CAMP CHANGES LIVES

Creating impactful experiences through camp and social opportunities for autistic youth

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CAMP CHANGES

LIVES

Creating impactful experiences through camp for autistic youth.

LEARN MORE

2026 CAMP DATES

Registration opens on January 2nd each year for all sessions except for the fall session, which will open on May 1st. All sessions are held at Heartland Center unless otherwise indicated below.

March 21 to 22
Overnight Session 1

Ages 10-18

June 11 to 14
Summer Session 1

Ages 10-18

June 29 to July 2
Summer Session 2

Held at Tall Oaks, Ages 14-18

July 25 to 28
Summer Session 3

Ages 10-18

August 29 to 30
Alumni Reunion Camp

Ages 19+ (can select day or overnight)

October 10 to 11
Overnight Session 2

Ages 10-18

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There's No Place Like Camp

CAMP IS TRANSFORMATIVE

The mission of Camp Encourage is to provide youth on the autism spectrum meaningful experiences in which they build the knowledge, courage, and skills to be empowered participants in the community. Five of our camps take place at Heartland Retreat Center in Parkville, Missouri and one is located in Linwood, Kansas at Tall Oaks Camp and Conference Center. Each camp session includes both traditional camp activities and activities tailored around the individual campers’ interests.

Outside of camp, we provide free Camp Family events that provide a welcoming space for our campers and their families and our volunteers and supporters.

CAMP ENROLLMENT INFORMATION

CAMP IS TRANSFORMATIVE

The mission of Camp Encourage is to provide youth on the autism spectrum meaningful experiences in which they build the knowledge, courage, and skills to be empowered participants in the community. Five of our camps take place at Heartland Retreat Center in Parkville, Missouri and one is located in Linwood, Kansas at Tall Oaks Camp and Conference Center. Each camp session includes both traditional camp activities and activities tailored around the individual campers’ interests.

Outside of camp, we provide free Camp Family events that provide a welcoming space for our campers and their families and our volunteers and supporters.

CAMP ENROLLMENT INFORMATION

HEARTWARMING HIGHLIGHTS

Our 3:2 camper-to-counselor ratio and our well-trained volunteers are instrumental in creating an environment that brings both campers and volunteers back year after year.

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%
Percentage of campers that report they can be "themselves" while at camp
0
%
Percentage of scholarship applicants who are offered financial support
0
Number of volunteers that serve annually to support our deserving campers
0
%
Percentage of parents that report they would send their child again and would recommend CE to other families

TESTIMONIALS

  • Parent of Camper

    Words cannot being to say THANK YOU so very much for allowing [my son] this awesome experience. I cannot tell my friends without crying.

  • Parent of Camper and Peer Model

    Just wanted you to know how impressed I am about this camp and it hasn't even started yet! I am just blown away by how well thought out every detail is! The camp definitely sets the bar a lot higher...

  • Parent of Camper

    I was really impressed with the organization, attention to detail, friendly counselors that took the time to call before camp and introduce themselves and greet us upon arrival, the ratio of counselor/camper, the menu and the scholarship opportunity. I don't think there's anything this camp doesn't do awesome!

  • Parent of Camper

    Very wonderful! Very organized! I can tell a lot of work was put into preparing this camp!

  • Parent of Camper

    The experience was absolutely phenomenal.

  • Parent of Camper

    (Our son) is still talking about what an amazing time he had at Camp Encourage. The teachers have noticed an even bigger change in him this year and we think letting him go to your camp was a huge milestone in his life. Thank you so much for everything you all did for him!

  • Parent of Camper

    I thought the organization and attention to detail was incredible.