Looking for summer activities that will keep your child with autism engaged and learning new skills, all while still having fun? San Diego is home to many summer camps, sports activities, art classes and other programs for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. In an effort to make this process easier for parents, NFAR's new guide lists many of the camp options available in our community.
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SAN DIEGO FAMILY MAGAZINE'S VIRTUAL CAMP FAIR
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Check out all the summer programs available in your area right from your computer. Search by activity (dance, sports, arts, music) or age group. |
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YMCA All Ages
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YMCA has a variety for day and overnight summer camps providing mainstream activities and a multitude of camp options for every age and every ability. Most of the camps have an inclusion program for children with special needs The YMCA website has great information and resources on all their camps. |
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CITY OF SAN DIEGO PARKS & REC THERAPEUTIC RECREATION SERVICES Ages 7 - Adult Ages 6 - 12
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Specialty Day Camps and summer activities for individual with special needs. View the complete brochure here. Camp Able at Coronado - provides challenging, recreational, and educational activities for children with disabilities. All ages included. There are (6) weeklong sessions beginning July 1-August 9 from 9:30am-3pm. Agencies who are able to prepay by June 14, 2013 will receive a discounted rate of $100/week or $20/day. After June 14th, rates are $125/week or $25/day. Visit their website, email or call Jenelle at 858-254-0944 for more information. Camp at the Bay - campers, ages 7 to adult, with any disability will experience jet skiing, water skiing, tubing, sailing, kayaking, crafts, handcycling, and more. Siblings and friends are welcome to attend. Camp meets at North Crown Point Shores. Monday-Friday, July 8-12, 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Cost: $158.25 (City Resident) / $166.50 (Non-resident) Payment is due by June 10. Leader is Jenny Cavellier 619-525-8247 Camp Wet and Wild - campers, ages 7 to adult, with any disability, siblings and friends will enjoy surfing, kayaking and games, plus a field trip, crafts and special visitors. Camp meets at South Mission Beach jetty. Monday-Friday, July 22- July 26, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Cost: $158.25 (City Resident) / $166.50 (Non-resident) Leader is Nick Hurd 619-525-8247 Kidzone Summer Adventure Camp - campers, ages 6 to 12, with any disability, siblings and friends, join the adventure this summer visiting fun spots around San Diego. Cost includes t-shirt, daily field trips, and admission and transportation costs. Camp meets at Tecolote Park Monday-Friday, August 5 - 9, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Cost: $158.25 (City Resident) / $166.50 (Non-resident) Leader is Leslie Willis 619-525-8247 Inclusion Support - Other day camp opportunities are available for children ages 3 to 12 at City of San Diego Park and Recreation centers. Call 619-525-8248 to request inclusion support if needed. Requests are processed in the order received and according to staff availability. (Minimum three week advance notice is needed.) Partial scholarships for all TRS camps are available to those who demonstrate need. Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp - Tuesday - Saturday, August 6 - 10, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. Cosponsored with SDASF. Call 619-336-1806 for details. |
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AEFCT Ages 2 - 4 Ages 13 - 17
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Social Skills & Toddler Play Groups - following the Michelle Garcia Winner curriculum, the Social Skills Groups are available for children of varying functioning and age level. Their Toddler Play Group is designed for children age 24 months through 4 years. PEERS (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) - a 14 week social skills program for teens, ages 13-17, who are interested in learning ways to make and keep friends. Topic include how to find and choose friends, plan and host get-togethers, conversational skills, use of humor, good sportsmanship, and handling bullying,or teasing Space is limited. Both PEERS group for teens and their parents will be held at the AEFCT Office. More info on PEERS Groups & Social Skills Groups or call 858-569-0056. |
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AQUA NUTS SWIMMING All Ages
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With over 9 years working with children with special needs, they have the patience and guidance that will make an aqua nut out of any swimmer! Visit their website for more information about our instructors' backgrounds and more lesson information. | |
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Autism Discovery Institute - Rady Children's Hospital Kindergarten Ages 8-12, Ages 13 - 17
