Asperger's and Autism Summer Camps Opens for Kids with Special Needs - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Author: Horizons Developmental Remediation Center
Published: 9 May 2010 - Updated: 24 Dec 2017

Contents: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Related Publications

Synopsis: Horizons Center 2010 Summer Camps for Kids with Special Needs schedule.

Introduction

Summer day camps offer fun, safe and therapeutic programs for children and teens ages 4 to 18 with developmental disabilities.

Main Content

Horizons Developmental Remediation Center, an autism, Asperger's and special needs treatment center in Grand Rapids, Michigan, announced its 2010 schedule for the Special Needs Summer CAMPS for Kids. The weekly summer day CAMPS (Children with Autism Make Progress in the Summer) are designed for children with developmental disabilities, including autism, Asperger's, communication issues, speech and language problems, feeding concerns, sensory-motor struggles, behavior problems, and learning difficulties to engage with peers, try new activities, and retain skills over the summer months.

Each week the camp explores a different theme with opportunities for movement, music, art, problem solving, working together and indoor and outdoor activities. This year's themes include, Red, White and Blue, Let's Make Music, All About Pets and winds up with Fun in the Sun where campers get several days to play in the pool and run through sprinklers.

Camp participants benefit from the experience and expertise of highly-trained professionals. Staff members include a recreational therapist, certified special education teachers, an occupational therapist, a speech language pathologist, camp counselors from a variety of backgrounds and consultants certified in the Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) Program. Principles of the RDI Program are integrated throughout all camp activities, which provides opportunities for campers to enhance communication, reduce stress, improve confidence, enhance regulation, increase competence and build relationships.

Age-specific programs are designed for ages 4-7, 8-12 and 11-18 to foster age-appropriate activities and to accommodate a low staff to child ratio. "We recognize the incredible potential each of our campers has to learn and engage with others. At the same time, they may need a slower pace and more support to reach their potential," said Nicole Beurkens, founder and director of the Horizons Center. The summer camp program also can be customized for children under the age of four with special arrangements.

For children ages 4-12, there are four weekly sessions held daily, Monday through Thursday beginning Monday, June 28 and ending August 12, 2010. Parents can choose as many weekly sessions that fit their schedules. Children ages 4-7 meet in the morning from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Children ages 8-12 meet in the afternoon from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Parents with children in the Special Needs Summer CAMPS for children ages 4-12 are encouraged to attend two parent-only sessions to facilitate carryover of techniques learned at camp into the home environment. A session on communication strategies will be held Wednesday, July 14, 2010 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and a session on guiding your child to participate in activities will be held Wednesday, August 4, 2010 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. These sessions are included in the cost of the CAMPS program.

For teens ages 11-18, Horizons offers the Collaborate and Create! Summer Camp for Teens and Pre-Teens. "These campers tackle major real-life projects they can put to use now and in the future," said Beurkens. Projects include building fences, landscaping, constructing an adventure course, woodworking and a variety of take-home creations. Projects provide opportunities for thinking, problem solving, communication, physical activity, working together and building relationships.

The Summer Camp for Teens and Pre-Teens offers two sessions to accommodate parents' schedules. Session 1 is a three-week session held Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 29 through July 15, 2010 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Session 2 is a full-week session held Monday through Thursday, July 26 through July 29, 2010 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The Horizons Summer CAMPS are held at the Horizons Center in the greater Grand Rapids area at 3120 68th Street SE in Caledonia, Michigan. To register for the Special Needs Summer CAMPS, view the photo gallery of previous years' camp adventure or read parent reviews on the camp call (616) 698-0306.

The Horizons Developmental Remediation Center in greater Grand Rapids, Michigan provides family-focused treatment for developmental disabilities, including autism, Asperger's, communication issues, speech and language problems, feeding concerns, sensory-motor struggles, behavior problems, and learning difficulties. Using the RDI Program, Horizons treats the core problems that impact functioning and involves parents in the treatment process. Through the use of web-based programs, Internet and phone conferencing, video reviews, and other communication formats, the treatment program is available to families wherever they are located in the world. To register for the Horizons Summer CAMPS, view the seminar schedule, purchase their books and DVDs or learn more about their treatment programs call (616) 698-0306.