What
do catching frogs, camp fires, and wishing on stars have to do with autism?
Traditionally not much. However, at Camp Kaleidoscope amazing and unexpected
things have happened.
Camp Kaleidoscope is so innovatively simple and refreshingly uncomplicated
that it is hard to believe possible. Worldwide, when people talk about
what really matters to them, it is family. Having a kid with autism doesn’t
change this priority, but it can make family time challenging and less
than relaxing. Kids with autism and their families need a unique type
of situation to feel physically and emotionally safe to rejuvenate and
play together.
We
have successfully run this camp twice with the input from professionals,
parent advocates and family voices to insure that the needs of all participants
were met. At Camp Kaleidoscope families can explore as many optional programs
and activities as they can squeeze into a day. We offer art, sensory,
and nature based discovery programs. The programs have been mindfully
developed to be universally accessible for all of our campers. For parents
we have special presentations on advocacy and trends in autism. For siblings
we provide a special time planned to celebrate their role in the family.
The goal of Camp Kaleidoscope is very simple…..to provide a relaxing
summer camp experience where families affected by autism can enjoy a memorable
vacation and create positive memories.
"It
was the highlight of our summer. My son only wishes we could be there
‘so I can just be me.’ The camp has inspired him to ‘go
to MIT and invent something so I can make a place like that here in Billerica.”
~Marie – MA
Volunteer Opportunities Are Available
"A further compelling aspect of the camp
for me was watching the young adult professionals in training who served
as volunteer family partners gain insight during their days working with
families. Rarely do these professionals have such an opportunity to see
what everyday life is like for families.” ~Nora Wells
– Family Voices, MA
There’s a lot to do at Camp Kaleidoscope
Explore nature
Sing at the campfire
Squish play dough
Take an afternoon nap
Talk about autism . . . or not
Paint a picture
Build a fairy house
Swing on the swing set
Roll down the hill
Read in the quiet room
“Autism isolates. Autism hurts. Our child
has autism. Our family has autism. Our life has become autism. The blessing
of Camp Kaleidoscope helps us to experience the joy autism can bring when
the world cares enough to create a space for us.”
~A 2008 Camper
“My kids never saw lightning bugs before
we slept in a cabin at camp. We all stayed up late and watched the little
lights flicker in our beds while we fell asleep.” ~Trish
– NY
Food and Lodging
We can host 20 families and aides in our cabins with beds for 82 and
tent platforms for those who can bring their own tents. The cabins are
rustic and comfortable with no electricity or running water. Bring your
favorite pillow, sleeping bag, and battery lantern. The centrally located
bathhouse has toilets, sinks and both outdoor and indoor showers with
hot water.
Our food is usually vegetarian but we are planning some meat options
for this camp. We are inviting a camper mom who is a food expert to plan
our 2009 menu! There will be gluten and casein free choices at every meal.
We do have a kitchen for campers to use themselves if necessary.
2010 Fees
Fees include lodging, meals, use of facilities and equipment, all
programs and volunteer support for each family.
The actual cost is $500 per person, but we offer a sliding scale
from $225 to $500 and liberal financial aid in addition if needed. Additional
financial aid may be available.
Registrations must be at our office by March 1, 2009. Slots will
be filled by lottery on the March 11th. To register for the camp or
to get more information, please call or email the office at 1-800-430-2667
or info@cgcvt.org.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the high demand for this popular program, all
enrolled family members are expected to attend the entire program. A
parent or legal guardian must be on the main site at all times.
There
will be morning programs devoted separately to children and adults. The
Kidville staff will lead programs aimed at varying age levels and interests
(i.e. crafts, music, outdoor games, etc.). Children will be able to self-select.
These universally accessible programs will be for kids on the spectrum
and siblings. Meanwhile teen siblings and adults will take part in classes
devoted to the arts, relaxation, nature, advocacy and autism education.
All afternoon and evening programs will be multi-aged and appropriate
to kids on the spectrum and their families. Siblings will have some time
to themselves with their own special programs.
