Bigger & Better A-Camp 2014 was bigger and better! This summer, we debuted Adventure Camp, a middle-school age program that allowed us to serve 6 additional campers. A-Camp employed 20 full-time staff members including 1 Camp Director, 5 Certified Therapists, 4 Lead Camp Counselors, 7 Assistant Camp Counselors, and 3 Cabin Coordinators. Amazingly the number of peer buddies, adult volunteers, and special event participants we had this year

doubled! We had 34 peer buddies, 53 adult volunteers, and over 39 special event participants that further enriched A-Camp this summer. Most importantly, campers’ parents reported 100% satisfaction.

We have now hired a full-time, year-round Camp Director as we continue to grow. Amanda Laboy is an A-Camp parent and former Board member. We are excited about the year to come and will treasure the memories of Summer 2014!

A-Camp Adventures A newsletter for A-Camp

“Awesome Camps for Kids with Autism”

Inside:

A-Camp Board of Directors

Dawn Itzkowitz President Ashlin Spann Vice-President/ Treasurer Leigh Ann Horton Co-Secretary Stacy Alberson Co-Secretary

Tracy Walker, Ali Miller, Carol Hardin, Gretchen Hicks, and

Leigh Ann Mallett

October 2013

Adventure Camp Recap 2

2014 Kudos 3

Reasons Why We’re Loved 4

November 2014

A-CAMP PLEDGE I PLEDGE MY EYES TO SEE THE

BEAUTY AROUND ME,

MY EARS TO HEAR ALL

POSITIVE WORDS,

MY MOUTH TO SPEAK KINDNESS

AND MY HANDS TO REACH OUT

AND CHANGE THE WORLD… ONE FRIEND AT A TIME!

2014 A-Camp Team (L to R) Bottom Row: Jaynna Moxley, Ashley Gregg, Maycee Finley Middle Row: Katina Grant, Melanie Morse, Rebekah Holiman, Rachel Backie, Tamara Watson, Rachel Sanders, Stacy Alberson, Kim Knollmeyer; Top Row: Melanie Morse, Alex Sallis, Mindy Ware, Carol Hardin, Gretchen Hicks, Justin Washburn

Fall can be a scary time of year, but this summer was pretty scary as well for me. As I watched him don the web of harness, helmet and ratty, fingerless gloves, it occurred to me that I would not do this, so why should I expect him to do it. After all, he couldn’t explain to me that he was scared, that the harness was so tight it was squeezing his stomach or the helmet was itching his head. He could not express that the gloves were uncomfortable and were too tight on his hand. He couldn’t say, “Mrs. Gretchen, I have butterflies in my stomach and feel like I am going to throw up.” He couldn’t counter that statement and say, “but I want to do it anyway because if I do, then I will feel brave and courageous and will have conquered my fear of heights. Plus all of the other kids are doing it, so it must be fun.” How could I, with my fear of going up ladders, roller coasters and high places, expect him to do this without one complaint? Yes, we had practiced putting on the harness and helmet but not those weird gloves. Yes, we had explained with minimal detail what would happen but really, did he understand what I had told him? Had I given him enough information? Should I have shown a video, done a social story

or given a visual schedule of what would happen? Too late now, therapist. It was time. The team of experts with enthusiastic smiles on their faces was beckoning him over. Had I prepared him? Was this safe? If he fell would the ropes hold? He didn’t

hesitate; he boldly sauntered over to the tree, with ropes hanging from every limb, like a convicted prisoner to the gallows. He put his trust in those strangers who were encouraging him to hold on. He held on to the ropes with those leathery gloves while the unbreakable harness hoisted him up 20 stories to the platform. He looked down but didn’t shriek. He looked around at the upper story of limbs, leaves and sky and then he looked down at me and smiled. As he sailed across the line, with arms akimbo, I held my breath. As he let out a “wheeeeee”, I exhaled. As he was pulled back onto that

ADVENTURE CAMP = HUGE SUCCESS November 2014 page 2

As the parents of a child with Autism, finding a summer camp activity was quite challenging. We longed to give our son the same experiences his sisters had. A-Camp was our answer. It has provided him with friendships and experiences he would not have access to otherwise. His last year of A-Camp, we became overwhelmed with the thought of losing such a great resource and source of enjoyment for our son. Luckily we weren't the only ones who were aging out of the program. Thankfully Adventure Camp was created. As with A-Camp, Adventure Camp has been an answer to prayers. It has provided a structured, yet fun environment while supplying cultural experiences such as entertainment, cooking activities, games, sports and arts. We are beyond thankful that our child with special needs has the opportunity to attend this magnificent program. Kris & Brandi Shinn, parents of Will

platform into seated position I watched in awe. Then those experts lowered him back down to terra firma. I stared in amazement, slowly closing my jaw. Then he bounced over to his buddy, gave him a high five and a pat of encouragement saying, “you got this buddy”. I continued to watch and wonder how something as simple, yet complicated as a zip line could conquer something as simple, yet complicated as language, communication and autism. It was a scary few moments, but then again most of the things worth doing in life are filled with moments of fear. It is taking those moments and conquering them that lead us to even greater adventures. Gretchen Hicks, Adventure Camp Therapist

