Cabins, Canoes and Campfires: Guidelines for Establishing a Camp for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders [Paperback]

Jill Hudson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2005

Many children with autism spectrum disorders are not able to thrive in a typical summer camp due to their unique sensory and behavioral needs. Yet, like all other kids, most love the camp experience. To help make this dream become a reality, the author presents step-by-step how to put on a camp that takes into consideration the special needs of children on the autism spectrum. Throughout the focus remains on the adjustments that need to be made to accommodate children on the autism spectrum during the camp experience.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A genuine treasure, an essential resource to any group setting up a summer camp for children on the spectrum. -- Judith Coucouvanis, MA, APRN, BC, author

A genuine treasure, an essential resource to any group setting up a summer camp for children on the spectrum. --Judith Coucouvanis, MA, APRN, BC, author

Must read for parents, camp directors and others supporting children with autism to enjoy benefits of this important summertime tradition. -- Stephen Shore executive director of Autism Spectrum Disorder Consulting, and member of the board of directors, Autism Society of America

Must read for parents, camp directors and others supporting children with autism to enjoy benefits of this important summertime tradition. --Stephen Shore executive director of Autism Spectrum Disorder Consulting, and member of the board of directors, Autism Society of America

This should be used for staff development and orientation and read by parents considering sending their child to summer camp. -- Shawn A. Henry, M.Ed., program director of training, Kentucky Autism Training Center, University of Louisville

This should be used for staff development and orientation and read by parents considering sending their child to summer camp. --Shawn A. Henry, M.Ed., program director of training, Kentucky Autism Training Center, University of Louisville

This should be used for staff development and orientation and read by parents considering sending their child to summer camp. --Shawn A. Henry, M.Ed., program director of training, Kentucky Autism Training Center, University of Louisville

A genuine treasure, an essential resource to any group setting up a summer camp for children on the spectrum. --Judith Coucouvanis, MA, APRN, BC, author

About the Author

JILL HUDSON, M.S., CCLS, is a certified child life specialist trained at Johns Hopkins Hospital and with a graduate degree in autism and Asperger Syndrome from the University of Kansas. She has worked with children of all ages and with a variety of diagnoses and disabilities. In addition, she has participated in many camp programs as a participant, facilitator and administrator.

Product Details

• Paperback: 88 pages
• Publisher: Autism Asperger Publishing Company (June 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931282773
• ISBN-13: 978-1931282772
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,286,257 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars FUN and Practical, July 22, 2005

By 

Kristi A. Sakai (Oregon) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cabins, Canoes and Campfires: Guidelines for Establishing a Camp for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (Paperback)

Do you remember how much fun camp was as a kid? I especially loved those evenings when we'd gather around the campfire and sing songs (all the goofy annoying ones we couldn't forget if we tried!), s'mores and late night whispering from our sleeping bags. During the day there were all kinds of games and you'd make new friends that were from different parts of the state or even the country. Remember counting your mosquito bites?

As a parent of three children with autism spectrum disorder I've been sad that my kids miss out on so many of the experiences I took almost for granted as a child, and that their peers are enjoying. Frankly, local camps are not properly trained or equipped to take care of my children's needs, my kids just would not be okay under those conditions. I've heard of a few camps for children like mine, but they are rare, far away and expensive. I sort of wrote off camp as yet another thing my kids would miss out on. But reading this book has changed my mind, it has made me feel optimistic and inspired! It lays out in detail everything that someone would need to create a camp for kids with autism spectrum disorders.This author understands what those needs ARE, which are very different from their neurotypical peers. It covers every aspect, things I never would have even thought of, which is so reassuring because it is obviously well thought out and the author has practical experience. I can imagine very clearly how my kids would fit in to the camp environment and how much FUN they'd have. Also, I realize that these places DO exist. Yes, there should be more of them, and I hope that this book will get into the right hands and will light a fire (a campfire!) under someone who can fulfill this dream for children like mine. BUY THIS BOOK and spread the word, let's create more opportunities for kids like ours.


Kristi Sakai parent of 3 children with Asperger Syndrome and author of
Finding Our Way: Practical Solutions for Creating a Supportive Home and Community for the Asperger Syndrome Family