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Kinder Boot Camp - a kindergarten readiness group for children with autism spectrum disorders preparing to enter an inclusion or general education setting. Targeted goals for the group include: transitioning between activities, attending and participating during class activities and identifying and keeping track of personal materials. This class is held during the summer months only and twice a week for 4 weeks (total of 8 sessions) Click here for flyer. Hi Fives – a social skills group for children with autism spectrum disorders at or around 5 years of age. Children will be screened by a psychologist for admittance into the group, with a maximum of six children with autism spectrum disorders and three to four typical peers. The group will include a parent-training component at the onset and in the middle of the 12-week group. Click here for flyer. Girl Talk – a social skills group serving girls with autism spectrum disorders between 8-10 or 10-12 years of age. Children will be screened by a psychologist prior to admittance into the group to ensure appropriate placement and to assist with establishing individual goals. Click here for flyer. PEERS – a social skills group for teens with autism Spectrum Disorders. PEERS (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relationship Skills) is an evidence-based social skills intervention providing teems with the tools needed for building and maintaining positive friendships. PEERS also includes a parent group to equip families in assisting their teem with social relationship. A thorough screening is completed prior to admittance into the group to ensure appropriate placement and to assist with establishing individual goals. Click here for flyer. Please contact our Autism Program Coordinator for more information on inclusion criteria, start dates and payment options. Call 858-966-1700, ext. 6170 |
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Camp I Can - Children participating in camp will have the opportunity to go on daily field trips to places such as Boomers, Knott's Soak City, Legoland, Chuck E. Cheese, Belmont Park and more. There will be swimming at the YMCA pool throughout the week. The staff to camper ratio is low to insure maximum safety and optimize participation. Each camper is evaluated for their needs and is provided a high level of expereienced, knowledgeable supervision. No camper is turned away based upon need. Financial assistance may also be available through the YMCA. Visit the website to register and learn more.
Surf Camp La Jolla Shores - open to San Diego County residents 5 years and older. Membership in the SDASA, and proof of diagnosis is required for enrollment. Each camper is paired with a one-on-one aide who is experienced with persons with autism and surfing.
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ARC OF SAN DIEGO All Ages
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The Arc of San Diego's traditional summer resident camp for children, teens and adults, offers you a relaxing week in the local Palomar Mountain outdoor school. Your days are filled with swimming, hiking, sports, field trips, sing-a-longs, talent shows, dances, carnivals and camp crafts. While at camp you can also sign up for specialty classes - cooking, candle, jewelry and soap making, and T-shirt art are just a few of your choices. For more information and to be included on their Camp Forms Mailing List, please call 619-685-1175 or email pals@arc-sd.com Camp-a-Little - Ages 5+ residential summer camp Camp-a-Lot - Ages 18+ residential summer camp |
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BANYAN TREE LEARNING CENTER All Ages
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Academic training can improve skills in as little as 5 - 8 weeks. Banyan Tree offers a variety of programs for improvement in areas of cognitive processing, attention, working memory, reading, language and more. Their Summer Programs are personally designed for each student. For best results, an intensive program is recommended, which is 1-3 hours per day for 4-8 weeks, depending on individual goals and needs. For more information, visit their website or call 858-578-6616. |
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CAMP IVEY Ages 7 -22
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Camp Ivey offers the chance to learn all about horses this summer. Learn safety, handling, grooming, tacking and riding. Camp includes additional instruction in ground-training, humane education with small animals and reptiles, as well as feeding, housing and daily care of horses. Enrollment is limited to 21 children a week divided by age appropriate groups: 7-10, 11-13 and 14-17. The curriculum consists of a rotation through horseback riding, ground training and humane education. For more information, visit website or call 760- 722-4839. |
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CAMP JAYCEE Ages 4 - 16
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Camp Jaycee is an inclusion summer day camp and has been including those with autism since 1995. One to two week sessions, 1 to 1 aides if needed. Located in La Jolla. For more information visit their website or call 858-362-1123. |
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CAMP ONWARD Teens, young adults |
A program for teens and young adults with Asperger's Syndrome. Camp includes outdoor activities, life skills and animal interactions while building friendships! Program for teens runs every other Saturday from 10am-2pm. Please call for young adults schedule. Camp location is in Jamul at Red Hawk Ranch. Cost is $100 per meeting (four meetings in a session). Contact (619) 202-6029 for more information. |
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C.A.S.E., INC. Ages 3 - 6 Teens, young adults