PARENT PERSPECTIVE

A-Camp Adventures November 2014 page 3

Thanks to our A-Camp

2014 Supporters!

Event Sponsors

Volunteers: Alexa Kaemmerling, Allyson

Carroll, Angel Poon, Anna Gregg, Ashley Hoyt, Ashlyn Lee, Ashlyn Quesinberry, Bailey Broach, Barrett Pfeiffer, Blakeley Kepesky, Braeden Itzkowitz, Brendan Jones, Bryan Dennis, Chandler Vail, Chelsea Glass, Chelsea Renfro, Christina Gomes, Danielle Furrow, Delaney Bono, Emma Parker, Evan Hiatt, Gabbie Dickey, Grace Tedder, Gracie Cahalan, Haley Jones, Jewel Keaton, Jordan Matthews, Josie Wine, Kate Johnson, Kelsea Majors, Kelsey Kling, Lindsay Hobson, Mallory Wine, Morgan Hahn, Nate Alberson, Noelle Knight, Olivia Parker, Payton Sturm, Reagan Allen, Rebecca Thompson, Sarah Pettit, Stephanie San, Sydney Casavechia, Sydney Taylor, and Teresa Carr

Entertainers: Tommy & Friends Band, Benton Drumline, Bethany and Andrew Splawn, Christine Wood, Max Hicks, Lyndsay Risley, Little Rock Zoo, Karate for Christ, and Ivy Wilde Farm

Photographers: Lori Sparkman and Amy Armistead

And many thanks to our FACILITY HOST:

Friends of A-Camp: Samuel Itzkowitz & Judi Levine, Sam & Brenda Hester, Cheryl Weldon, Randy & Jeanie McDaniel, Gail Langston, Margaret Schulz, Amy Grubbs, Brian & Carolyn DeRoeck, Randy & Jan Spann, Sue Ellen Rail-Wilkerson, Amanda Scott, Drew & Stephanie Harris, Kimberly Ruff, Barbara Fincher, Brittany Lord, Duke & Misha Boyne, Heather Raymond, Donald & Judy Adams, Amy Frazier Turpen, Karen Skarda, Natalie Staley, Jonathan & Shelley Casciano, Nancy Bradshaw, Sue Collier, David & Suzanne Spann, Wesley & Emily Craiglow, Steve & Dianna Varady, Tim & Lauren Lang, Eric & Jaynna Moxley, Fran Otten, Thad & Michelle Waugh, Jerry Whitt, Arvest Bank, Barry & Dana Craiglow, Phillip Itzkowitz, Ashley Baker, William & Nancy Prange, and Doug Wilson of DLWJRW, Inc.

Tree House Level Sponsor

Kota Level Sponsors

Blue Out Day Events

Ascent Children's Health Services, CenterPoint Energy, Crystal Hill Elementary School, Family Life and Advanced Tissue, Hagan Newkirk, Immaculate Conception Catholic School, Jefferson Elementary

School, Pine Forest Elementary School, Pulaski Academy Elementary School, RAPA, Safe Foods

Corporation, Tolleson Elementary School, Trans America Employee Benefits

Jason & Stacy Weldon

Your gift to A-Camp bridges the gap between tuition and A-Camp’s actual cost of growing & operating camp each summer. Since our camper tuition only covers 40% of each child’s cost at A-Camp, the remaining 60% gap must be gained through sponsorships, friends, and fundraising events! Please help us reach our goals in order to maintain and grow A-Camp next summer by:

Visiting our website and making a donation: www.acamp4kids.com

Or mail a check to us directly at: A gift to A-Camp is tax-deductible. A-Camp, Inc. email: info@a-camp4kids.org 17200 Chenal Parkway Suite 300/ Slot 280 Little Rock, AR 72223

A-Camp is an awesome therapeutic summer day camp that is accepting of all kids with autism and their friends. Our goal is to create memorable experiences and promote relationships through an engaging, nurturing, and adventure-

based program.

ONE FRIEND CAN CHANGE A WHOLE LIFE

Why is A-Camp loved? Let us count the ways!

* 6 weeks of consistency * new friends

* an outlet for sensory needs * get to try new things

* increases communication & social skills * specially trained staff

* more confidence and independence * full of fun & great memories

* structured social situations & supports * “autism-friendly” environment

* outdoor fun, physical activity, and the camp experience

* promotes LOVE, SUPPORT, ACCEPTANCE, and INCLUSION

(Feedback provided by our campers and their families.)

A-Camp is now on Twitter @acamp4kids. You can also keep up-to-date with camp news by liking

us on Facebook at A Camp.

February Staff Interviews

March 1 Open Registration

April Volunteer Sign-Ups

May Butts 4 Bucks

June 8-26 July 6-24

Summer Camp 2015

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