These unique camps are designed for children with special needs.  Kids can be themselves while having fun, working to strengthen skills, make new friends, and enjoy a camp atmostphere.

Autism: Special Needs Camp – Weinstein JCC – Voices Together is for children with autism that offers stimulating activities while offering some socialization skills.

Camp Free2BMe
Kids ages 8 to 18
Location: Richmond
Camp Free2BMe is designed specifically for children ages 8 to 18, who have a primary diagnosis of Aspergers Syndrome, Autism or Developmental Delay. Applications may be requested through our site or downloaded under Camp Application.Camp will run from June 16th through August 29th.

Camp Holiday Trails
Families of and children with special medical needs and chronic illnesses can enjoy 2-week residential summer camp sessions, family weekends for parents and caregivers, sibling camps including the monthly SHINE sibling support program, plus respite and networking opportunities for families and caregivers. 400 Holiday Trails Lane, Charlottesville, VA 22905.

Charter House Summer Camp for Teens with Asperger’s Syndrome
Summer is a great time for teenagers to learn new skills and make new friends. For teens with Asperger’s Syndrome or high-functioning autism, it can be a challenge to find a summer camp that fits their needs. Charterhouse School has a summer camp designed just for these students! Camp Courage is a seven-week summer day camp for rising juniors, seniors and recent high school graduates with Asperger’s Syndrome or high-functioning autism. The camp helps students develop social skills and expand their job skills. For more information or to apply, visit www.charterhouseschool.org.

Faison School for Autism
This program usually lasts for six weeks from early July until mid-August and provides educational services in the form of applied behavior analysis (ABA) to students of all ages.

Integrated Therapy Services camps
Children who experience difficulties self-regulating can especially benefit from this program. Jacey Gallery Art Camps.

Jumpstart Handwriting Program
Manuscript: Rising 1st and 2nd graders
Cursive: Rising 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders
Richmond
Some children have not learned how to write; others have difficulty with spacing, letter formation, pencil grip, visual motor problems or even fatigue due to weak trunk and hand muscles.  Our specialists identify the problem and either remediate the underlying difficulties or help with compensatory strategies.  The Jumpstart Handwriting program is offered through groups at various times during the school year and through a summer camp before school starts in the fall.

Kids In Motion
Ages 6-8
Richmond
A therapeutic, self-esteem building camp designed to develop motor skills, self awareness, self-regulation, social skills, and confidence in children ages 6-10.  KIM incorporates sensory integration strategies, relaxation techniques, social skills training and, self-regulation strategies and perceptual motor skill challenges in a peer group environment.   KIM is offered for two weeks, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. daily.

Northstar’s Summer Program
School aged
Richmond
Gives students the opportunity to reinforce and retain their academic skills in our relaxed, yet structured, atmosphere. For four weeks in the summer, students can receive instruction in language arts, math, handwriting/written expression and social skills. Many students are able to participate through Extended School Year (ESY) services provided by their local school system. Northstar also provides 1:1 instruction in the Lindamood Bell Learning Process courses; Visualizing and Verbalizing, Seeing Stars and On Cloud Nine math.

Don’t see your camp? Contact Richmondmom: Brian@Richmondmom.com and send us your website and a short description for your free listing.  Ask about how to get more out of your listing by adding your logo and getting a feature story.

At one time, there were limited resources for children with developmental delays. But today, we recognize that developmental delays can be overcome or lessened with the proper intervention at the right time. The Arc of Virginia is a local non-profit organization focusing on delivery of resources for parents who are searching for support with children challenged with developmental needs.

Welcome “New Path”

“New Path” is a program of The Arc of Virginia, a non-profit organization advocating for individuals with developmental disabilities.  The New Path program has been developed to focus on supporting families who have children receiving early intervention services.  Early Intervention (EI) is a Federally mandated program that provides services and supports to children age 0-3 and their families, who have developmental delays. These services are for children who have diagnosed disabilities and children who may just need a little boost to “catch up.”

New Path guides parents as their children move through EI and transition to the next step. New Path helps parents understand all of the jargon and connects you with other parents dealing with the same challenges.  They will make sure you know what your rights are and will direct you to programs and resources.  They will share success stories as well as tips for dealing with challenges, making it easier for you to navigate through the process and provide the most help for your child.

To learn more about this program, visit this link. If you have any questions about your child’s development and whether or not he/she needs Early Intervention services, you’ll find answers and resources on the website. You can request that your child be screened to see if he/she is eligible for services if you’re not sure.

Annual Convention in Richmond

The Arc of Virginia’s Annual Convention was held right here in Richmond at the Hilton Short Pump August 8-10th, 2013.  They offered sessions focused on topics geared for early intervention families. Some include Inclusive Playgroups and Coaching in Early Intervention.

Sharing ideas, gaining fresh perspectives, networking and discovering more about the “A Life Like Yours” movement in Virginia was the theme! The 2013 State Convention  featured keynote presentations and breakout sessions on a range of topics covering:

• Public Policy Advocacy
• Accessing Community-Based Supports and Services
• Best-Practices
• Self-Advocacy and more

There was a Silent Auction held on August 8^th during the Welcome Reception from 6:30 — 8:30 p.m. with dozens of items for the whole family, including gift cards for shopping and dining, passes to theme parks and popular destinations, gift sets and more! Proceeds support advocacy on behalf of “The New Virginia Way.”

View the schedule or read about the sessions that were offered at this year’s Convention.