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What is the purpose of the ASNC Summer Camp Program?
The camp program was developed to provide a recreational and therapeutic camping experience for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related communication disorders. In addition, we provide much-needed respite to families and training for those pursuing a career in human services. Camp has provided a place of employment for many adults with autism as well.
Who attends the Autism Society of North Carolina Summer Camp?
All of our campers have a diagnosis of ASD or a related communication disorder. Campers must be current residents of North Carolina. Campers range in age from 4 years old to adult and each week of camp is designated for a particular age group. The ASNC Summer Camp Program makes every effort to serve all people with autism, regardless of the degree of disability.
Who works at the Autism Society of North Carolina Summer Camp program?
Our staff is typically comprised of college students from all over the country and at times, even from other countries! Most of our staff members are pursuing a degree in education or psychology, but many are majoring in fields not related to ASD. We run criminal background checks on all of staff.
What kind of training is provided for camp staff?
We will conduct a weeklong training session for all new staff prior to the start of camp. This training will include seminars on ASD and our approaches to supporting those who are affected, as well as opportunities to observe and interact with individuals with autism each day. These individuals will be paired with a trainer who will model and teach proper methods for interacting with them.
What level of supervision are you able to provide?
Our counselors are assigned 1 to 2 campers each week. This allows our staff to give individualized, constant attention. In addition, there are always extra staff members available to assist counselors when needed.
What about rest time and nights?
During these times, we have 3 staff members in each camper cabin with additional staff members on call. At night, at least one staff member will stay awake until all campers are asleep. Staff members sleep in front of each door exiting the cabin.
How do you handle medication?
Nurses are on site to check in medications on Sunday and set up a schedule for administration. We have one staff member whose sole responsibility is to administer medication throughout the week.
Where is Autism Summer Camp located?
We currently have 2 locations: Camp Royall near Chapel Hill, NC and Mountain Adventure near Asheville, NC.
What’s the difference between Camp Royall and Mountain Adventure?
Both sites adhere to the same policies and procedures and each site’s staff follows the same training curriculum. Camp Royall serves an average of 32 campers each week for 10 weeks; Mountain Adventure serves and average of 15 campers each week and for 6 weeks. The sites’ facilities differ in some areas, such as sleeping arrangements and geographic location. Most people decide based on which location works best for them. There is a comparison of the two facilities on the Facility Comparison page.
How much does it cost to send my child to camp?
All campers are required to pay a fee for camp. Non-members pay a flat fee of $1600. Current Autism Society of North Carolina members are eligible for a discounted fee using our sliding fee scale, based on income and family size. A limited number of scholarships are also available for those members who need financial assistance.
Can you accommodate special diets and/or food preferences?
Many of our campers are on restricted diets. We will accommodate these whenever possible. If a camper can only eat certain specialty foods, such as gluten-casein free foods, parents are asked to bring food with them to supplement our menu, as these foods are not readily available in our rural locations.
How do I apply?
You must be a resident of NC with a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder to apply for camp. Complete and mail the registration form (to be added on 1/15/2008).The form is also included in the winter edition of the Society’s quarterly newsletter, the Spectrum. Applicants are selected to attend camp using a random lottery selection. Those who did not attend camp the prior summer are allotted camp slots first. The remaining slots are filled with campers who attended the prior summer, again using a random lottery for order of selection.
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