Camp Encourage

Our mission is to encourage social growth, independence, and self-esteem in youth with autism spectrum disorders through a quality, overnight camp experience located in the greater Kansas City area.

Affecting at least 1 in every 68 child by current United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates, the instances of youth with ASD continues to grow, while the opportunities for inclusive and specialized recreational activities for them remains limited, especially in the greater Kansas City region.

Camp Encourage was founded in 2007 due to the community expressing a dire need for a quality camp opportunity for children with autism spectrum disorder.

Studies show the benefits of overnight camp on youth include:

• Creating a greater sense of independence
• Developing leadership skills
• Connecting with individuals who have similar interests
• Having a sense of belonging
• Feeling free to be yourself
• Increasing social and recreational skills
• Trying new things
• Promoting adventure and exploration
• Increasing environmental awareness
• Teaching positive values and decision-making skills

As the only orgnaiztion providing overnight camp opportunities specifically tailored to meet the needs of youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the greater Kansas City metropolitan region, Camp Encourage combines the benefits of “traditional” overnight camp with the support, encouragement, and personalized services needed for youth with ASD.

Needs that youth with ASD often present include: lack of self-esteem and self-understanding, decreased understanding of healthy lifestyles (many exercise little, have selective or restricted diets, or have side effects from medications), and delays or differences in social and emotional development. 

In 2015, 45% of our campers were exhibiting signs or had been clinically diagnosed with depression; many citing lack of friends, being bullied, and not feeling like they fit in as contributing factors.

We provide a safe environment that promotes physical and mental health, introducing youth to new physical/recreational activities, while promoting self-worth, acceptance, and positive self-esteem.

 

 

Post-camp data collected from parents in 2015, includes the following evidence that we provide a quality service for youth with ASD:

100% “agreed a lot” with the following statements:

• The staff at Camp Encourage assisted my child in feeling good about him/herself
• I can tell that Camp Encourage cares about providing a quality experience
• I would send my child to Camp Encourage again

98% “agreed a lot” with:

• Camp Encourage provided my child with an opportunity to increase independence
• Camp Encourage seemed well designed and organized
• I would recommend Camp Encourage to other parents

95% “agreed a lot” with:

• This experience enhanced my child’s self esteem

 

 

In twelve camp sessions thus far, we have served a total of 585 youth ages 8 - 18; 444 youth with ASD and 141 same-aged peers. We have given $360,000 in scholarship funding to campers/families in need, many who would not be able to attend camp without the availability of scholarship funding. Only five youth in all twelve sessions did not complete camp. Over 92% of all campers have applied for a second (or more) camp session after attending Camp Encourage.

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