Texas State hosts annual CARES autism summer camp

Posted by Jayme Blaschke
University News Service
June 15, 2011

The Clinic for Autism Research, Evaluation and Support at Texas State University-San Marcos will host the 2nd Autism Summer Camp this July.

The camp is intended to address the lack of specially designed leisure and recreational summer programs to meet the needs of children with autism and their families. This camp was started in 2010 and had a total of 31 children attended the camp.

“During my visit to the camp, it was apparent that the campers were enjoying themselves and looking forward to all the camp components, while increasing their frequency of interactions with peers and adults,” said Jo Webber, CARES executive director. “I am also impressed with the training opportunities afforded our Texas State students in the camp.”

This year, four one-week sessions will be offered. Five scholarships will be provided for families with financially needs, thanks to local businesses for their donations. This camp is a partnership among the Texas State Department of Health and Human Performance, the Clinic for Autism Research, Evaluation and Support, and San Marcos CISD. The camp is designed to provide children with autism access to quality summer camp experiences while being sensitive to each child’s unique abilities. Children will experience music, art, crafts, sensory, motor, and many other fun-filled activities.

The camp will be held at Crockett Elementary School at 1300 Girard Street in San Marcos on the following dates:

• Session I: July 11 – July 14
• Session II: July 18 – July 21
• Session III: July 25 – July 28
• Session IV: August 1 – August 4

For registration or additional information, contact Ting Liu, director of autism summer camp, at (512) 245-8259 or via email at tingliu@txstate.edu. The autism summer camp website can be found at www.hhp.txstate.edu/Autism-Camp.html.