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Friends Camp - July 8 - Aug 8, 2013 This program offers children on the Autistic Spectrum the experience of a day camp that has been modified to their needs. It provides a socially structured environment designed to explore and develop various aspects of social success in a safe and enjoyable setting. They will participate in activities like: day at the beach surfing, day at the park, trip to the science museum in Balboa Park, and rock climbing at a gym. Jr. Friends Club- This club is for ages 3-6 and is designed to help your child develop social skills in a structured, safe and enjoyable environment with peers. Offered 1time per week during the summer. Visit their website or call 760-720-4964 for details. Friends Clubs - these therapy groups run throughout the year and provide a structured, safe and enjoyable environment designed to explore and develop the many aspects of social success. Your child/teen will be participating in a smaill and intimate group of peers with similar needs, where they will be able to learn behavioral boundaries that will help them to be socially successful. |
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CHRISTIAN YOUTH THEATER CAMP Ages 5 - 10 Ages 10 - 14 Ages 13 - 18
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Christian Youth Theater (CYT) - offers a wide variety of affordable quality musical theater camps for ages 5 - 20. Campers rotate to a variety of theater classes including dance, drama & voice taught by qualified instructors. All campers perform in the musical theater showcase for family and friends at the end of the week. CYT openly welcomes all children with special needs, regardless of severity. Please let us know your child's needs by filling out a form and give us as much information as possible so that we can make your child's experience successful. Specific questions regarding assistance and accomodations can be directed to janie@cyt.org. For more information and descriptions, please visit their website or call 619-588-0206 Day Camps: Monday - Friday 9:00 - 3:00 (ages 5 - 10) and Tween Camp (ages 10-14) is $200 Overnight Teen Camp: (ages 13 - 18) is $375. This includes lodging and meals for the duration of the camp. Payment plan available upon request - please email janie@cyt.org. |
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CIRCLESTRETCH All Ages
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For more information on 2013 programs, please call 760-602-7986. |
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CRIMSON SPEECH & LANGUAGE CENTER Ages 8+
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iCan Bike - August 12-16 at Sol City Sports Center at Alliant University. This camp teaches individuals with disabilities to ride a conventional two wheel bicycle and become lifelong independent riders. This achievement, in turn, creates a gateway of opportunity, helping them gain assurance and self-reliance in many other aspects of their lives. Participants attend one assigned session each day for 75 minutes for five days. For more information. Contact Kendall Dann at kcdann@mac.com or call Crimson Center at 858-695-9415 to sign up.
Artic Camp - This summer program is a modification of an evidence-based, response to intervention program produced by SuperDuper, Inc. It is designed for school-aged children who have specific and isolated speech sound errors. Using a fun, center-based approach, children can play and practice target sounds to increase accuracy and speech intelligibility. This is particularly benefical for children who have articulation IEP goals but no extended school year services during the summer. For more information, please see website.
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DEL MAR SPORTS CAMP Ages 8 - 18
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These fun camps include surfing, beach volleyball, ocean kayaking, golf, tennis, indoor volleyball, and other summer sports. Ratios are as low as 1:3 for specific camps such as surfing. For more details visit their website or call 858-504-0808, delmarsportscamp@gmail.com |
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EASTER SEALS CAMP RESPITE Ages 5 - adult
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Camp Oakes - a week-long residential camp serving children and adults with special needs, including autism, down syndrome and cerebral palsy in the San Bernardino Mountains. Camp Oakes is an accredited American Camping Association site. Sunday, August 4 through Saturday, August 10, 2013. Camp elevation is 7,300 feet. The camp is co-ed and campers must have some communication skills. The counselor to camper ratio is approximately 1:2. The fee is $700
For more information please contact the Camp Coordinator or call (in the evening) 951.264.4855. Learn more online. |
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INCLUDE AUTISM Ages 6+
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Include Autism's Community Coaching Center (CCC) Program provides after-school, school break, and Saturday community-based, social behavior development program for children and teens diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. By providing structured collaborative community access with supported behavioral and social interactions, they provide opportunities for first-hand autism education and inclusion experiences to our greater San Diego community. Call (858) 603-9835 or visit our website. |
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K.I D.S. Therapy Associates Kids Ages 5 - 12
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Maranatha Christian School Sports Camp - Activities include: soccer, basketball, baseball, volleyball, karate, flag football, golf/frisbee, running, archery/fishing/orienteering, and more. Each child will receive an individualized plan, with modifications, supports and trained camp "Buddies" geared at making this experience fun and successful, regardless of disability severity. Held June 17-21, Camp cost is $75 per child. Visit their website or contact K.I.D.S.Therapy at 858-673-5437 |
