Summer is almost upon us. The structure and routine of the school year is about to end and be replaced with- well- not nearly as much structure and routine. For some kids on the autism spectrum, the lack of scheduled instruction during a summer break can result in academic and even behavioral regression. It may have been a “one step forward” kind of school year, but without structure and activities once school is out, summertime could mean two steps back. Extended School Year (also known as “summer school”) is an option to maintain some semblance of routine. In interviewing other special parents like myself, I’ve learned that we not only want to maintain the forward momentum that 5 days a week of good instruction can provide for our kids, but we also want them to make memories. There are two programs that I hear brought up again and again: Surfer’s Healing and Camp Paivika.
Surfer’s Healing was founded by a professional surfer and his wife who discovered that riding the waves calmed and soothed their autistic son, who often struggled with sensory overload and meltdowns. The program now serves thousands of children like him. They have surf camps in California, Hawaii, the east coast, Australia, and Mexico. Participants in the program are provided wetsuits and life vests, and each child is teamed up with a seasoned surfer. There are also volunteers and staff there that provide further support. Every parent I’ve spoken to about Surfer’s Healing has said that it was a wonderful experience for their sons and daughters and very special for them, as well. Many parents sign their kids up every year. This is a very popular program and available spots fill up quickly, so as soon as registration online is open parents must sign up fast. The registration period lasts only 24 hours. For more information on this very special free program, go to surfershealing.org for locations and registration dates.
According to Ability First, Camp Paivika “offers children, teens, and adults with disabilities a traditional camp experience delivered with nurturing support and an emphasis on fun.” Camp Paivika has 3-, 5-, and 7- day camps available. It is well-structured and campers’ days there are filled with fun activities like horseback riding, swimming, adaptive sports, campfires and cookouts, arts and crafts, performing arts, and more. It is located in Crestline, California. A 24-hour nurse is on site, as are lots of support staff, and one-on-one support is available for campers who need it. The staff-to-camper ratio is generally 1 to 3. Last year, friends of mine enrolled their son in the camp for the first time, and while they stayed at nearby campsite so they could be close by, they just informed me that they enrolled him into the camp again this summer because it was such a great experience for him. Some individuals attend this camp every year. Honestly, I have never before entertained the idea of my son being able to go to camp, due to the severity of his autism and need for near constant supervision, but with all of the good feedback I’ve heard from parents about Camp Paivika, I will be enrolling my son.
For more information, go to abilityfirst.org. “Camperships” are available thanks to generous donors.
