The Autism Society of North Carolina’s Summer Camp Program at Camp Royall has received a grant of $4,800 from Bi-Lo Charities. The grant will fund scholarships to Camp Royall for low-income campers with autism in Western North Carolina.
The unique summer camp program at Camp Royall allows individuals with autism to have a recreational and therapeutic camp experience which is safe and customized to their needs and abilities. This enormously popular program also provides much needed respite for families caring for an individual with autism, and a training ground for future human services professionals.
In order to give individualized attention to each camper, Camp Royall provides a 1:1 or 1:2 counselor-to-camper ratio. In addition, counselors receive extensive training on autism, including ways to support and interact with individuals affected by the disorder. Because of this, the cost to attend camp is significantly higher than a camp for non-disabled children. Many families cannot afford to cover camp tuition fees due to the amount that they are already paying for medical and therapeutic treatments.
“We are grateful to Bi-Lo for the opportunity to help low-income families send their children to this special camp,” says Kristy White, Director of Development for the Autism Society of North Carolina. “Our goal is to offer the life-changing experience of summer camp to all North Carolina children with autism, regardless of their ability to pay.”
The Autism Society of North Carolina’s Summer Camp program at Camp Royall is the nation’s oldest and largest autism summer camp. Founded in 1972, the program provides an overnight camp experience for over 350 individuals with autism, as well as a variety of year-round programs.
Bi-Lo is a regional supermarket chain with over 214 locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. Bi-Lo Charities was founded over 28 years ago to help the communities they serve fight hunger, address the needs of children, and provide educational opportunities for people of all ages.
Background:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. Recent studies estimate that up to 1 of every 70 children born in North Carolina will be affected by ASD.
For over forty years, the Autism Society of North Carolina has worked to address areas of need and expand services for the autism community in North Carolina. ASNC works to directly improve the lives of individuals affected by autism, by providing advocacy, education, and services.
Additional information is available by calling 1-800-442-2762 or by visiting www.autismsociety-nc.org.