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KROC CENTER - RAY & JOAN KROC COMMUNITY CENTER All Ages
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The Kroc Center offers a variety of after-school programs, day camps, ice skating, a full gym, fitness classes, swimming, and scholarships for membership. Inclusion offered for children able to stay with a group, etc. For more information, visit their website or call 619-287-5762. |
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Military Resources Ages 5- adult |
ACT Today's 2nd Annual Autism Film Program for Military Children - this 2-week program offers participants the unique opportunity to work with profession filmmakers to create a short film while promoting creativity and self-esteem. Visit their website for more info. MCRD Summer Camps - a comprehensive summer program for boys and girls ages 5-14 with a mixture of traditional day camps, with specialized sports camps, academic programs, performing art, creativity arts, leaderships, sportsmanship, and of course FUN! Call 619-524-0916 for more info. MCCS Miramar Summer Program Information: June 12-August 30 for Kindergarden-6th Graders. Call the Resource & Referral Office at (858)-577-6959 or visit our website. Youth Recreation Centers: These Centers offer a variety of activities and camps for children of all ages and abilities, (Admiral Hartman Recreation Center , Bayview Hills Community Center , Chesterton Community Center, Gateway Village Recreation Center , Murphy Canyon Kids Connection, Murphy Canyon Youth Center, Silver Strand Recreation Center, Village at Serra Mesa Recreation Center.) More more info. visit our website. |
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MISSION BAY WATER SPORTS CAMP Ages 6 -17
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Mission Bay Water Sports Camp includes activities such as wakeboarding, waterskiing, surfing, sailing and more. 1:1 trained aides are available. Learn more online or call 858-539-2003. |
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POSITIVE ACTION COMMUNITY THEATRE (PACT) All Ages
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Summer Workshops - PACT is offering three different, 8-week workshops starting July 13th to August 31st. Workshops include Children's Improvisational Theatre from 1:30 - 2:30 pm, cost is $150, Teen/Adult Improvisational Theatre from 2:30 - 4:00 pm, cost is $175, and Teen/Adult Performance Arts from 4:00 - 5:00 pm, cost is $150. Visit www.pacthouse.org, email info@pacthouse.org or call 760-815-8512 for details. |
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PRACTICAL KARATE All Ages |
Offers ongoing classes for kids. Adaptive karate classes are taught in an inclusive setting at the times and locations listed on the class schedule. Practical Karate - Please e-mail Frank to determine which classes are best for your child. Pricing: Monthly pass - $75. 10 Class Pack - $120, 20 Class Pack - $200, single class fee - $15. |
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RE SPECTRUM COMMUNITY Ages 4 - 12
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Summer Play Group – (ages 4-7) 9-12pm every day, July 29- Aug. 9, 2013 at the Re Spectrum Community Family Resource Center, La Mesa Description: Play Groups are semi-structured, combining direct teaching and naturalistic play settings to learn play skills and practice them in a supportive, successful environment. Play groups combine evidence-based methods from applied behavior analysis (ABA), social thinking, and various therapy methods and addresses play skills and performance, self-regulation and coping skills, problem-solving and self-advocacy as well as friendship building skills. Science Social Camp – (ages 8-12) 9:30-11:30am every day. Week 1: July 8-12, Week 2: Aug.12-16 at the Re Spectrum Community Family Resource Center, La Mesa Description: This group is for individuals with high-functioning autism or Aspergers, ages 8-12. The science group focuses on social skills by interacting around a common interest - science. We combine some direct teaching of social skills but mainly practice through science activities and experiments. This group addresses friendship building skills, perspective taking, problem-solving, conversation skills and non-verbal communication. Please contact ReSpectrum at 619-741-4466 or admin@respectrum.org. New clients must complete an intake first. For more information visit our website. |
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SAN DIEGO HUMANE SOCIETY
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Animal Adventure Camp - The Humane Society’s goal is to nurture a sense of compassion and respect for living beings through enriching activities, educational curriculum, and hands-on experiences that are rewarding for kids and animals alike! Held in Linda Vista & Oceanside throughout the summer. Please note that families may need to provide an aide (at least 18 years of age) for children with autism. Sessions are 9am-3pm. $220 per week. Extended care available for additional fee. For more information, contact the Education Department via email, call 619-243-3432 or learn more online. |
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SMALLTALK SPEECH THERAPY Ages 5 - 10
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Camp Small Talk - your child can participate in intensive speech therapy during a fun-filled week that is designed for children with a mild to severe speech or language impairment. The camp includes one hour of swimming each day and a field trip to AirTime. Camp runs August 12-16, 2013 at the Cameron YMCA in Santee. More info online or call 619-647-6157. |
