Uh oh...
It appears that you're using a severely outdated version of Safari on Windows. Many features won't work correctly, and functionality can't be guaranteed. Please try viewing this website in Edge, Mozilla, Chrome, or another modern browser. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused!
Read More about this safari issue.
Children on the autism spectrum often have problems that produce barriers to experiences that most of us would consider a normal part of childhood, like going to summer camp.
Little Rock moms Ashlin Spann and Amy Moore had difficulty finding summer programs that would accept their sons’ differences, so, in 2009, they decided to start their own program for kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
What A-Camp Does
“A-Camp’s vision is to break down barriers, transform perceptions and change tomorrow for kids with autism, their families and friends, and the communities in which they thrive,” said executive director Amanda Laboy.
The camp’s programs focus on therapeutically driven activities that encourage growth, development and acceptance of all children who have been diagnosed with autism in the elementary and middle school age ranges.
Using a buddy program that pairs children with Autism Spectrum Disorders with typically developing peers, campers are engaged in a meaningful way that helps build self-esteem and independence among participants.
Laboy shared the story of a first-time camper named Jake, as told by his mother, to illustrate the impact A-Camp has on children who attend.
“When I first heard of A-Camp I was both excited and terrified. I thought this would be another experience where they get the letter from his teacher about his sensory seeking behaviors and meltdowns and we would be told that he wasn’t the “right fit” for the camp. I was surprised to find out no one flinched about Jake’s meltdowns or all of his needs. They placed him in a cabin with a person who knew him. Since Jake is considered non-verbal this was important to both him and me. After the first day his face lit up when it was time to drop off for camp. He loved it! They focused on his strengths and did not complain about his weaknesses. He hated to see it end. By the end of the summer he was talking more, he had new interests, and he had made friends. It was the best summer of our lives, knowing he was accepted just as he was and I didn’t have to be afraid of him not fitting in or acting up. A-Camp means the world to not only him, but me too.”
How to Help A-Camp
A-Camp has two events in April that help raise awareness and funds that will help the group expand programming and reach more kids in the future.
The first takes place April 1 and 2, and is known as the Blue Out Blitz. This event encourages businesses and schools in central Arkansas to go blue for autism awareness.
Some local businesses may have blue specials for the weekend, sales of which will be donated to A-Camp. Schools and businesses may collect donations and allow blue jeans to be worn on those days. Check out A-Camp’s Facebook page for more details.
A new event this year is Camp 4 A-Cause, which will take place April 30 at the St. Joseph Center of Arkansas.
Local business owners, philanthropists and local celebrities will serve as “superstar” campers who will raise money in order to receive the supplies needed for an overnight camp.
The dinner event will include food, drinks, camping games, live music and a silent auction. Attendees will be able to visit the “camp store” and donate money in exchange for supplies they can give to their favorite camper.
Volunteers are always needed for the summer day camp program in June and July, where anyone high school age and above can help. People with skills in art and music who would like to share their knowledge with campers are also needed.
Those interested in learning more or volunteering can contact Laboy at 580-574-9286 or info@a-camp4kids.org. Visit their website to learn more about the camp; registration for campers and buddies is open March 1-26.
We do the work.
You check your email.
Sign up for our weekly e-news.
Get stories sent straight to your inbox!
Like this story? Read more from Sarah White
For this month in Arkansas history, we celebrate the beginning of a large...
June is the month in Arkansas history in which we get to celebrate...
In this month in Arkansas history, we celebrate the birth of several...
Join the Conversation
Leave a Comment