senses, say “hello” to the nature center animals, make a splash in Rock Creek, and create sensory crafts. This camp offers a 1:2 ratio for staff to campers. Montgomery County Department of Recreation Therapeutic Recreation Camps and General Recreation Camps Reach Every VoiceReach Every Voice Summer Institute Contact: info@reacheveryvoice.org Reach Every Voice Institutes are designed to give students who type, spell, or point to communicate an engaging and enriching learning experience beyond what is available in any outside-of-school program. The three-hour session is broken into three 45-minute chunks with 15-minute breaks in between: a group game, a lesson (themes chosen by students), and structured social hour. 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, 5–16, depending on the camp The City of Rockville encourages individuals with disabilities to register and participate in Rockville Recreation and Parks programs. To request a reasonable modification/accommodation, please call 240-314-8108, three weeks in advance of your program. More than 60 camps are listed in the 2024 guide, including single-week and multi-week camps. Favorites with xMinds families include Croydon Creek Nature Center Camps. Registration opens February 15. Social Grace LLCGet Out of the House Camp Location: 3100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201 Contact: (703) 829-6394; Schedule a phone consultation by clicking here. Website: socialgracellc.com/camp Ages: Ages 11–18 Dates: Week 1: July 8–12, Week 2: July 15–19, Week 3: July 22–26, Week 4: July 29–August 2, Week 5: August 5–9, Week 6: August 12–16; 10 AM–3 PM, Monday–Friday Our camp is designed to be a fun adventure each day! We teach critical social competencies and life skills while having fun, making friends, and eating good food! Other skills we practice: building confidence and self-esteem, communication, compromise, flexibility, perspective taking, self-advocacy, teamwork, and trying new things.
Surfers HealingSurfing Camp Location: Ocean City, MD; Virginia Beach, VA Contact: (877) 966-SURF Website: surfershealing.org Dates: Ocean City, MD: August 14; Virginia Beach, VA: August 16 and 17 This one-day free camp offers kids with autism an opportunity to go surfing. The program is offered in various cities, and will be in Ocean City, MD, on August 14 and in Virginia Beach, VA, on August 16 and 17. The volunteer-staffed camps give over 4,500 children with autism a chance to ride the waves, to challenge themselves, and to try something new. Ocean City registration is open April 15–19. Virginia Beach registration is open April 22–26. The Treatment and Learning CentersLittle Friends Camp The focus of Little Friends is on building communication, reciprocity, and engagement 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 Together CampLocation: The Treatment and Learning Centers, 1390 Piccard Drive, Suite 210 Rockville MD 20850 Contact: 301-424-5202; SummerPrograms@TTLC.org Website: https://ttlc.org/services/summer-programs/ Ages: 5–7 Dates: June 24–August 9, Monday to Friday. Offers a morning session (9:00 AM–12:00 noon), afternoon session (12:30 PM–3:30 PM), and full-day programming (9:00 AM–3:30 PM.) Friends Together focuses on building communication, reciprocity, and engagement 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. Overnight CampsBrendan Sailing Summer Sailing Programs Location: Annapolis, MD, and St. Mary's City, MD Contact: (443) 995-6375; info@brendansailing.org Website: https://www.brendansailing.org/ Ages: 11–18 (Day Camp), 14–18 (Overnight Camp) Dates: Annapolis Day Camp — Two-Week Sessions: June 17–June 28 and July 1–12 (no camp July 4); One-Week Sessions: July 1–5 (no camp July 4) and July 8–12, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM; St. Mary's Overnight Camp: July 14–20 Since 2005, Brendan Sailing has been helping children with learning differences to realize success. Our programs are led by U.S. Sailing certified instructors who work with individual students to discover their individual learning styles. The Brendan Sailing Curriculum covers an introduction to the sport of sailing including the parts of the boat, maneuvers, navigation, and the Rules of the Road that follows the National On-Water Standards. Our instructors use a hands-on approach to teach sailing and seamanship, with emphasis on building self-confidence and social skills, while developing basic sailing skills. Overnight session campers will have the opportunity to stay on-site in St. Mary's College student housing, eat meals in the dining hall, and build confidence through the independence they experience while staying on campus. No sailing or boating experience is necessary for either the day or overnight sessions. Scholarships available. Camp Ramah in the PoconosThe Tikvah Program Camp Ramah in the Poconos offers children and young adults with special needs and their families a continuum of experiences and opportunities for growth in the areas of Jewish identity, socialization, independence, and much more. The Tikvah Program at Camp Ramah in the Poconos is an integral part of our camp and enhances the entire community. Currently serving campers with a wide range of needs, including developmental and intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, learning differences, and neurological impairments, we are continuously innovating to develop new opportunities and experiences for our campers and their families. Camp RamapoLocation: 107 Camp Ramapo Rd, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Ramapo serves young people who are affected by social, emotional, or learning challenges, including those on the autism spectrum. Rampao serves a wide range of campers—from nonverbal elementary-age children to teens needing help building essential conflict resolution skills. The camp’s one-to-one staff-to-camper ratio is designed to provide a safe, predictable, and highly structured setting that fosters the development of positive social and learning skills. A typical day at Camp Ramapo might include a