Camp Akeela is a fantastic overnight camp experience for children in the metropolitan Boston region with asperger’s syndrome, high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or a nonverbal learning disability (NVLD). Our traditional summer camp program in Vermont offers quirky campers a chance to thrive socially amongst similar peers with counselors who understand their needs. Many of our campers come from the Boston metropolitan area and have chances to keep in touch and organize social gatherings after camp ends.
Camp is intentionally structured to set up our campers for their successful summer in the community. For example, we do not sing in the dining hall to ensure our campers who struggle with sensory processing do not become over-stimulated. There is no color war or other major surprise in our camp schedule. Every day at camp follows a similar schedule, and we preview that schedule with our campers on a daily basis. We maintain an in cabin ratio of one staff member for two campers. This gives counselors a chance to give each camper the support they need to thrive socially, while also giving them a chance to develop their independent living skills.
We work on social skills with our campers through a non-didactic model. Each day is filled with so many opportunities for campers to interact with each other and practice developing their interpersonal skills in a supportive environment. Counselors play a large role in their growth by facilitating their connections with peers, helping them develop and maintain friendships. Immersion in a community with similar peers that provides the social support our campers need is the best way for children with asperger’s syndrome or high functioning ASD to develop socially. Campers walk away from a summer at camp with a new community to call home, the confidence to take the skills they learned at camp and apply them to their lives away from camp.
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