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SOCIAL COMMUNICATION SPECIALISTS SPEECH THERAPY CLINIC |
From ME TO WE - Social Learning Preschool Program, June 17 - July 26, 2013 The From Me to We preschool program helps children, ages 3 - 5 with good language, improve their ability to connect with peers during interactive play and group activities by teaching social thinking concepts using Michelle Garcia Winner's "The Incredible, Flexible You" preschool curriculum. 60 minute sessions on M & W or T & Th both AM or PM and include group activities, music and collaborative play. Be Social! Summer Social Thinking Groups, June 24 - August 8 Fee: $75 per hour Participants will meet in small groups for 90 minutes once a week to learn strategies, vocabulary and concepts related to social thinking and emotional regulation. Each lession is tailored to the specific needs of the group. Learn more online or call 858- 558-9552 to find out about 2013 Summer Social Thinking Groups. |
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SPORTS FOR EXCEPTIONAL ATHLETES All Ages
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S4EA offers camp programs and sports activities for children with developmental and physical disabilities. S4EA Summer Sports Season includes bocce, bowling, cycling, golf, soccer, softball, swimming and tennis. For more information, visit Sports for Exceptional Athletes online or call 858-565-7432. |
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SURFERS HEALING FOUNDATION All Ages
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Summer surfing camps for individuals with autism. All camp sessions are free, but California camps are already full. Email jeff@surfershealing.org to be placed on the waiting list. Visit website or call 949-492-1398 for more information. |
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TECH CAMP AT UCSD Ages 7-17 |
Day and residential camps - teach programming, robotics, create video games, digital movies and music. Those with autism are welcome but family may need to provide a non-family member aide at least 18 years of age. For more information, please visit website or call 888-709-8324. |
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THE AUTISM GROUP, INC. (TAG)
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Mad Scientists Camp, an RDI® inspired summer camp, will have participants engage in hands-on projects, outdoor group games, collaborative experiences, and sensory-motor challenges, with access to our fun OT gym! The camp staff will guide the participants through new, meaningful experiences and discoveries all while building on competence, self-regulation, and strengthening social awareness. Camp runs from August 5-8 from 9am-2pm at TAG Inc, 9466 Black Mountain Road, San Diego. Cost is $325 per child. Registration forms and payment must be mailed in by Friday, August 2. Circle of Friends is TAG, Inc.’s first RDI® inspired summer program for preteens and teenagers! Teens will work on strengthening and building new peer relationships and developing social competence while on weekly outings to local establishments. Teenagers will be accompanied by TAG, Inc. employees to various outings to enjoy fun chitchat and quality time with their peers. Sample outings may include bowling, hiking, or museum trips. Parents will be given a schedule of our weekly outings and are responsible for dropping off and picking up their teen. Outings will take place every Tuesday from 11:00am to 2:00pm during the month of July. (July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30). Cost is $400.00 for the month, in addition to the cost of the outing, which will be provided with the schedule. Please pack a lunch. For more information, contact Meghan O'Boyle at moboyle@theautismgroup.com or 860-729-1269. |
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THE MUSIC THERAPY CENTER OF CALIFORNIA Ages 4 - 18
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August Camp Jam - Camp Jam (Joining Arts & Music) is a camp for youth with autism and provides social opportunities through fun and interactive music experiences. Camp runs in the mornings August 6-9 from 9:00 am - 12:00. Call 619-299-1411 for details or visit their website. |
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THE INSTITUTE FOR EFFECTIVE EDUCATION (TIEE)
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TIEE's Mt. Helix Academy operates safe, inviting, and exciting camps for children as young as 4.5 years and our summer program and camps accommodate children up through 8th grade. To find out more about summer 2013 programs, visit their website or call 619-243-1325 for details.
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TOTAL EDUCATION SOLUTIONS
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To learn more about 2013 summer programs, please check out their website or call 619-275-4525. |
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XCITESTEPS Ages 3 - 18
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Offering programs and summer camps that cater to kids and teens with developmental or cognitive challenges such as Asperger's Syndrome, high functioning autism, and PDD-NOS, etc. Camps offer fun sports, recreational activities and exciting community outings to help inspire and develop friendships. Three summer camps to choose from : Morning Tennis and Sports Camp 9:30am - 12 pm (Ages 3 - 18) Afternoon Adventure Camp 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm (Ages 3 - 18) Teen Jr Counselor Training Camp (Ages 15 +) Learn more online. |