morning challenge on the high ropes, a swim in the lake or pool after lunch, an afternoon learning about nature, and an evening campfire. Campers live in rustic bunks with an average of six peers and every camper is encouraged to participate in all educational and recreational activities. Camp SequoiaLocation: 200 Seminary St., Pennsburg, PA Contact: 610-771-0111; info@camp-sequoia.com Website: https://www.camp-sequoia.com/ Ages: Boys 7–17, Girls 9–16Dates: Boys: Full Season, June 23–August 3; First Session, June 23–July 13; Second Session, July 14–August 3; Girls: June 22–July 24 Camp Sequoia is an overnight summer camp for neurodivergent children and teens to experience social skills success in a dynamic and nurturing environment. The mission of Sequoia is to help campers have a great time while developing their social cognition (how to think in a social context and apply socially related skills). Camp Sequoia is designed for individuals with ADHD and similar diagnoses who do not need the level of support offered at special needs overnight camps, yet need a different experience than a traditional overnight camp can offer. Our 2:5 staffing ratio allows our campers to have fun and grow in a safe and supportive camp experience. Capital Camps and Retreat CenterAtzmai'im Inclusion Program Capital Camps is committed to the concept of "camp for all." We welcome campers of all backgrounds, denominational affiliations, gender, race, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status, including those with a range of intellectual, emotional, and physical abilities. We offer an array of supports. A central part of our staff training and mentoring relates to creation of safe spaces for all campers. To accomplish this, we have a Camper Care Coordinator and a team of Yoetzot (licensed social workers, therapists, clinical psychologists, school guidance counselors, and seasoned educators), who oversee the mental, social, emotional, and spiritual health needs of our campers and staff. We also recognize that some campers may need additional support. Our Atzma’im (independence) program provides an increased level of support for campers with additional support needs. We partner with parents and caregivers to determine if we can meet an individual camper’s needs. Easterseals Camp FairleeLocation: 22242 Bay Shore Rd, Chestertown, MD 21620 Contact: (410) 778-0566 ; fairlee@esdel.org Website: https://www.campfairlee.com/ Ages: Two age groups: 6-21; 21 and overDates: June 23–28; June 30–July 11; July 14–19; July 21–August 1; August 4–9; August 11–16; August 18–23; August 25–September 1 Camp Fairlee provides a traditional camp experience for campers of all abilities. Daily schedules include activities such as arts & crafts, music, sports, games, swimming, hiking, canoeing, hayrides, campfires, and more. Camp Fairlee takes pride in being able to accommodate a wide variety of disabilities even for activities like navigating the zip-line and horseback riding. Session themes include "Going Green," "Animal Planet," and "Lost in Space." Camp Fairlee offers the option of a 3:1 camper-to-counselor ratio or a 1:1 ratio. The Maryland Autism Waiver can be used as a funding source, if certain criteria are met. Maryland Youth Leadership ForumLocation: Towson University, Towson, MD Contact: Danielle Bustos, dbustos@innow.org, 240-898-2189.Website: https://www.innow.org/mdylf/ Ages: 15–21, students in their final two years of high school. Must be a Maryland resident and have a disability Dates: June 24–June 26 The Maryland Youth Leadership Forum (MD-YLF) is a summer program for rising juniors, rising seniors, and 2024 high school graduates with any type of disability. MD-YLF invites approximately 30 students from across the state to stay for three days in the dormitories of Towson University. While on campus, students learn about self-advocacy, communication skills, the history of the disability/civil rights movement, and how to create meaningful social interactions with their peers. The students also meet their legislative representatives and learn how to present legislative testimony. Ultimately, the MD-YLF experience will help guide students to advocate for themselves, learn to live independently, and grow as individuals.Application due March 1, 2024. Melwood and Children's National HospitalCamp Accomplish Contact: 301-870-3226; RecreationCenter@melwood.org Website: https://campaccomplish.org/ A collaboration between Melwood and Children's National Hospital, Camp Accomplish serves campers with and without disabilities and chronic health conditions, while promoting fun, safety, challenge, and friendship for everyone. From climbing walls to nature trails to therapeutic riding activities, every child is welcome to explore, learn, and grow. Other activities include swimming, creative and performing arts, sports, kayaking, culinary arts, and STEM. Options include Camp Connect ASD for children and teens with autism; Access Adventures for youth transitioning into adulthood; and a general Inclusive Overnight Camp. Campers share comfortable, air-conditioned cabins. Summit CampLocation: 168 Duck Harbor Rd., Honesdale, PA Contact: 570-253-4381; info@summitcamp.comWebsite: https://summitcamp.com/camp/ Ages: Ages 8–21 Dates: First Session: June 23–July 20; Second Session: July 21–August 17; Full Season: June 23–August 17; Mini Camp: August 18–28 Summit Camp & Travel is a therapeutically designed sleepaway summer camp and travel program organized to meet the needs of campers who have social and emotional learning challenges and who have difficulty sustaining friendships. The camp serves children of average to above average intelligence who have a variety of social, emotional, and learning issues. Campers have diagnoses that often include ASD, ADHD, learning differences, Tourette's, and mood disorders. Summit's mission is to provide children with a safe, happy, and enriching experience while offering their families a secure respite. If you have a question or suggestion about this guide, please email info@xminds.org. |