Summer Camps for Children with Autism
Irish Autism Action as a national information service for families affected by autism are circulating this item for information purposes only. Any follow up action by anybody in relation to this circulated information is entirely their own decision and they should not infer from our issue of the information that the content is being endorsed by Irish Autism Action.
As summertime is fast approaching our community of parents are always on the lookout for appropriate summer camps for children on the Autistic Spectrum.
There are some interesting camps out there and here is what we've found so far:
Chuckles Nursery in Gorey, Co Wexford are running a camp right through July and August. This is a privately run camp with H.S.E. approval and the team of experienced and qualified childcare workers is led by Debbie Mc Cusker who is a qualified nurse for people with intellectual disabilities. Debbie is also an ABA Tutor and they use PECS with the children.
They are taking children from the ages of 2yr 9 months up to 11 years. The cost is €25 per day with a minimum of 3 days a week. The children should bring a healthy packed lunch with them. I've been told that parents need to enrol as soon as possible as places are limited.
They are also running an after school club commencing in September taking children up to 11years of age.
Please contact Debbie at: (087) 9043994 or (053) 9484640 with any inquiries.
Surf2Heal is a non profit organization created by Jon Hynes the owner of GTown Surf School in Kinsale in Cork, his wife Alayne and Nollaig Hayes, a Garretstown resident, whose son Sean is on the autism spectrum.
Run entirely by a team of committed volunteers who freely give their time, energy and enthusiasm, Surf2Heal is continuing to go from strength to strength and enabling more and more young people to enjoy the ocean and its benefits.
This year they have a camp in Tramore, Co Waterford from July 1st to 4th. It costs €115 for four sessions which includes an annual membership of the ECSC.
You need to provide your own transport and accommodation and a Parent/Guardian must be present on the beach during the class. This could easily be incorporated into a family holiday if you were planning on holidaying at home this year!
There are only 15 places available. Please check out the above link for further details, including some testimonials, or contact Shane Holohan at dublin@surf2heal.org.
There are other camps detailed here.
Some are yet to be announced and the others may be full.
The Creativity Mill in Castlerea are running "Arty Farty" Summer Camps.
They aim to Encourage your child's imagination and social skills with a mixture of fun, art and craft activities and traditional games and fun.
The Camps will run for 4 weeks
July 12th-16th, 19th-23rd, 26th-30th and August 3rd-6th.
Suitable for 4 to 13 years. 2 sessions each day - 10 til 1 and 2 til 5.
€50 for 5 sessions (1 week) or €90 for full day (1 week). Each week they will base the camp around the work of a different famous artist. Using age appropriate methods and materials they will entertain and educate the children while they are having fun and making friends. This camp is open to all children of all abilities.
- Email:
- TheCreativityMill@gmail.com
- Website:
- thecreativitymill.com
- Office:
- 0949621805
- Location:
-
Unit 7, The Old Mill, Main Street, Castlerea
The TripleA group, which is the Autism support group for the North Wicklow/ South Dublin area, run some very interesting events/trips during the summer months.
For example there's , Lego Robots in July, cinema trip and probably the annual zoo trip yet to be announced!
Go to their website to learn more here
There are some other camps out there that, while not specifically designed for Special Needs children, are very inclusive and Playball is one such camp.
These camps can be of huge benefit as a preparation for making the transition from Special Needs to full time mainstream schooling.
Playball is a Sport and Movement Program that's been developed over 25 years. Sport psychologists, occupational therapists and pro sport coaches are all adding to the worldwide success of Playball (Kidinmecorp).
Playball plays a vital part in the health and well being of every child. Sport help us learn life skills such as respect, sportmanship, responsibility, confidence, self-esteem, patience, tolerance and leadership. Playball gives children the opportunity to explore their creativity and imagination.
Playball are running a number of Summer Camps in Arklow, Aughrim, Bray/Shankill, Greystones, Ballinteer and Killiney ranging in Price from €85 - €130 per week.
Please check here for more details or contact Kurt @ 0861744923 or e-mail him at info@playball.ie.