PROSPECTIVE ALUMNI CAMPER INFORMATION

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

We are currently serving individuals on the autism spectrum that are:

• an alumni of Camp Encourage (has attended Camp Encourage in the past)**,
• 19 years of age or older at the time of camp,
• at least fairly independent with self-care skills (showering, dressing, toileting),
• able to stay with or near the group (with accommodations and adaptations),
• able to tolerate the outdoors and all that nature brings (bugs, warmth, etc.),
• able to enjoy the activities on the schedule,
• successful with a 3:2 or 2:1 camper:staff ratio, and
• not presently exhibiting behavioral or functional needs that would warrant the constant support of 1:1 assistance.

**Note: If any autistic adult (19+) is interested in attending but did not attend Camp Encourage in years past, they are welcome to apply. As of May 1, if slots are not already filled by alumni campers, they will be open to anyone that meets all other above criteria.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

We understand that each adult camper has his, her, or their own interests, motivators, strengths, and areas for need of support and growth. Although we provide a great deal of individualized supports, many of our activities also aim to achieve the following set of general goals:

• increasing skills of independence
• enhancing one's self-esteem
• increasing personal self-understanding and acceptance
• increasing social abilities
• widening awareness of recreation opportunities and skills of recreation
• connecting with others with similar interests, needs, and/or abilities