Families who have an aide are welcome to bring an aide to camp. There
will be no charge for aides.
Each will family will be assigned a family partner. These volunteers
will help facilitate camp life for the families.
Please continue to check this website for updates on this camp.
If you are interested in working or volunteering at Camp Kaleidoscope,
please call the office at 1-800-430-2667.
FAQs
Children Under 3 – Camp Kaleidoscope is a family
program. If you have someone less than 3 years old in your family, we
will look forward to meeting them! Although we do not have staff to
provide care for these little campers, we want to talk about the best
way to support your families’ rejuvenation time at Common Ground
Center.
Teens – Our programs are enjoyable for multi
age capers of all abilities. We also have a very energetic, flexible
and creative team eager to be your families host for the weekend. Activities
have been known to evolve to meet individual camper’s interests
at the drop of the hat. We have areas that are primarily used by teens
with books, games, and stuff of interest to this age group.
Family Partners – Each family will have a volunteer
as a family partner for the weekend. These volunteers are primarily
graduate students who will soon be working as professionals in human
services. They are graciously giving their time, as a gift to your family.
They will be available to provide a helping hand when they can and support
your family retreat.
Interested in supporting Camp Kaleidoscope?
Volunteers - We have a variety of positions available
to match with your talents! Please contact us and let us know what
you like to do!
In Kind Donations – Art supplies, therapy
equipment or toys, printing our brochures, gas cards for travel
expense, camper tee shirts. Please let us know what you have in
mind.
Possible Schedule at Camp (subject to
change)
6:30-7:30 - Yoga
7:30-8:30 - Breakfast
9:00 - 12:00 - Kids report to Kidville. Kids are allowed to self-select
into a variety of activities including some musical activities, physical
activities, and artistic and creative activities. There will also be
quiet spaces for coloring, reading and taking a break. There will be
a mid-morning snack.
9:00 - 12:00 - Adult Programming - For parents and teen siblings.
12:00 - Lunch
1:30 - 2:30 - Quiet and Rest Hour
2:30 - 5:00 - Multi-age Activities - Throughout the afternoon a variety
of activities will be offered for whole families. These will include
nature walks, scavenger hunts, creek exploration, arts and crafts, sports
and much more.
5:30-6:30 - Dinner
7:00 - 8:30 - Multi-age Evening Activities - The Camp Fire, Singing,
Story time, Movies, Puzzles, Games and More
9:00 - All camp quiet time - Some families may choose to stay up and
read or play quiet games.
11:00 - Lights out in the main buildings.
Donations:
We received donations and grants
from the following places for our 2009 camp.
Please join us in thanking them for helping to make Camp Kaleidoscope
possible.
What
do catching frogs, camp fires, and wishing on stars have to do with autism?
We
have successfully run this camp twice with the input from professionals,
parent advocates and family voices to insure that the needs of all participants
were met. At Camp Kaleidoscope families can explore as many optional programs
and activities as they can squeeze into a day. We offer art, sensory,
and nature based discovery programs. The programs have been mindfully
developed to be universally accessible for all of our campers. For parents
we have special presentations on advocacy and trends in autism. For siblings
we provide a special time planned to celebrate their role in the family.
"It
was the highlight of our summer. My son only wishes we could be there
‘so I can just be me.’ The camp has inspired him to ‘go
to MIT and invent something so I can make a place like that here in Billerica.”
~Marie – MA
Sing at the campfire
There
will be morning programs devoted separately to children and adults. The
Kidville staff will lead programs aimed at varying age levels and interests
(i.e. crafts, music, outdoor games, etc.). Children will be able to self-select.
These universally accessible programs will be for kids on the spectrum
and siblings. Meanwhile teen siblings and adults will take part in classes
devoted to the arts, relaxation, nature, advocacy and autism education.
All afternoon and evening programs will be multi-aged and appropriate
to kids on the spectrum and their families. Siblings will have some time
to themselves with their own special programs.
